MLB Player News

Senzatela (foot) is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

This isn't all too surprising, as manager Bud Black stated over the weekend that Senzatela would be out of action for "a while" due to an infected blister on his right heel. It's unclear when the right-hander will be ready to return at this point. In the meantime, Chad Bettis appears to be the likeliest candidate to temporary fill in as the Rockies' fifth starter.

Kershaw (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

If everything goes as planned during Sunday's session, Kershaw will be cleared to face live hitters for the first time this spring. While the southpaw is trending in the right direction, he still isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Lyles (side) is scheduled to throw a four-inning simulated game Monday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Lyles was removed from his previous Grapefruit League appearance because of a side cramp, but the issue hasn't significantly affected his schedule. Rather than pitch in a spring game Monday, Lyles will fire four simulated innings on a back field. Assuming everything goes off without a hitch, the right-hander could rejoin the rotation later in the week. Lyles has a good chance to open the season as Pittsburgh's fifth starter if he proves healthy.

DeGrom was scratched from his scheduled spring start Sunday due to an illness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

DeGrom was originally scheduled to pitch in a "B" game Sunday before falling under the weather. The ailment doesn't appear to be anything overly serious, as the righty is expected to take the mound in a minor-league game Monday. DeGrom is still lined up to start Opening Day against the Nationals on regular rest.

Soroka (shoulder) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Sunday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Soroka is apparently throwing pain-free, which is an encouraging sign after the right-hander was shut down with a shoulder strain earlier in camp. While the 21-year-old is certainly trending in the right direction, he still isn't expected to break camp with the Braves.

DeSclafani cruised against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits over five innings, striking out seven.

The Opening Day starting gig remains undecided by the Reds, but they could make a good case for DeSclafani getting the call given his strong performance and health so far this spring.

Wood (back) could throw a side session in the next couple of days, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "If everything goes well, maybe Monday or Tuesday," Bell said.

Given that Wood wasn't yet up to full capacity even before this latest setback, it's extremely likely he begins the season on the injured list. He'll need to throw the side session without any setbacks -- and maybe another -- and then graduate to live batting practice before finally working in live games.

Lorenzen played center field Saturday against the Rangers without pitching in the game, the first time this spring that he's done that, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The fact that the Reds feel comfortable using Lorenzen in center is yet another reason that Philip Ervin probably won't make the Opening Day roster, no matter how well he's hitting this spring. Lorenzen gives the Reds another outfielder without it costing them an extra roster spot.

Hendricks struck out two and gave up one run over 3.1 innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks. He allowed five hits and two walks.

The seven baserunners is a bit concerning, but this was still a step in the right direction for Hendricks, who came into the start with a 6.14 ERA through his first three appearances of the spring. The 29-year-old righty has been consistently productive the last few seasons, so he should put up good results as soon as the regular season rolls around.

Nola's next start will come in a minor-league game, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Nola was poor in his Grapefruit League start Saturday against the Astros, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out two in 2.2 innings. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him, though, as the plan is in place simply to help the team monitor his workload. Nola is expected to throw 90 pitches in his next start, putting him well-positioned to go as long as necessary on Opening Day. That would be a welcome contrast from Opening Day of last season, when Nola was pulled after 68 pitches and the bullpen subsequently blew the lead.