MLB Player News

Alvarez was reassigned to minor-league camp on Saturday, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

Alvarez was in camp as a non-roster invitee but was never likely to make the team. He's made just seven big-league starts over the last four seasons, so his chances of making a significant impact this year are low.

The Phillies optioned Eickhoff to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Eickhoff's spring training debut was delayed by a recurrence of symptoms relating to the carpal tunnel surgery he required in January, but he returned to action March 11 and looked good over three Grapefruit League appearances, giving up four runs across nine innings while striking out 12. Because Eickhoff had missed the majority of the 2018 campaign while recovering from a lat strain, the Phillies likely want to see him pitch on a regular basis in the minors before giving him an extended look at the major-league level. Eickhoff could be the top choice for a callup in the event either Zach Eflin and/or Vince Velasquez flop as the Phillies' back-end starters.

General manager Neal Huntington said prior to Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles that Lyles (side) still has the "inside track" on the final opening in Pittsburgh's rotation, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Lyles likely strengthened his hold on the No. 5 gig by turning in a solid, if unspectacular showing Saturday, scattering three runs on seven hits over five innings while walking none and striking out five. Assuming Lyles reports no renewed pain in his side coming out of the outing, he should enter the season with no pitch-count limitations after working deep into Saturday's start. One of Steven Brault and Nick Kingham, the other competitors for the final rotation spot, will likely handle a long-relief role if Lyles' health isn't a concern.

Nuno was told Saturday that he won't make the Opening Day roster, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Nuno was in the mix for a bullpen spot but will lose out despite a solid spring in which he recorded a 3.18 ERA with a 6:1 K:BB in 5.2 innings. The veteran can elect to opt out rather than head to the minors, so his destination for the start of the season remains unknown.

Quintana tossed six innings of one-run ball and picked up the win in Friday's Cactus League game against the Rangers. He allowed four hits and no walks, while striking out six.

The strong outing lowered Quintana's spring ERA to a sparkling 1.80 through 15 innings. The lefty has been a bit uneven since joining the Cubs midway through the 2017 season, but he certainly has the talent to produce good numbers with a strong lineup around him.

Alcantara threw 88 pitches in a minor-league game Friday, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins' rotation remains a mystery. Alcantara is one of six candidates for four open spots, with only Jose Urena officially locked into a spot as the Opening Day starter. The organization remains on high on Alcantara, but while it continues to stretch him out as a starter, it's not yet clear whether he'll be taking the mound for Miami or Triple-A New Orleans to begin the season. A long relief/swing starter role in the big-league bullpen is also on the table.

Gonsolin (illness) was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Gonsolin turned some heads in camp, firing nine scoreless innings, but he'll open the season in the minors to continue his development. The hard-throwing right-hander is viewed as a starter long term, though he could debut out of the bullpen in 2019 if he continues to impress on the farm.

Gonsolin was scratched from his scheduled start Friday against Arizona due to illness, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Dennis Santana starts in his place. It's unclear how much time Gonsolin is expected to miss.

Mahle will be the Reds' fifth starter to open the season, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mahle is expected to pitch the Reds' fifth game of the season, April 2 against the Brewers. His rotation stint may only be temporary, as Alex Wood (back) will be on the injured list to start the season but isn't expected to miss too much time.

Darvish (finger) completed a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game Sunday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Darvish was originally expected to start Sunday's Cactus League game against the Padres, but he will instead throw in the minor-league game sporting a band-aid. Sunday's outing is still likely to be the determining factor in whether the 32-year-old will have his first start of the season pushed back.