MLB Player News

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw gave up three runs in two innings Wednesday.

It was Kershaw's first spring appearance. He surrendered five hits and struck out two during the game. Kershaw's line is somewhat deceptive, as Carl Crawford misplayed a ball and wound up allowing a triple. There should be no panic over Kershaw's rough outing. It's one appearance, and he's likely working on things.

Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn will get his first start Saturday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Lynn is not happy that he's in competition for a rotation spot. The 26-year-old pitcher posted a 3.97 ERA in 201 2/3 innings last year. He'll have to beat out Carlos Martinez and Joe Kelly for the final spot in the rotation.

Mets' insiders told ESPN the team has tentatively aligned its pitching rotation for the start of the season. Jonathon Niese will get the opening day start, March 31 against the Nationals, which would be his second straight opening day start.

Niese will be followed by Bartolo Colon and Dillon Gee in the opening series. Zack Wheeler is then expected to open the second series against Cincinnati, and he will be followed by whoever wins the final spot in the team's rotation this spring.

The sources added the rotation alignment is subject to change, but for now this is how the team intends to open the season.

Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez is dealing with a shin infection, according to the Sun Sentinel. 

Alvarez is expected to miss a couple days due to the issue. Last season, he posted a 3.59 ERA in 102 2/3 innings. He's likely to open the year in the starting rotation.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels was able to get through his first bullpen session Wednesday, according to MLB.com.

Hamels has been dealing with a shoulder injury during camp, and could open the season on the disabled list. Hamels was happy with his performance Wednesday. "It was good," Hamels said. "Better than expected, which is huge. It didn’t feel as foreign, getting off the mound after such a long time. But everything felt good." 

Hamels said he needs to work on his pitches and locations now. It's just a matter of getting back on track. Hamels is still hoping he can get some reps during spring training. 

Last season, he posted a 3.60 ERA in 220 innings.

Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (shoulder) had his first bullpen session of the spring bumped from Tuesday to Wednesday, pitching coach Bob McClure said. However, it's not because of a setback with his injured shoulder but rather a scheduling matter.

Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha is working to refine his curveball, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Wacha mainly relied on two pitches last season, a fastball and changeup. Both are considered strong options, but most starters are encouraged to throw three pitches. Wacha has been encouraged with the pitch's development. "It's coming along nicely," Wacha said. "I've definitely got some more work to do. I'm definitely working on it in bullpens and side sessions."

As of right now, the team also has no plans to limit Wacha's innings. Pitching coach Derek Lilliquist said Wacha could be a 200 inning guy this season.

Wacha posted a 2.78 ERA in 64 2/3 innings during the regular season before going on a spectacular run during the postseason. 

Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (shoulder) was pleased with his progress after throwing off flat ground Sunday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. However, Hamels is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session Tuesday.

"I know right now I’m happy with where I am," he said. "(Tuesday) is pretty much the bullpen before you come into spring training. So the next one (Thursday) would be the 'Day 1 of spring training bullpen' and, from there, I’d be on the same schedule (the other pitchers) were on.

"The only way I’ll make some better strides is when I get into games and see where I’m at and how comfortably I’m able to show the up/down sessions with two or three innings and 60 or 70 pitches. That’s where I think they’ll make a better judgment of where I am and what I’ll be capable of throwing."

Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (shoulder), who will throw his first bullpen session in two days, threw off flat ground Sunday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said there will be no innings limit placed on young standout starters Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha heading into the season. But he added that the team could lessen their workload if they show signs of fatigue.

"If I had to stay who would likely get the nod as far as a few extra innings, it would probably be Shelby," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "But we'll see. I would characterize it as something that we will pay attention to."

Wacha is set in the rotation and the possible loss of Jaime Garcia to lingering shoulder issues could lock another up for Miller.