MLB Player News

Gray said Monday that he reported to camp at 235 pounds after dedicating himself to heavy lifting in the offseason in addition to "eating anything and everything," Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Gray tipped the scales at as few as 209 pounds at one point last season, so his weight increase is fairly significant. While adding that kind of mass could been seen as a negative development for most players, it may be beneficial for the 6-foot-4 Gray, who boasts the frame to carry the extra pounds. Rather than any change in his physique, Gray's ability to bounce back from a rough 2018 campaign may hinge on his ability to gain more mental focus in tight spots. Opposing batters slashed .306/.379/.506 against Gray when at least one runner was on base last season, saddling him with a subpar 67.9 percent strand rate. The Rockies are tentatively penciling Gray in as their No. 4 starter behind Kyle Freeland, German Marquez and Tyler Anderson.

Alcantara will start the Marlins' Grapefruit League opener Saturday versus the Cardinals, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Given that pitchers and catchers reported to camp just 10 days before the exhibition opener, Alcantara probably won't be asked to cover more than an inning or two. The right-hander will probably need at least a few impressive showings during the Grapefruit League slate to beat out one of Caleb Smith, Wei-Yin Chen, Dan Straily and Trevor Richards for a rotation spot. Jose Urena is the only Marlins pitcher to have officially clinched one of the five spots after manager Don Mattingly recently named the right-hander the team's Opening Day starter.

Darvish (elbow) sat between 92-94 mph in a live bullpen session Tuesday and felt good afterwards, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Darvish underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery in September after an injury-wrecked first season in Chicago. He should be ready to go by Opening Day provided his spring continues to go well.

Cueto threw from 45 feet Monday, his first time throwing since undergoing Tommy John surgery in August, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Tommy John surgery carries a recovery time of at least one year, leaving Cueto with an outside chance at best to return in some capacity late in the season. He seems to be making the expected progress so far, but the right-hander is still a long ways off.

Martinez (shoulder) will not be allowed to throw for two weeks, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

The Cardinals are concerned that Martinez's arm strength is not where it should be, though an MRI taken Monday revealed no structural damage, Langosch reports. That suggests he's unlikely to miss a large portion of time, but Martinez will need to build back up following the two-week period, leaving him less than a month to get ready for Opening Day. Martinez made three trips to the DL last season while battling shoulder, oblique and lat injuries. It's certainly disconcerting to see those issues resurface so early in the spring.

Eickhoff (wrist) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

This is a positive sign for the right-hander after news emerged last week that he was still hindered by offseason surgery to address carpal tunnel syndrome. Eickhoff's next step is participating in live batting practice sessions, though it's unclear when that step will be taken. For now, the team is content with Eickhoff emerging from Sunday's session fully healthy, with a firmer timetable for return likely coming forth once he progresses further in his rehab program.

Stripling (illness) played catch Saturday and will do the same Sunday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Stripling's arrival at spring training had been delayed due to an upper-respiratory illness, but it seems like he's made at least a limited return. This doesn't seem like an issue that will keep him out much longer, so he figures to resume his normal preparation for a swingman role relatively soon.

The Pirates tabbed Taillon as their Opening Day starter in Cincinnati on Mar. 28, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

"It's a big honor," Taillon said. "I get to kick off the season for the boys, set the tone." He pitched well in the Bucs' 2018 home opener, limiting the Twins to two earned runs in 5.2 innings with nine strikeouts. Taillon lost two of three starts in Cincinnati last season, allowing 10 earned runs in 17.1 innings.

Stripling hasn't reported to camp as of Saturday morning due to an upper respiratory issue, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The issue isn't expected to be a major one, as Stripling reportedly could return as early as later in the day Saturday. The illness is unlikely to significantly affect his preparation in 2019, a season in which he's expected to fill a swingman role.

Buehler is being held back early in spring training but is expected to be up to speed by Opening Day, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

No specific reason was given for the decision to bring Buehler along slowly, so this appears to be a case of general workload management for the young righty. The 24-year-old threw 177 innings across all levels (including the playoffs) last season after throwing just 98 the year prior.