MLB Player News

Cabrera will set up Jim Johnson to begin 2017, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Braves manager Brian Snitker squashed any thought of a spring competition for the ninth-inning role Friday, naming Johnson as his closer and saying Cabrera would join Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder) as Johnson's primary setup men. Cabrera's triple-digit heat didn't translate into big strikeout numbers last season in the majors, but he should still be a solid source of holds this year and could work his way into some saves if Johnson falters or gets dealt.

Wheeler (elbow) is next scheduled for a bullpen session Sunday, the New York Daily News reports.

He had some reported "tenderness" in his elbow after Tuesday's bullpen, which caused his next session to be pushed back. Expect the Mets to continue being cautious with Wheeler this spring as he attempts to make his way back from a two-year absence following Tommy John surgery in March 2015.

Eflin (knee) will throw a bullpen session Monday after experiencing some swelling in his right knee, Jim Salisbury of CSN Sports reports.

Eflin underwent surgery on his patella tendon this offseason and says he's not alarmed by the minor swelling. The young right-hander made 11 starts in his rookie season, posting a 3-5 record, a 5.54 ERA and 31 strikeouts. Monitor the situation as Eflin competes for a lineup spot, but don't consider it anything serious at this point.

Eflin did not throw Friday because of mild knee soreness, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Manager Pete Mackanin indicated the knee issue was not serious. Eflin had surgery on both of his knees last fall to address chronic tendinitis. He said earlier that his knees were feeling great, so this pain could just be a normal post-surgery issue.

Wheeler (elbow) is not guaranteed a spot on the Mets' Opening Day roster, The New York Daily News reports.

The team is discussing a few different approaches to handling Wheeler, who'll be on a fairly strict innings limit this season after not pitching in the majors since 2014. He could begin the campaign as the Mets' fifth starter, getting his turn skipped frequently and being held to a pitch count early in the year that would keep him from throwing more than five innings in a start, but that plan would put additional strain on the bullpen -- although with Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo on hand to pick up the slack, it seems viable. The other main option would be to leave Wheeler behind when the team breaks camp, let Gsellman or Lugo be the fifth starter, and then bring Wheeler up in June or so to take the job without any restrictions. Either way, it seems unlikely the 26-year-old will make a big fantasy impact this season, making him more appealing in keeper and dynasty formats than re-draft leagues.

Unless Glasnow pitches lights-out during spring training, he'll likely begin 2017 with Triple-A Indianapolis. "He's got to go out and compete, and show some improvements," manager Clint Hurdle told Pirates Prospects. "There's no free pass. It's not that it can't happen. It's the separation of Triple-A baseball and Major League baseball. He can go down there and guys don't get on base. So there's not the need that there is at the Major League level to control the running game, to mix pitches."

The righty is working on two pitches that he rarely threw in 2016, including a changeup and a two-seam fastball. He's also shortening his stride in an effort improve upon his command. Given the multitude of changes, the 23-year-old may start the season incorporating these adjustments while also working on his pick-off move. GM Neal Huntington remains excited about Glasnow's prospects. "When he puts this all together, he's going to be a fun pitcher to watch," Huntington said.

Senzatela arrived at spring training "pain-free" and will compete for a spot in the Rockies rotation, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The right-handed pitching prospect was sidelined for much of 2016 due to shoulder problems and personal matters, but he appears to be 100 percent heading into this spring after working with trainers over the offseason. Senzatela was healthy for fall instructional ball and expects no lingering effects of the shoulder injury that hampered him throughout last season. He'll have trouble supplanting Jeff Hoffman or German Marquez for a rotation spot, but a strong showing out of the bullpen or at Triple-A Albuquerque could vault him into a roster spot with Colorado at the major league level.

Syndergaard was named as the Mets' starter for their Opening Day matchup with the Braves, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Given the fact that he's the only stud pitcher in New York's staff that hasn't undergone surgery in the past year, this move comes as no surprise. Syndergaard seems to be in line to be the Mets' ace again this year and will look to build upon his stellar 2016 campaign, when he garnered 14 wins and a minuscule 2.60 ERA.

Ryu was throwing in the 84-86 mph range during his last bullpen session, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While a mid-80s fastball isn't going to get anyone excited for Ryu's prospects this season, we have to remember that there could be room for growth as spring training carries on. Most pitchers haven't built up enough strength in their arms after a lengthy offseason, let alone a player who has missed the majority of the last two seasons dealing with shoulder and elbow injuries. The key for Ryu this spring will be to build up his velocity back into the 89-90 mph range (if possible) and continue to pitch pain-free. He is still just 29 years old and two years removed from two low-three ERA seasons, so a bounce-back season is not out of the question.

Wheeler (elbow) played catch Thursday as scheduled, and the Mets hope he can resume mound throwing Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Wheeler's early setback should remind fantasy players that he may not be a helpful asset for much of this season, especially early on. His Opening Day availability remains uncertain as he continues recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in March 2015.