MLB Player News

The Cubs reassigned Bergman to their minor-league camp Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Bergman had three appearances (two starts) with the Mariners in 2018, compiling a 5.79 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 14 innings. He didn't fare much better during a more extended stint in the Pacific Coast League (5.08 ERA, 1.47 WHIP in 141.2 innings) and will be little more than organizational pitching depth in the high minors for the Cubs this season.

Lopez gave up three runs (one earned) on five hits over five innings of relief while striking out three in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves.

It's probably not a coincidence that Lopez was paired with Wei-Yin Chen (who worked the first four frames) in this one, as the two could be competing directly for a rotation spot to begin the season. Lopez has had the more successful spring by far, posting a 1.29 ERA and 11:1 K:BB through 14 innings, but Chen's hefty contract could tip the balance in his favor regardless of the results in camp.

Kelly allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out two over 4.2 innings Friday against the Angels.

Kelly worked out of some first-inning trouble but got dinged by an Albert Pujols two-run homer in the third. The 30-year-old right-hander scuffled in his first two Cactus League starts but responded with a pair of encouraging outings since.

Urias won't be asked to pitch more than four innings in an appearance during spring training, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Urias figures to break camp as part of the Dodgers' bullpen, although by stretching him out to four innings in camp, manager Dave Roberts is confident Urias could also be called upon to start if needed. Roberts believes that Urias could also be used on back-to-back days out of the bullpen throughout the 2019 campaign.

Musgrove allowed two runs on four hits in four innings Friday. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The Pirates had previously limited Musgrove to simulated games this spring in an effort to work on his efficiency. The right-hander completed more than seven innings only once in 19 starts last season. He compiled a 3.41 ERA in his first 12 starts before struggling down the stretch with a 5.23 ERA in his final seven appearances. Musgrove, who was hampered by an abdominal injury in the second half of 2018, could outperform his ADP with a full season of health.

Woodruff allowed two hits and struck out seven over five scoreless innings Friday against San Diego.

Woodruff has yet to allow a run this spring, and he's fanned 12 batters through nine innings (three starts). The 26-year-old figures to remain in a battle for a rotation spot with Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta, as all three players have performed well to this point.

Matz surrendered eight runs on seven hits and a walk and struck out one over two innings Friday against Washington.

Matz was hit early and often, giving up five runs in the first and three more in the second inning on four homers by the Nationals. The 27-year-old has yet to find consistency this spring and sits with a 10.97 ERA and eight punchouts over 10.2 frames (four starts).

Kershaw (shoulder) isn't expected to be ready to start Opening Day, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Kershaw continues to progress through his throwing program, although this news isn't all that unexpected, seeing as he's yet to face live hitters halfway through March. With the Dodgers' ace likely on the shelf, look for either Walker Buehler or Hyun-Jin Ryu to get the nod to kick off the 2019 campaign. Manager Dave Roberts hasn't ruled out the possibility of Kershaw pitching in the first week of the regular season, however, and he even added that he would think about allowing Kershaw to make a "non-traditional start" followed by long relievers, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.

Maeda allowed two hits over four scoreless innings, striking out six and walking none, in the Dodgers' 12-0 Cactus League victory over the Padres on Thursday.

Maeda is having a strong spring, as his latest effort brought his Cactus League ERA down to 2.70 and his K:BB to 15:1 over his 10 innings of work. The right-hander threw 125.1 innings splitting time between the Dodgers' rotation and the bullpen last season, and he could top that number this year if manager Dave Roberts decides to leave him as a fixture at the back end of the club's rotation, where he's slated to begin the season.

Senzatela has an infected blister on his right heel which will keep him out of action for "a while" according to manager Bud Black, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

It's been a rough spring for Senzatela, who's struggled to a 5.14 ERA, battled a stomach virus and is now dealing with a foot infection. It's unclear how long "a while" will be, but the news certainly hurts his chances of breaking camp as the Rockies' fifth starter, with Chad Bettis looking like the most likely candidate.