MLB Player News

Nola agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Phillies on Wednesday that includes a club option, avoiding arbitration, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Nola was spectacular for the Phillies last season, producing a 2.37 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 224:58 K:BB in 212.1 innings pitched. The Phillies opted to lock their star pitcher up for the next four years rather than go through the arbitration processes. With his contract situation resolved, Nola can now turn his focus to leading the Phillies' rotation.

Greinke won't be at spring training at the normal reporting time but is expected to report fully healthy later in the week, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The 35-year-old is coming off another strong season in Arizona, posting a 3.21 ERA to go with a 199:43 K:BB in 207.2 innings of work. Greinke requested to come to camp a couple days later than the rest of the pitchers even though he's healthy and is on track for normal work. In fact, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports that the veteran threw a 40-pitch bullpen a few days ago, affirming the notion that there's no issue with him health-wise. Greinke figures to reprise his role as the Diamondbacks' ace as soon as he joins the team for official workouts.

The Diamondbacks placed Walker (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

The transaction will open up a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Caleb Joseph, whose one-year deal with Arizona was announced in a corresponding move. Walker is still rehabbing from April 2017 Tommy John surgery and isn't expected to be a rotation option for the Diamondbacks until midseason at the earliest.

Rea (undisclosed) will be on a restricted schedule during spring training, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

It's unclear what is holding Rea back, but the Cubs will play it safe with the right-hander after a lat injury torpedoed his 2018 campaign. Rea's status for Opening Day remains up in the air. He doesn't figure to play a significant role for the Cubs in 2019 even when healthy.

DeGrom's representatives informed the Mets on Tuesday that any discussions regarding a contract extension for the pitcher will be tabled after Opening Day, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

After taking home National League Cy Young honors this past season, deGrom earned a $9.6 million raise for 2019 to bring his salary to $17 million, a record for arbitration-eligible pitchers. Though deGrom would be due another raise next January in his final season of arbitration, he would undoubtedly prefer more long-term security, something the Mets would be motivated to offer him so as to avoid a bidding war when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the winter of 2020-21. The righty doesn't want the extension talks to be a distraction that lingers into the upcoming season, however, so the two sides will have the next six weeks to work out a new deal or else put those discussions on hold until the offseason.

Mahle was not named among the Reds' projected starters to begin the 2019 campaign, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Manager David Bell all but confirmed the Reds' starting rotation will consist of Luis Castillo, Alex Wood, Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Anthony DeSclafani, leaving Mahle on the outside looking in. It's unclear if the young right-hander will remain stretched out as a starter in the minors or transition to a long-relief/swingman role with the big club. Mahle posted a 4.98 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across 23 starts (112 innings) for the Reds in 2018.

Nolasco agreed to a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

Nolasco last pitched in the major leagues during the 2017 season, when he started 33 games for the Angels and posted a 4.92 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with a 143:58 K:BB through 181 innings. He figures to serve as organizational depth for Arizona at Triple-A but could return to the big leagues should the Diamondbacks struggle through any injury problems in their starting rotation.

May was extended an invitation to Dodgers' major-league spring training, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

May split the 2018 season between High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Tusla, posting a combined 3.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 122:29 K:BB over 23 starts. The 21-year-old will have the chance to showcase himself at big-league camp but will likely begin the season back at Tulsa, though a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City early on wouldn't be surprising.

Smoker will join the Dodgers' big-league training camp after signing a minor-league deal with the team Friday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 30-year-old lefty has thrown 79 career major-league innings, posting an unimpressive 5.35 ERA. He gave up seven runs in 7.1 innings while recording a 4:7 K:BB last season with the Pirates and Tigers.

Gonsolin was invited to the Dodgers' big-league camp Friday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Gonsolin made nine starts at the Double-A level last season, recording a 2.44 ERA while striking out 27.2 percent of opposing batters for Tulsa. He's unlikely to be in serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot but could have a shot to debut later in the year should he continue to impress in the minors.