MLB Player News

The Cubs announced Sunday they optioned pitcher Neil Ramirez to Triple-A Iowa. Ramirez had a 0.00 ERA and 0.40 WHIP in five relief appearances (five innings) this spring.

Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu got his season off to a strong start Saturday, tossing five scoreless innings in a 7-5 win over the Diamondbacks in Sydney, Australia.

Ryu was nearly flawless in his five innings of work, throwing 55 of 87 pitches for strikes. He allowed a pair of singles and one walk before being pulled, while striking out five hitters.

Ryu put together an exceptionally strong first season in the majors, finishing with a 3.00 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 192 innings of work. With the early start to the season, Ryu could make his next start in just two games, as the Dodgers now have more than a week off before their next series. He is likely to take the mound during a series against the Padres in San Diego.

Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles was not at his best again on Saturday, surrendering five runs -- two earned -- on five hits and three walks while striking out three over 4 2/3 innings of work against the Indians in Cactus League action.

Lyles owns a 3.18 ERA and 12:6 K:BB ratio over 17 innings this spring.

The Rockies optioned Rob Scahill and re-assigned Brooks Brown, Greg Burke, Matt McBride, Ben Paulsen and Rafael Ynoa all down to minor-league camp on Saturday, the team announced.

Braves left-hander Alex Wood finally gave up an earned run, but continued to pitch as well as anyone in the Graprefruit League this spring with another fine performance Saturday.

Wood locked up a Boston lineup with most of its starters. He gave up six hits and the one run in six innings with no walks and four strikeouts. His ERA "skyrocketed" to 0.45.

He is set to open the regular season in the starting rotation.

Cardinals emerging right-hander Michael Wacha showed again Saturday why he is among the most promising pitchers in the game. He certainly showed the Astros, who flailed away to the tune of eight strikeouts in seven fine innings.

Wacha surrendered just two runs to raise his spring mark to 3-0 and lower his ERA to 1.76. He walked none, but was nicked by a home run off the bat of Jose Altuve.

Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez took another step toward readiness for the regular season with a strong performances Saturday against Washington. Alvarez pitched four innings and gave up just one earned run. He walked one and fanned four.

Alvarez is listed as the third starter for Miami heading into the year.

The Phillies have reassigned third baseman Maikel Franco, outfielder Clete Thomas and right-hander Sean O'Sullivan to minor league camp.

Franco entered camp competing with Cody Asche for the starting job, but was outplayed and hit under .200 in exhibition play to punch his ticket to the minors.

Phillies premier right-hander Cole Hamels took another step forward in his recovery from a shoulder injury by throwing in a simulated game and reporting no pain, per the Philadelphia Inquirer, which is further reporting that he is still a month behind schedule.

Hamels is not expected to return to live game action until the end of April at the earliest.

The loss of Kris Medlen to Tommy John surgery has resulted in right-hander Julio Teheran earning his first opening day start for the Braves. He will face Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo on March 31 in Milwaukee.

Teheran emerged as a strong starter in 2013 with a 14-8 record and 3.20 ERA. He struck out nearly a batter per inning along the way.