MLB Player News

Urias could begin the season in the starting rotation, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Dodgers have maintained all spring that Urias was set for a bullpen role -- despite Clayton Kershaw's shoulder issues -- but with Rich Hill now headed for the injured list with an MCL strain there appears to be a change of plans. Both veteran left-handers are slated to begin the season on the IL and have no set return dates, forcing Ross Stripling and Urias into the starting mix, at least for the short term.

Hill has a sprained MCL in his left knee and expected to start the season on the injured list, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Hill's issue was described as simply soreness earlier in the day, but it appears the injury is more serious than that. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but he's still expected to miss a couple weeks. Hyun-Jin Ryu will get the ball Opening Day, with Ross Stripling starting the second game of the season.

Wright didn't make it out of the first inning in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, allowing six runs on four hits -- including two home runs -- and two walks while striking out two in 0.2 innings.

Brandon Lowe and Nate Lowe both took the right-hander deep, the first two homers he's served up this spring. Wright had been outstanding in camp until this outing, as reflected in his 18:4 K:BB through 12.2 innings, but the timing won't help his chances of winning a spot in the Braves' rotation to begin the season.

Hill has a sore left knee, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The issue is expected to prevent Hill from starting on Opening Day, though manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Hill would likely start the second game of the season with Hyun-Jin Ryu getting the nod for the opener. It's unclear if Hill starting that game is still a possibility or if he'll need to be skipped the first time through the rotation.

Lyles (side) is scheduled to start Saturday's split-squad game against the Phillies, John Perrotto of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Lyles threw a four-inning, 60-pitch simulated game Monday, clearing the way for his return to Grapefruit League action. The 28-year-old is the leading candidate to begin the season as the Pirates' fifth starter, assuming all goes well Saturday.

Kelly allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three over five innings Thursday against the Angels.

Kelly got his pitch count up to 71 in what was his third straight strong outing after a pair of disastrous ones to kick off the Cactus League. Spring-training results are not terribly important, but there's some value to be gleaned from outings in the final week of camp. That Kelly was effective against the Angels' best lineup is encouraging.

DeSclafani gave up five earned runs on six hits and three walks over 5.2 innings Thursday against the Royals. The big hit was a three-run homer in the fifth inning by Jorge Soler.

Four of the five runs against DeSclafani came in the fifth inning, as he was working on getting stretched out, while still throwing more curveballs. He'll pitch one more exhibition game Tuesday against the Braves, before pitching in the fourth regular season game of the year.

Hendricks allowed three earned runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Giants. He walked one and struck out three.

The big blow was a two-run home run by Brandon Belt in the first inning, but Hendricks pitched pretty well after that. The righty's 4.96 ERA this spring is disappointing, but he's posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of his five MLB seasons, so he should be just fine when the regular season rolls around.

Hill is likely to make his debut in the second game of the season, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Hill will make his debut against the Diamondbacks, following Hyun-Jin Ryu, who is in line to start Opening Day. Hill has pitched well this spring, logging 11 innings and striking out 11. Perhaps most importantly, he has suffered no serious injuries and appears to be healthy heading into the regular season.

Ryu is in line to start Opening Day against the Diamondbacks, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

While Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) has been the Opening Day stalwart for several seasons, Ryu will draw the honor in his place. The veteran lefty has thrown 15 innings this spring, striking out 12 and walking none.