MLB Player News

Flexen allowed a two-run home run, issued a pair of walks and hit a batter over three innings in a Cactus League tie with the Dodgers on Thursday. He struck out three.

Considering he was facing the defending champions and a lineup full of regulars, the end result wasn't necessarily disappointing. Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports Flexen largely accomplished his goal of mixing in all of his pitches, and that the veteran's fastball sat between 92 and 95 mph. "My cutter was really good tonight, I thought my curveball was sharp tonight," Flexen said.

Glasnow recorded seven strikeouts with only a hit, a walk and a wild pitch over four scoreless innings during a Grapefruit League loss to Atlanta on Thursday.

Adam Berry of MLB.com reports the right-hander was as dominant as his line implies, with Glasnow utilizing his four-pitch mix to retire 11 batters in a row at one point against an Atlanta lineup replete with regulars. The presumptive staff ace heading into 2021, Glasnow stretched out to 52 pitches (34 strikes) Thursday while consistently dealing his fastball in the 97-99 mph range and keeping hitters off balance with the rest of his arsenal. "I felt really good. Timing was good. I think just incorporating the slider and the changeup made everything a lot easier," Glasnow said.

Wentz (elbow) was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

The 23-year-old was in major-league camp but is still working through his throwing program as he makes his return from March 2020 Tommy John surgery. Wentz previously said he may be able to begin a rehab assignment in late April or early May.

Greinke allowed two hits and struck out four over three scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Mets.

Greinke elevated his pitch count to 45 in his second Grapefruit League outing. He's allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts and has not walked a batter. The right-hander's on schedule to start Opening Day for Houston.

Rodon allowed two hits and struck out one over two scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Reds.

Rodon made his Cactus League debut as a reliever for starter Rodrigo Lopez. The two are competing for the final spot in the rotation, and Thursday's outcomes favored Rodon. Lopez was hit hard during his three innings, and he believes he may have been tipping his pitches, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. Whichever pitcher doesn't make the rotation is expected to be part of the bullpen.

Cole allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out five across three innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League win over Philadelphia.

Cole's previous start was scratched due to inclement weather, so this was the ace's second start of the spring. He gave up a third-inning run but was otherwise on top of his game, throwing 38 of his 50 pitches for strikes. Cole should get a few more chances to pitch in exhibition play before toeing the mound for the Yankees on Opening Day.

Garcia (undisclosed) cleared the league's health and safety protocols Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Garcia was away from the team for nearly a week after being placed in the health and safety protocols. However, manager Dusty Baker told reporters that every player besides Pedro Baez (COVID-19) has returned to the team after quarantining. Garcia will be fighting for a roster spot for the remainder of spring training, though the addition of Jake Odorizzi will make his path more difficult.

Javier (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) returned to the Astros' spring-training complex Thursday and completed a bullpen session, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Javier was one of several Houston players who were forced to self-isolate last week due to the COVID-19 protocol, but only reliever Pedro Baez is believed to have tested positive for the virus. With the right-hander now back in camp less than a week after entering the protocol, he should still be on track to clinch a spot in Houston's Opening Day rotation. Javier may find himself a few days behind his fellow starters in the build-up process, however.

Bassitt allowed an earned run on two hits and recorded two strikeouts across three innings in a Cactus League win over the Brewers on Wednesday,

The right-hander was reasonably sharp in his first taste of game action this spring, which is certainly encouraging, considering Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Bassitt is a potential Opening Day starter for the Athletics if Frankie Montas is unable to ramp up sufficiently after a delayed start to spring training due to a COVID-19 infection. Bassitt has produced a combined 15-7 record, 3.35 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 207 innings in 39 appearances (36 starts) over the last two seasons.

Severino (elbow) threw his first bullpen session of the spring Tuesday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

The 20-pitch side session was also Severino's first since he underwent Tommy John surgery in February 2020. Per Ackert, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Severino bounced back well from the workout, so the right-hander will get back on the field Thursday to throw off flat ground. He'll likely need to complete several more bullpen sessions before the Yankees clear him to face hitters in batting practice, perhaps in early April.