MLB Player News

Kershaw is scheduled to pitch in a minor-league camp game Monday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The 31-year-old has looked sharp during his first two spring outings, allowing only two hits across 4.2 scoreless innings and racking up eight strikeouts. Kershaw's 3.03 ERA during 2019 was his highest mark since his rookie season in 2008. The three-time National League Cy Young Award winner continues to hold himself to high standards entering his thirteenth campaign with the Dodgers.

Hendricks allowed one run over four innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against Cleveland. He gave up two hits and a walk while striking out four.

The run was actually the first allowed by Hendricks in nine innings this spring, and the righty is sporting an impressive 0.44 WHIP to go along with his 1.00 ERA. Yu Darvish and Jon Lester appear to be the top candidates to start on Opening Day, but Hendricks is right behind them in the pecking order, and the 30-year-old will be a key member of the rotation no matter where he slots in.

Matz tossed three perfect innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports. He threw 30 of 44 pitches for strikes before tossing another 15 pitches in the bullpen after his start.

The left-hander continues to make a strong case to open the season as a starter, either for the Mets or for another team if the Mets elect to trade him. Matz has a 1.50 ERA and 5:0 K:BB through six spring innings.

Houser (thumb) is starting Sunday's split-squad game against the Athletics.

The right-hander exited Monday's outing with thumb tightness, but his relatively quick return to game action confirms it was a precautionary measure. Houser solidified himself as a starter last year with a 3.72 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 117:37 K:BB over 111.1 innings, and he enters 2020 with a firm spot in the Brewers' rotation.

Lugo (toe) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Monday against the Marlins, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Lugo's spring debut has been delayed by a fractured left pinkie toe, but the injury doesn't look like anything that will prevent him from being ready for Opening Day. The right-hander already proved his health by completing a 29-pitch simulated game Thursday without incident.

Freeland (back) is starting Sunday's Cactus League game against the Indians, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander exited his Feb. 27 outing with back spasms, but he'll return to the mound after missing one scheduled turn through the rotation. Barring a setback, Freeland's brief absence shouldn't impact his preparations for Opening Day.

Gallen allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two over 3.2 innings in Saturday's spring game against the Angels, Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic reports.

Gallen worked from behind throughout the outing. "That's the most frustrating part about today, but like I told (pitching coach Matt Herges), it wasn't me trying to be fine," the pitcher said. "It was just one of those days I didn't have command of the pitches I wanted to, so I had to kind of make pitches." The right-hander was removed with two outs in the fourth after Angels catcher Anthony Benboom, who had homered earlier, lined a single through the box. Gallen has allowed five runs on six hits (two HR), three walks and one hit batter while striking out seven over eight Cactus League innings.

Kelly allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings in Saturday's spring start against the Padres.

Kelly navigated the first three innings allowing just a walk and a hit, but San Diego first baseman Ty France took him deep in the fourth. The right-hander needed 56 pitches (37 strikes) to complete his four innings. "When you put together a baseball game and looking at starting pitching," manager Torey Lovullo told Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic, "you're looking for what Kelly gave us. He was on the attack. I could feel in the dugout that he was doing a good job with his fastball." It was Kelly's second Cactus League start as he works toward a possible spot in the rotation to begin the season. Kelly's role partly depends on the availability of Mike Leake (wrist).

Sanchez was optioned to Double-A Reading on Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

A hard-throwing southpaw, Sanchez was acquired from the Rays in an offseason trade that sent Curtis Mead to Tampa Bay. Sanchez will be developed as a starter for now, but he could move quickly if he is transitioned to the bullpen.

Lorenzen is dealing with some knee soreness that does not affect his pitching but has prevented him from playing center field this spring, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Since it does not affect his ability to do the main part of his job, this is very minor news, but it explains why he has not been used as a two-way player thus far. Lorenzen is a good hitter for a pitcher, but he is probably not going to get many starts in the field this year given the Reds' outfield depth.