MLB Player News

Kim fired five scoreless, one-hit innings in Thursday's intrasquad game while recording five strikeouts, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

As the aforementioned line implies, the left-hander was thoroughly dominant over the course of 69 pitches. Kim threw 10 first-pitch strikes along the way and also recorded 10 swings and misses, flashing all four of his pitches. The performance elicited high praise from multiple teammates, with outfielder Austin Dean noting Kim's deceptive delivery and the movement on his fastball and breaking stuff, and fellow pitcher Adam Wainwright lauding Kim's ability to change speeds effortlessly. The 31-year-old continues to battle Carlos Martinez for the No. 5 starter's job, although Kim's quest for a rotation role could be helped by Martinez potentially being shifted to the position of primary closer.

Wood unofficially threw 89 pitches across six innings in an intrasquad game Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight, per Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA.

Wood is lined up to be the the Dodgers' fourth starter this season, and judging by Wednesday's outing, he's stretched out enough to take on a normal workload from the outset of the campaign. The southpaw is looking to bounce back after an injury-filled 2019 campaign during which he was limited to only seven appearances.

Manager Mike Shildt said Thursday that Martinez has earned every opportunity to be in the starting rotation, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Since Jordan Hicks (elbow) opted out of playing this season and Giovanny Gallegos remains grounded in Mexico without an arrival date, it's logical to speculate Martinez could return to the closer role. However, manager Mike Shildt may decide to go a different direction in the ninth inning because Martinez has continued to impress coaches throughout camp and has been preparing as a starter since the conclusion of last season. The 28-year-old will count on his high velocity and movement heading into his eighth season with the Cardinals regardless of when he enters games. Martinez recorded an impressive 26.5 K% in 2019, notching his fifth straight season with an ERA below 3.65.

Manager Mike Shildt said Thursday that Wainwright will start the second game of the season, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Wainwright will get the ball Saturday, July 25 when the Cardinals host the Pirates at Busch Stadium. The 38-year-old will pitch in four days to make sure he is lined up and ready to go. Wainwright is coming off his 14th season in St. Louis, in which he posted a 4.19 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 153:64 K:BB across 171.2 innings.

Buehler is expected to throw two innings in Friday's intrasquad game, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Buehler will see his first intrasquad game action Friday as he's been building up slowly during summer camp. The slow start to camp isn't due to any injury, but he's slightly behind the other pitchers with one week remaining before Opening Day. Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that "once the season starts whatever he gives us will be sufficient," so while it sounds as though Buehler will be available to start the season, he could be limited.

Lopez (personal) is starting in Thursday's intrasquad matchup, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Lopez was away from the team for a few days while attending to a personal matter, but he'll return to action Thursday. Given the brevity of his absence, the 24-year-old should be ready for the start of the season. Lopez is expected to have a spot in the Marlins' rotation.

DeGrom (back) said he feels good and plans to pitch against the Braves on Opening Day, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

DeGrom exited Tuesday's intrasquad matchup after experiencing back tightness, but an MRI came back clean and he appears on track to start the regular-season opener as scheduled. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the righty is scheduled to throw a bullpen Friday before facing the Yankees in a scrimmage Sunday. If all goes well, deGrom is hoping to throw 60-65 pitches Sunday before ramping up to around 80-85 pitches in the July 24 season opener.

Quintana (thumb) played catch from 60 feet Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Quintana was cleared to resume throwing after getting the stitches removed from his left thumb Wednesday. According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, manager David Ross noted the team will "wait and see" with the southpaw, who reportedly felt good Thursday but is still expected to miss the start of the season.

Darvish will start Chicago's second game of the season against the Brewers, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Darvish will follow Kyle Hendricks in the rotation. The right-hander posted a 3.58 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 192:29 K:BB over his final 24 starts (146 innings) in 2019 and will look to carry that form into the abbreviated 2020 season.

Hendricks will start against the Brewers on Opening Day, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hendricks will get the ball first for Chicago during the shortened 2020 season after impressing during spring training and summer camp. The right-hander will be followed by Yu Darvish. Across 30 starts last season, Hendricks posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 177 innings.