MLB Player News

Fried gave up one run on two hits while striking out four over 3.2 innings of relief in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

The 25-year-old southpaw is still technically in the running for a rotation spot, but it's illuminating that the Braves used him in long relief here behind the returning Kevin Gausman (shoulder). If Gausman can't ramp things up in time for his first turn through the rotation, Fried seems ready to fill in given his sharp 8:2 K:BB through 7.1 spring innings, but otherwise a bullpen assignment -- or a return to Triple-A Gwinnett where he can stay stretched out -- are more likely scenarios.

Brubaker was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Brubaker was one of eight cuts announced by the Pirates as the team trimmed its major-league camp roster down to 54. He'll likely be included in the Indianapolis rotation for the second straight season after turning in a 3.10 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 96:36 K:BB in 119 innings (22 starts) for the affiliate in 2018.

Wood (back) faced eight batters over two innings in a simulated game Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Just health and getting that first one since my back cropped up," Wood said. "I definitely felt good from that standpoint and hopefully I will recover well tomorrow and make my next start."

The Reds are optimistic that Wood will be ready by Opening Day, but not dead certain. "I wouldn't want to say that yet, but I wouldn't want to not say it either," manager David Bell said. "I think it's still possible. It's kind of one step at a time. There's still time to get it done. Again, we're not super concerned with getting him by Opening Day. I think within the first week to 10 days, that's probably a realistic target. At the same time, I'm not ready to say he's not going to be ready day one, two, three, four or five. It could happen."

Syndergaard struck out eight over four innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits without a walk.

The impact on his ERA wasn't ideal, but the key takeaway was Thor's impressive display of dominance. The right-hander now boasts a 14:5 K:BB through only 8.2 spring innings, and Syndergaard is on course to be more than ready to take his initial turn as the Mets' No. 2 starter.

Though Gausman (shoulder) gave up four hits and three earned runs over 1.1 innings in his return to action Friday, he felt positive overall, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. "My arm feels good," Gausman said. "It feels really quick right now. My body is working really well with it. Everything I'm doing [in the trainer's room] to get my shoulder right for the season and the important games is paying off. The ball is coming out good and it has life through the zone. That's kind of what you look for. The biggest thing right now is being healthy."

All that said, Gausman is still a little behind right now. The Braves and Gausman feel he'll have enough time to be ready for his first turn through the rotation, but these next couple of spring training starts are important for him in the process of getting up to speed.

Keller was tagged for four runs in two innings Friday, giving up four hits (including two homers) and one walk while striking out one, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

He's given up 10 runs in four innings and hasn't looked like a prospect ready for a quick promotion to the major leagues. "If anything else, it'll give him an edge, a chip on his shoulder," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Nobody likes to go out and not have success, but I think it will give him increased focus going into his 3A season." The 22-year-old has made only 10 starts at the Triple-A level and will likely spend a good chunk of the summer honing his craft with Indianapolis.

Williams made his Grapefruit League debut Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks in three innings. He struck out three Toronto batters.

Williams pitched fairly well Friday, but surrendered a pair of homers to Anthony Alford. The righty unveiled a curveball that he's been working on in simulated games. Williams threw the pitch only six times in 2018. While the curveball could add to Williams' repertoire, it didn't appear particularly effective.

Wacha surrendered two runs on six hits and struck out two over four innings Friday against Washington.

Wacha allowed two solo homers in the first inning but managed to settle down and hold the Nationals at bay for the remainder of his outing. He struggled to keep runners off the basepaths, although he didn't hand out any free passes, which was an issue last season (71:36 K:BB over 84.1 frames).

Kershaw (shoulder) played catch on flat ground and simulated his windup from around 60 feet near the end of his throwing session Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Kershaw has yet to get back on a mound, although he's consistently been throwing from flat ground and did make some throws from 60 feet. Assuming his shoulder continues to respond well, Kershaw will likely return to mound work in the near future.

Paddack tossed four scoreless innings against the Athletics in Cactus League play on Friday, scattering three hits and striking out seven with no walks in San Diego's 6-5 defeat.

Paddack gave up a pair of runs in 2.2 innings in his last start, but the right-hander bounced back with a sharp outing in this contest, lowering his spring training ERA down to 2.08. If Paddack ends up parlaying his strong spring into a spot in the big-league rotation, manager Andy Green said the team will be "cognizant of his workload throughout the season" given that the 23-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery two years ago.