MLB Player News

Bryan Price has given glowing reports of the early spring training performances of Reds top pitching prospects Robert Stephenson and Michael Lorenzen.

"It was the first time in person (I saw Stephenson) since he first signed in 2011," Price told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It was terrific. A lot of times with hard throwers, you expect a lot more physical effort in the delivery. ... Their deliveries are easy. It didn't look like they were putting a ton of effort into throwing the ball and it was jumping out of their hand, exploding at the plate. I was really excited about that."

Stephenson and Lorenzen are both non-roster invitees. Neither has pitched above the Double-A level.

What was expected is now official. Don Mattingly has named Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke as his first two starters for the Dodgers in the exhibition season. Those games will be played against Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday.

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright has been named the team's opening day starter, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Manager Mike Matheny confirmed the decision. Wainwright is looking to build off a fantastic season, in which he posted a 2.94 ERA in 241 2/3 innings. It will be the third time Wainwright has been tabbed the team's opening day starter. 

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez will start the team's first spring game, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

Martinez will be stretched out as a starter during camp, and has a chance to break camp in the rotation. Martinez will likely only toss one or two innings during the start, but will build his stamina with time. 

Last season, Martinez posted a 5.08 ERA in 28 1/3 innings in the majors. 

Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio has added a split-finger fastball to his assortment of pitches this season, which he hopes will result in better production. Pitching coach Jim Wright claimed that Nicasio didn't have confidence in it last season.

"I think he was reluctant to throw it," Wright told the Denver Post. "I think he had heard some things that it was tough on the arm, but he's got the perfect arm angle for it. So it's a weapon that is going to help him."

What remains unknown is if it will help him as a starter or reliever. Nicasio is being pushed as the fifth starter by southpaws Franklin Morales and Christian Friedrich. Nicasio had a miserable 2013 season despite a 9-9 record. He boasted a 5.14 ERA and walked 64 in 157 2/3 innings.

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is working on a slider, according to The Washington Post.

Strasburg decided to tinker with the pitcher after talking to both Jordan Zimmermann and Dan Haren last season. Over his career, he's typically worked with a fastball, curve and changeup. Strasburg said the pitch was still a "work in progress."  "It’s something that I’ve been messing with," Strasburg said. "I’m just trying to get a feel for it. I’m not going to dump any of my other pitches."

Pitching coach Steve McCatty said the pitch "looked pretty good," but stressed that Strasburg likely wouldn't use it much. Strasburg believes adding another breaking pitch will help with curveball play up.

Strasburg posted a 3.00 ERA in 183 innings last season. 

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez will work as a starter during camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

Martinez will receive two innings, or throw about 45 to 50 pitches, during the team's first pass through spring games. Martinez has pitched primarily as a starter in the minors, but made just one start in the majors last season. Pitching coach Derek Lilliquist explained that the team wants to keep all their options open. When asked whether Martinez could open the year in the rotation, Lilliquist responded by saying "crazier things have happened."

Martinez posted a 5.08 ERA in 28 1/3 innings with the club last season.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels is set to throw his first bullpen session February 25, according to MLB.com.

Hamels is dealing with some shoulder tendinitis, and will take it easy during camp. There's already been news that Hamels is likely to miss opening day. Hamels posted a 3.60 ERA in 220 innings last season. 

Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler is happy to be flying under the radar this year, according to ESPN.

Wheeler got his introduction to the majors last season, posting a 3.42 ERA over 100 innings. Despite his success, Wheeler is being overshadowed by other young pitchers. Wheeler doesn't seem concerned about the lack of hype, though. "That's fine with me," Wheeler said. "I don't have to have all the attention." 

Wheeler enters camp looking to solidify his role in the team's rotation. He recently said he's aiming to start opening day. With Matt Harvey sidelined for most of the year, Wheeler could be the most exciting player in the team's rotation this time around. 

It's no secret Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard is one of the top prospects in baseball. Everyone continues to rave about his potential, and Mets manager Terry Collins was the latest after watching the talented right-hander throw 40 pitches in a bullpen session Monday.

"Let’s face it -- great stuff," Collins said, per ESPN. "This kid is throwing 97 mph today with a hook from hell. Really impressive."

While Syndergaard is expected to open the year in the minors, he's looking forward to getting the call to the majors -- whenever it might be.

"I know there’s a bigger picture involved, and when the organization thinks I’m ready is when I’ll officially be ready, and I’ll look forward to being in New York," Syndergaard said.