MLB Player News

Drafting this weekend? Yeah, nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?

Except when the oversaturation of information leading up to opening day causes you to outthink yourself.

Take this Clayton Kershaw situation. The guy just flew to and from Australia. That's 14 hours each way. And now his back hurts.

No, really?

I'm guessing every Dodgers back hurts today, but not every one is a $200 million face of the franchise who could easily take a week off without it impacting in the standings. Kershaw will miss his next start, sure, but the Dodgers still plan for him to throw this week.

Seems like an abundance-of-caution situation, but of course, the Dodgers don't have to say that. So you'll see that little red cross next to Kershaw's name on Draft Day and worry. And so will everyone else. And before you know it, he's sliding to the middle of the second round. Maybe someone even takes Adam Wainwright or Max Scherzer ahead of him. Crazy.

I'm not saying you have to take Kershaw seventh overall. If this back issue has you feeling more comfortable with Jacoby Ellsbury or Chris Davis, whatever. Close enough. But if he legitimately falls to you because of it, don't do anything crazy.

Diamondbacks temporary ace Wade Miley ended a wonderful spring on a mediocre note Thursday. He gave up two runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings against Cleveland. He walked one and struck out two in raising his earned run average to 1.93.

Miley already lost his first decision of the regular season to the Dodgers in Australia.

Phillies standout left-hander Cole Hamels returned to the mound for his first game action of the spring Thursday and came away encouraged, per MLB.com.

Hamels, who has been dealing with left shoulder inflammation, pitched in a minor league game against the Pirates Class A affiliate. He allowed two singles and recorded nine outs. Hamels threw 20 of 30 pitches for strikes.

He will break camp with the Phillies but soon thereafter return to Clearwarter to continue his rehab. He is expected to pitch for the big league team sometime in late April.

Cardinals blossoming right-hander Michael Wacha performed in his regular season tuneup Thursday as he has throughout spring training. That is, spectacularly.

Wacha dominated a Miami lineup loaded with starters to the tune of one earned run on four hits and six strikeouts in five innings. He walked one and maintained his spring ERA at 1.77.

He is slated to serve as the second starter for the defending National League champions behind ace Adam Wainwright.

In news that belongs in the same category as rain being wet, the Reds have named Johnny Cueto their opening day starter. That became a foregone conclusion when it was determined that Mat Latos (knee) would not be ready.

Cueto, who will pitch against St. Louis on Monday, proved himself recovered from a shoulder ailment with a strong performance after a bad first inning Tuesday in a simulated game. He owns a 43-25 record over the past four seasons combined and has not posted an ERA higher than 2.82 in any of the last three years.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke has been named the starter for Tuesday's game against the Padres.

Greinke was limited by a calf injury that caused him to miss his team's series in Australia. However, he was able to avoid the disabled list and is on track to start the team's second game stateside.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been scratched from Sunday's scheduled start due to inflammation in the upper left part of his back, the team announced.

Kershaw had an MRI Wednesday that revealed the inflammation. The team won't schedule his next start until they can see his progress while throwing during the next week.

Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu said he was feeling much better Wednesday after having half of his split toenail removed, MLB.com reports.

Ryu is hoping to be available for the team's first stateside series in San Diego. He pitched five scoreless innings in the Dodgers' second game in Australia last weekend.

Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright capped his spring slate with a win Wednesday against the Nationals. The right-hander, who will start opening day for St. Louis, allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings, while striking out six.

Wainwright (2-0) appears to be in midseason form, as he finished the spring with a 1.59 ERA. He had 18 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings.

Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran looks ready for his first opening day start. The right-hander struck out nine batters in six innings during his final spring tuneup Wednesday against the Marlins.

Teheran allowed just two runs on seven hits, while walking one. The Marlins got on the board early with a run in the first inning, but Teheran kept Miami off the scoreboard again until Ed Lucas' RBI double in the sixth inning.

Teheran finishes the spring with an 1.80 ERA in six starts. He struck out 26 batters in 25 innings.