MLB Player News

Bielak did not allow a hit or walk while striking out three over three scoreless relief innings in Friday's spring game against the Marlins.

Bielak had a brutal Grapefruit League debut last Sunday when he allowed four runs and two home runs over two innings, but his bounce-back performance, in which he threw 29 strikes among 33 pitches, came at a time when his importance increased. The Astros continue to evaluate starter Framber Valdez's fractured left ring finger, while Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier are sidelined by health and safety protocols. Those developments could lead to Bielak, who started six games for Houston in 2020, becoming a member of this year's rotation.

Urquidy allowed one run on two hits over two innings in Friday's spring game against Miami.

Urquidy made his spring debut Friday and suddenly increases in importance, as Houston's starting rotation and depth is currently being challenged. Framber Valdez (finger) could miss the season while Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier are away from camp due to health and safety protocols.

Greinke will make his spring debut Saturday against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Greinke's Grapefruit League debut is later than others because the pitcher chose to arrive at camp on the latest possible date, Feb. 27. He's expected to serve as Houston's No. 1 starter this season, as Justin Verlander (elbow) will not pitch in 2021.

Cease pitched a simulated game Friday and got up and down three times, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Cease got positive reviews from manager Tony La Russa ("excellent") and catcher Jonathan Lucroy ("devastating arsenal"). The right-hander has not yet appeared in a Cactus League game, but he is expected to serve as the fourth starter behind Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel and Lance Lynn.

German tossed two scoreless innings against Detroit in a Grapefruit League game Friday, allowing one hit and striking out four.

German entered the contest having not faced big-league hitters in over 17 months, but he showed little rust in racking up four strikeouts and limiting Detroit to a Wilson Ramos double. The right-hander is battling this spring for the final spot in the Yankees' starting rotation, and he could maneuver his way into the position with more performances like the one he posted Friday.

Cole will toss a live batting practice session Saturday instead of starting the Grapefruit League contest against Pittsburgh, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Cole is not dealing with any issues; the team has simply decided to keep him in Tampa due to a rainy forecast in Bradenton, where the exhibition game is scheduled to be played. Look for Cole to continue on his regular throwing schedule and make his second spring appearance near the end of next week.

According to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, Severino (elbow) is doing well with his throwing program and should start pitching off a mound soon, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

News of Severino's return to the mound has been floated for several weeks, and it appears that there have been no setbacks with the right-hander's progression. Though an exact date for Severino's next step has yet to be determined, he remains on track to return to big-league action sometime this summer.

Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that Javier is out due to health and safety protocols, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Javier is on track to break camp with a spot in the Astros' rotation, but his preparation will be thrown off at least to some degree until he is cleared to resume team activities.

Houck allowed three runs on two hits and five walks over two-thirds of an inning in Thursday's spring game against Baltimore.

Houck, who made three promising starts at the end of 2020, is expected to open the season in the minors, but that didn't diminish the anticipation for his spring debut. Unfortunately, he was unable to lock into his delivery and was all over the place. The right-hander still has enough time in camp to make a push for a spot in the big-league rotation, but keeping his crossfire delivery in sync might always be something of a challenge.

Urquidy will start Friday's spring game against the Marlins.

The new-look Urquidy will be making his spring debut Friday. He arrived at camp 15 pounds lighter in preparation for what could be 30 starts and 200 innings if he remains healthy. Urquidy became a more important piece this week after fellow starter Framber Valdez sustained a finger injury that could lead to season-ending surgery.