MLB Player News

Walker allowed one hit over two scoreless innings without walking or striking out a batter in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The one hit Walker gave up came on a sun-aided popup that didn't leave the infield. The veteran right-hander came into camp behind the rest of the Mets starting pitchers after undergoing knee surgery in January, but he appeared healthy Saturday and Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that Walker believes there's still enough time left in the spring for him to build up to five innings for his first regular-season outing. While he'd likely be on an early pitch count, Walker may be able to slot into the fifth starter spot in the Opening Day rotation rather than having to skip a turn or two.

The Dodgers sent down Pepiot to minor-league camp Saturday, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

At Triple-A in 2021, Pepiot posted a 7.13 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 41.2 innings. In spring training, Pepiot allowed four hits, six earned runs and four walks with four strikeouts in four innings.

Grove was optioned to the minors on Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

Grove reached Double-A in 2021 with a 7.86 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 71 innings. Amongst the four pitchers optioned Saturday, Grove was the only one that wasn't a non-roster invitee.

Gomber pitched three innings, allowing two hits, a walk and striking out one during Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Gomber was sharp in his debut as he returned from a stress fracture that kept him out of the final month of 2021. Gomber is a lock for the Rockies' rotation if healthy after posting a 4.53 ERA in 115.1 innings across 23 starts a season ago.

Snell worked the equivalent of two innings in live batting practice Saturday.

This marks the first time this spring the left-hander has faced hitters as he works his way into form following a groin injury suffered in September. Following the successful session, Snell is expected to make his first Cactus League start Thursday and pitch up to three innings.

Wheeler (shoulder) pitched a simulated inning against two hitters Saturday.

This was a positive step for the right-hander as he looks to return from a shoulder injury that has prevented him from making a start so far this spring. Wheeler also said he "hasn't felt a trace of soreness" in his right shoulder and hopes to be ready to start the season on time.

Eflin recorded six outs on 24 pitches during Saturday's start against Detroit.

Eflin was making his first start of the spring after returning from patellar tendon surgery in September. The right-hander lasted two innings, throwing 24 pitches and successfully fielded his position on his surgically repaired knee. Eflin will likely make two more starts before facing Oakland at home April 10.

Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Contreras made two Grapefruit League appearances early in camp and allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two in three innings. He spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona but should begin the 2022 campaign at the Triple-A level.

Davis was optioned to the Rockies' minor-league camp Saturday.

Davis was added to Colorado's 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and he allowed no hits and a walk while striking out four in two relief innings this spring. He'll likely begin the 2022 campaign at High-A Spokane.

Eflin (knee) is starting Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Tigers.

This outing will mark Eflin's spring debut, his first outing since undergoing surgery on his knee in early September. It's unclear how deep into the game he will pitch, though he threw a couple simulated innings March 15. Assuming he suffers no setbacks, Eflin could ready to start the season in the rotation.