MLB Player News

Ray threw three scoreless innings on Tuesday, the Arizona Republic reports

Ray entered camp as the favorite to win the fifth spot in the rotation, and he's done nothing to hurt his chances so far, as he now has five scoreless innings this spring. Ray is competing with Zack Godley and Archie Bradley.

Matz allowed one run on a hit and two walks while striking out three in three innings in his first spring start Monday.

Matz had better than expected life and velocity on his fastball with a solid curveball in his outing. The Mets delayed that outing a week to make sure Matz was fresh after pitching deep in October last year. Matz will open 2016 as the Mets' fourth or fifth starter, ahead or behind Bartolo Colon.

Ryu (shoulder) felt good after playing catch Monday and will play catch again on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

So far so good. There is still no timetable for Ryu to throw a bullpen session.

Urias (groin) tossed two innings in batting practice Monday and reported feeling no discomfort, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Urias should pitch in a game Friday and remains on track to be ready for the season. He's expected to open in Triple-A.

Hammel pitched two scoreless innings in a split-squad loss to Kansas City on Monday.

Hammel walked the first batter he faced, but claimed it was just butterflies in his first game appearance of the spring. He struck out one and gave up a single in the effort. Hammel is likely to be the No. 4 starter in the Cubs' rotation this year.

Urias (groin) will pitch in his first Cactus League game on Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 Los Angeles reports

Urias threw 30 pitches during two simulated innings Monday, setting him up for his first Cactus League appearance of the year. The 19-year-old lefty is a gem of a prospect, but he's not expected to make the Opening Day roster and isn't a lock to make his major league debut this year. The Dodgers do expect him to top 100 innings for the first time, with most of his work likely to come at the Triple-A level.

Urias will likely be on the mound by the end of the week after throwing 30 pitches during two simulated innings on Monday, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

Manager Dave Roberts did not specify the exact date for Urias' return, but expect him to pitch a Cactus League game this week. The 19-year-old tweaked his groin last week but threw a bullpen session on Friday before the 30 pitches on Monday.

Cole threw a successful, 37-pitch bullpen session Monday, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Cole has been slowed by a rib-cage injury this spring training so his bullpen session is a step in the right direction for his recovery process. The right-hander used all four pitches with command and said "It went well" which is obviously good news for the Pirates. The 25-year old is coming off a breakout 2015 campaign in which he went 19-8 and had a 2.60 ERA and 202 K's. The flame-thrower is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Wednesday and he hopes to be ready by the start of the regular season.

Cole (ribs) will throw another batting practice session before the Pirates determine whether or not he's ready to progress to game action, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Cole threw his first live batting practice session of the spring Friday, and all indications are that he fared well with no setbacks. Assuming that's the case after this next session, he could be cleared to return to spring game action within the next week or two. Regardless, Cole's status for Opening Day doesn't appear to be in much jeopardy.

Ryu (shoulder) resumed throwing Monday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers said over the weekend that there was no set date for Ryu to resume throwing, but it appears no one involved had to wait that long, as he was able to pick up a ball again Monday. Ryu still has a ways to go before he is back at 100 percent, but his preparation for the regular season is again in motion. At this point it's looking like his 2016 debut will come at some point in mid-to-late May.