MLB Player News

Garrett has a minor-league option remaining and appears to be behind Edward Cabrera in the battle for the Marlins' fifth starter job, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cabrera also has better numbers this spring, although neither pitcher has dominated -- Garrett has a 7:3 K:BB through 9.1 innings to Cabrera's 4:2 K:BB in five spring frames. Garrett posted a 3.58 ERA and 90:24 K:BB through 88 innings in 17 big-league starts last season, and even if he begins 2023 at Triple-A Jacksonville, he could see significant action for Miami over the course of the summer.

Shuster gave up three hits and a walk over four scoreless innings while striking out seven in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Facing a Boston lineup that was a roughly even mix of Opening Day starters and players fighting for bench jobs, Shuster made an impressive statement as he fights with fellow rookie Dylan Dodd for the fifth starter spot in the Atlanta rotation. Shuster has certainly earned his big-league debut with a 16:2 K:BB through 12.2 spring innings, but Dodd has also dominated in camp and the two young lefties remain neck and neck heading into the final days of spring training. It's possible both rookies will begin the year on the 26-man roster if Kyle Wright (shoulder) has any further setbacks or delays in his recovery after receiving a cortisone shot back in January.

Carrasco gave up one run on two hits and a walk over four innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins. He struck out seven.

It's the first time in four spring starts Carrasco didn't serve up a homer, which might be a more encouraging sign than the strikeouts -- even if it did come against a Miami lineup containing few regulars. The veteran right-hander worked up to 57 pitches (41 strikes) and has an impressive 14:2 K:BB through 13 Grapefruit League innings. Carrasco should get in one more spring start before Opening Day, when he'll be the No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the Mets' rotation.

Gore gave up five runs on nine hits and two walks over four innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros. He struck out three.

Facing a Houston lineup that was a mix of Opening Day starters and guys competing for bench roles, Gore's command wavered all afternoon, particularly against Jeremy Pena as the shortstop tagged him for home runs in the third and fourth innings. Gore's talent is undeniable, but until the young southpaw shows some consistency he'll be a risky fantasy option. Through 14 innings this spring, he has a 9:6 K:BB and has served up three homers.

Nelson allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out six over 4.1 innings in Friday's spring start against Colorado.

The battle for the final rotation spot is heating up late in camp. Prospect Brandon Pfaadt has been the most consistent throughout, but he would have to be added to the 40-man roster which could sway the decision toward Nelson. His spring got off to a rocky start, but the right-hander cobbled together a couple of strong outings the past week. The competition has evolved since the start of camp with Drey Jameson and Tommy Henry each topping the group on iterations of the projected roster from MLB.com's Steve Gilbert, but it's now looking more like Nelson or Pfaadt.

Cabrera appears to be the favorite to win the final spot in the Miami rotation, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Sandy Alcantara, Jesus Luzardo, Trevor Rogers and Johnny Cueto will make up the top four starters for the Marlins. The battle is between Cabrera and Braxton Garrett, and Cabrera appears to have the edge after his strong showing in spring training. The fact that Garrett has a minor-league option remaining also tips the scales in Cabrera's favor. Once considered among the very best pitching prospects in baseball, Cabrera has a chance for fantasy relevancy because of his swing-and-miss arsenal, but managers should take a wait-and-see approach before investing too much in the right-hander.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Pepiot was dealing with side discomfort during his Cactus League start Friday against the Cubs, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

"Kind of something in the midsection of his body," Roberts told Dodgers reporter Kirsten Watson. "We just felt after that long third inning, we felt it was smart to put on that next inning and get him ready for his next start." The right-hander went three innings while allowing just one run, walking two and striking out four. The long inning Roberts referred to is an eight-run burst for the Dodgers before Pepiot exited. The 25-year-old has a good chance to open the season in the rotation, and Roberts mentioned that he believes Pepiot will make his next start, but fantasy managers will want to pay close attention to this situation.

Suarez (forearm) threw a light bullpen session Friday and is set to throw a full bullpen session Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Suarez has been dealing with left forearm tightness for a week or so but has made some nice progress. While the Phillies have acknowledged he will not be fully stretched out for the start of the regular season, they still plan to carry Suarez on their Opening Day roster and build up his stamina on the fly.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Gonsolin (ankle) will begin the season on the injured list, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The news hardly comes as a surprise, as Gonsolin was expected to miss the first several weeks of the season, but Roberts has now confirmed it. The 28-year-old righty began throwing Wednesday, but the team will go slow with his recovery.

Morton gave up four runs on three hits and a walk over 4.1 innings while striking out seven during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

A three-run home run by Manuel Margot in the first inning marred his line in the box score, but Morton still looked pretty dominant as he fired 46 of 70 pitches for strikes before exiting. The veteran right-hander has a 12:4 K:BB through 9.2 innings this spring and seems just about ready for Opening Day, as he looks to top 200 strikeouts for the fifth straight full season.