MLB Player News

The Dodgers have announced Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu will be the starting pitchers in the Australian series, according to the Orange County Register.

The news was expected, especially after Zack Greinke's calf injury took him out of consideration for the start. There was a report Thursday that the two pitchers were tabbed to start, but the team waited until Sunday to make the official announcement. 

The Dodgers received some encouraging news Saturday when starter Zack Greinke successfully completed a 34-pitch batting practice session and reported only minor issues with his right calf.

"It went pretty good," he said. "It's not 100 percent, but pretty solid. There's something in there, but it was pretty good."

Greinke tweaked the calf on the fourth pitch he threw in his first exhibition start.

Cubs starter Jason Hammel took a positive step Saturday in proving himself fully recovered from knee problems. He overcame a bit of wildness to throw three scoreless innings against Cincinnati, striking out four and walking three while giving up two hits.

Hammel might land a place in the rotation if he pitches well this spring, though he is currently behind Chris Rusin and Jake Arrieta for the final spot spots.

Cardinals blossoming starter Michael Wacha performed well again Saturday in a three-inning stint against Washington. He surrendered two hits and one earned run while walking one and fanning three. He threw 31 of 51 pitches for strikes.

Wacha is among the most promising young pitchers in the game. He showed glimpses of his talent at the major league level last season by compiling a 4-1 record and 2.78 ERA. He fanned more than one batter per inning.

Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn gave up five runs in just 1 1/3 innings Friday.

Lynn started things off well, striking out Jeff Mathis. He then gave up two straight doubles before getting the second out of the inning. Lynn then allowed a walk and another double before finishing the third inning. Lynn again struck out the leadoff hitter in the fourth before allowing a double and two singles. He left the game after just 1 1/3 innings.

Diamondbacks pitcher Wade Miley tossed five strong innings Friday against the Athletics.

Miley gave up three hits, and struck out four during the appearance. He walked one batter and allowed an unearned run. With two outs in the fifth inning, shortstop Didi Gregorius misplayed a ball, which allowed the run to score. Miley was able to get the next batter out to finish his day.

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez tossed three scoreless innings Friday against the Mets.

Martinez gave up a single to outfielder Curtis Granderson in the second inning, but was otherwise untouched by the Mets. He did walk Kirk Nieuwenhuis to open the third, but pitched out of it. He did not notch any strikeouts. 

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright tossed two solid innings against the Marlins Friday.

It was a ho-hum start for Wainwright. He gave up a hit to Christian Yelich, and did not walk any batters. He did manage to strikeout Garret Jones in the second inning. Wainwright will likely look to increase his innings during his next outing.

Wainwright posted a 2.94 ERA in 241 2/3 innings last year.

Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez tossed three perfect innings Friday.

Alvarez struck out Matt Adams and Joey Butler during the appearance. He's expected to play a big role in the Marlins rotation this season. Alvarez threw a no-hitter in his last start of 2013, and is looking to carry some of that success over to this season. He posted a 3.59 ERA in 102 2/3 innings last year.

Braves pitcher Alex Wood managed to get through three scoreless innings Friday.

Wood is expected to open the year as the team's fifth starter. Grady Sizemore was the only member of the Red Sox who could touch Wood Friday, collecting the only two hits Wood gave up. Wood did not issue any walks, and struck out two hitters. 

Wood posted a 3.13 ERA in 77 2/3 innings last year.