MLB Player News

Keller allowed one earned run on three hits and no walks while striking out seven across 4.2 innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

Keller has done a good job of limiting runs for much of spring training, though he showcased strikeout upside with his performance Saturday. Through 329.1 career innings in the majors, Keller has a 21.1 percent strikeout rate, so it's worth keeping a spring training performance in context. However, he closed the 2022 campaign in strong form and will be given every opportunity to lead Pittsburgh's rotation in 2023.

Wainwright will start Sunday's semifinal game for Team USA against Team Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Wainwright started the first game of the WBC for Team USA against Great Britain, and allowed one run over his four innings of work. A victory for USA would see the team advance to the finals of the tournament for the second straight appearance, with the winner facing the victor of the semifinal game between Mexico and Japan.

Liberatore allowed one run in five innings Saturday in a Grapefruit League start against the Tigers.

Liberatore struck out six against one walk, and he allowed just three hits in the impressive effort. "That's the best I've ever seen him, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters after the outing. "Not even close." The only run allowed by Liberatore came on a solo home run by Spencer Torkelson. The southpaw is currently battling for one of the final spots in the St. Louis rotation, and another effort like this will give Marmol a difficult decision at least.

Lucchesi was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets on Saturday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Lucchesi is being stretched out as a starter, and the left-hander will get a chance to pitch in the Syracuse rotation. A good showing at that level could see him making starts for a New York rotation that is not exactly filled with healthy options right now, but he can be left off fantasy rosters at this stage.

Wesneski allowed four runs on four hits across 3.1 innings in Friday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers. He walked two and struck out six.

Wesneski entered the game with a 0.00 ERA this spring but endured his first Cactus League rough patch. The six strikeouts are still promising, giving the righty 17 of them across 12 innings. Wesneski has emerged as the top candidate to be the Cubs' fifth starter, and he could be a sneaky fantasy option if he secures the job and continues to pitch well.

Alcantara allowed just two hits in 5.2 scoreless innings Saturday in a Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals.

Alcantara walked two and struck out five in an impressive outing for the 2022 Cy Young winner, as he made his return from the WBC. The right-hander now has a 0.87 ERA during his time in the Grapefruit League, and he has shown no signs that he won't be a strong fantasy option again in 2023. He'll likely make one more spring start before an Opening Day outing March 30 against the Mets.

Wright (shoulder) told reporters that he's scheduled to start Monday's Grapefruit League game the Rays, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Wright has been able to face hitters, as Toscano notes, but this will be his first appearance in a spring training game in 2023. The right-hander was one of the biggest surprises in baseball last year with 21 wins, but he received a cortisone injection in January in his right shoulder and has been behind schedule. Assuming good health through the rest of camp, Wright should be ready to roll for the regular season, but he may not get a chance to pitch until the second series of the campaign.

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.