MLB Player News

Nelson will take the mound for Saturday's spring start against the Rockies, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Nelson is competing for the No. 5 starter job with several others. One of those competitors is Tommy Henry, who submitted two scoreless innings in Friday's Cactus League opener.

Rodriguez threw live batting practice on a back field Friday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

An initial plan to have Rodriguez start Friday's Cactus League opener was scrapped, because the left-hander wanted a more controlled environment. "He felt good enough and might have wanted [to throw] more pitches," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. There is no update on when Rodriguez will take the mound in a live setting.

Henry allowed one hit and struck out three over two scoreless innings in Friday's spring start against the Rockies.

Henry, pitching for the first time since a July 30 elbow injury ended his 2023 season, threw 15 of 22 pitches for strikes. He had command of all his pitches and was pleased with the results of mechanical tweaks implemented during the offseason, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The left-hander focused on his hips and making his front side sturdier, designed to achieve consistency with his release point. With Friday's outcome, Henry staked an early claim to the fifth spot in the rotation, which is seen as a competition, along with Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi and Bryce Jarvis.

Ashby (shoulder) told reporters Friday that he's healthy and will be competing for a spot in the Brewers' rotation this spring, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ashby had left shoulder surgery last April and was roughed up in seven rehab appearances after returning, posting a 15.43 ERA. His velocity was reportedly trending in the right direction as of last fall, so it will be interesting to see what the radar gun says this spring. It's not clear when the southpaw will be making his Cactus League debut. When he's healthy, Ashby has loads of upside, but he has some boxes to check from a stuff and performance standpoint before fantasy managers should get excited.

Darvish threw another live batting practice session Friday and expects his next outing to be in a Cactus League game, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Darvish's goal is to be ready to go for the Padres' series against the Dodgers on March 20-21 in South Korea, and he seems on track to meet that timeline. The veteran right-hander missed the final month of last season with a bone spur in his right elbow but has been throwing this spring without restrictions.

Gutierrez signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Francys Romero of MLB.com reports.

Gutierrez posted a 5.44 ERA over 32 appearances (30 starts) for the Reds from 2021-22. The 28-year-old threw just 6.1 rehab innings in 2023 and 36.2 frames in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery and subsequent setbacks, but he's healthy now and gives Miami a solid depth option.

Musgrove allowed four runs on two hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch while failing to record an out against the Dodgers in Thursday's Cactus League opener.

Musgrove loaded the bases on a walk, single and hit-by-pitch before serving up a two-run ground-rule double to Teoscar Hernandez. The right-handed hurler was then pulled but charged with two more runs following his departure. It wasn't the most inspiring start from Musgrove, but it was at least promising to see him on the mound for San Diego's first exhibition contest after he ended last year on the 60-day IL due to a shoulder injury. Of course, fantasy managers shouldn't read much into Thursday's poor showing given the exhibition nature of the contest.

Henry will start the Diamondbacks' Cactus League matchup against the Rockies on Friday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Friday's start had originally been awarded to Eduardo Rodriguez, but Arizona will instead allow Henry to start the first game of spring training while Rodriguez throws a live BP session. Henry will spend the spring competing with Ryne Nelson for the final spot in the D-backs' rotation. While it's unknown how long Henry will remain in Friday's contest, a strong outing would certainly give him an early advantage.

Rodriguez will no longer start the Diamondbacks' spring opener Friday against Colorado, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Rodriguez will have to wait a bit longer to make his first appearance in a Diamondbacks uniform, as he will instead throw a live batting practice on a backfield Friday. Fellow southpaw Tommy Henry will get the nod to start against the Rockies in Rodriguez's place.

Perez was dealing with a cut on his right middle finger during Thursday's live batting practice session, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Perez mentioned that the cut developed while he was gripping his changeup. While there was some blood on his finger, Perez noted that he was not in any pain and isn't concerned about it lingering. That said, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Marlins hold the prized young righty out of a throwing session or two in order to let his finger heal.