MLB Player News

Ryu did not have any issues with his left adductor muscle during his scheduled bullpen session Wednesday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

For a guy who has struggled with injuries the last couple seasons, it's not a great way to start out spring training. Fortunately, this issue is in his leg rather than his arm. The fact that he tossed a bullpen session Wednesday without any setbacks may suggest it's not a major concern. The southpaw is scheduled to face hitters Saturday and his bullpen session Wednesday keeps him on pace to potentially still do so. While Ryu could prove effective as a starter, his health issues and non-guaranteed role in the rotation pushes his value down dramatically entering 2017.

Urias made his Cactus League debut Tuesday, seeing one inning of work while giving up one run and striking out two in a 14-3 win over Colorado.

Despite allowing a run, Urias looked sharp, throwing 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes Tuesday. He went on to throw more pitches in the bullpen after being removed from the game to bring his pitch count up to roughly what would be expected in two innings. The Dodgers will likely space his starts and innings during spring training in order to limit the workload on their prized young arm. Urias is clearly one of the Dodgers' top starters, but he will face an innings limit and could be held back in extended spring training at the outset of the campaign in order to allow him to keep pitching into the postseason.

Ryu has had discomfort in the adductor muscle on his left side, but will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and face hitters on Saturday, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

While Ryu had previously been deemed healthy, and was supposed to be just ramping up his activity, it now seems that he is dealing with yet another medical issue. At this point, it's very hard to use anything other than a late-round flyer in a deep league on the oft-injured lefty. While he is scheduled to throw to hitters on Saturday, that is only a tentative plan, and it's possible he does not hit that goal.

Hendricks will make his spring training debut Saturday against the Dodgers, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs have yet to use any of their top-four starting pitchers this spring, but Hendricks will get some work in this weekend. After pitching a career-high 190 innings last year, expect Hendricks to slowly build up for the start of the season.

Contrary to prior reports, Ryu will pitch a bullpen session Wednesday and is not scheduled to pitch in the Dodgers' spring game, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

There were reports stating that the southpaw could make his spring debut, but it seems that the Dodgers brass decided to take their foot off the gas a bit and hold him out of game action a bit longer. No timetable for Ryu's first spring game exists as of now, but things should become clearer as he continues to throw side sessions.

Manager Torey Lovullo named Greinke the D-backs' Opening Day starter Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The news comes as no surprise; Greinke is still considered the ace of the staff even after his disappointing 2016 campaign. The right-hander has been taking it easy this spring as he recovers from a season-ending shoulder injury, but is expected to make his first Cactus League start Friday against the Dodgers. After posting a career-best 1.66 ERA in 2015, Greinke slumped to a dismal 4.37 last year, a stat he'll aim to improve upon in his 14th major league season. Expect the three-time All-Star to be back in form and ready for action within the coming weeks.

Wheeler (elbow) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut March 10 against the Braves, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports.

He threw his first live batting practice of the spring on Wednesday, and now we have a firm date for his return to game action. Wheeler's return from Tommy John surgery has been a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks it is an easy road back, as he was supposed to be ready for game action last June. Health is a big concern, but the emergence of Robert Gsellman as a strong option for the fifth spot in the rotation is another obstacle for Wheeler.

Wheeler (elbow) threw a live batting practice Wednesday and the Mets are hoping he can make his spring debut next week, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Reports say Wheeler threw between 20-25 pitches in the session, his second of the spring. The Mets have been extremely cautious with the right-hander this offseason, but it finally appears the rehab is nearing an end after two successful weeks. Look for Wheeler to make his Grapefruit League debut in one of the five games the Mets have between next Thursday and Saturday.

Lugo allowed two hits and struck out two in three scoreless innings during Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

He kept his spring ERA at 0.00, and is making a strong early case to be the Mets' fifth starter come Opening Day. He'll likely make one more Grapefruit League appearance before heading out to pitch in the WBC for Puerto Rico.

Ray has been working on his secondary pitches this offseason in addition to seeking ways to become more economical on the mound, the Arizona Republic reports.

While Ray racked up 218 strikeouts in 174.1 innings last season, he struggled with walks, which paired with a high batting average on balls in play fueled by a mix of hard contact and a subpar defense behind him translated to a 4.90 ERA. A healthy A.J. Pollock in center field should help the D-backs defense in 2017, but Ray's adjustments, which might include a more consistent third pitch to complement his fastball and slider, will likely go further in determining whether he can take another step forward this season.