MLB Player News

Schwellenbach gave up two runs on four hits over 4.2 innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals. He struck out seven without walking a batter.

The 24-year-old right-hander wasn't quite as sharp as his line indicated, as he plunked one batter and got charged with a wild pitch, but it was mostly another successful spring outing for Schwellenbach. Over 12.2 Grapefruit League innings, he's delivered a 16:1 K:BB and appears just about ready for Opening Day.

Ashcraft allowed three runs on three hits and four walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings in Friday's spring start against the White Sox.

Ashcraft allowed four of the first five batters to reach base before being pulled -- he re-entered in the second inning -- and it was a grind in his fifth Cactus League start. With news that Andrew Abbott had an encouraging controlled start in a minor-league game earlier this week, Ashcraft's bid to win a spot in the rotation may have taken a hit. If Abbott can't get ready for the start of the regular season, Ashcraft could take a turn or two in April.

Manager Derek Shelton informed Skenes on Saturday that he will start Opening Day against the Marlins.

After he turned in a 1.96 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over 23 starts last season en route to being named the NL Rookie of the Year, it hardly comes as a surprise that Skenes will take the hill for Pittsburgh's first regular-season game. The 22-year-old star hasn't quite matched those numbers this spring (3.60 ERA, 1.70 WHIP), though his 12 strikeouts in 10 innings suggests he's primed for another fantastic season. He'll have the advantage of pitching against a Marlins lineup that finished with the second-worst OPS in the NL last season (.678) and projects to remain weak in '25.

Rodriguez struck out six over 3.2 hitless and scoreless innings in Friday's spring start against the Reds.

Rodriguez retired all 11 batters he faced on 44 pitches (29 strikes) in his second Cactus League outing. The Reds played split-squad games Friday and did not have their best nine on the field, but Rodriguez was sharp and pleased with all his offerings. "Feel like everything (worked), it's one of those days you don't want to come out," Rodriguez told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. "Everything I was throwing was just going right where I wanted." He should get another two spring starts before taking his first turn in the regular season.

Fedde has permitted seven runs on 10 hits, three walks and four strikeouts over 10 innings during Grapefruit League action.

Much of the damage came in his last start against the Marlins, when Fedde served up three home runs and six runs over four frames. Fedde had just a 19.7 percent strikeout rate from May on last season and the lack of whiffs has continued this spring. However, while fantasy managers shouldn't count on many strikeouts, Fedde showed last year that he is capable of providing useful ratios.

Montgomery threw 40 pitches over two simulated innings on the backfields Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Montgomery was hammered in his first Cactus League start last Saturday, and for a couple of reasons, including rain forecasted for Thursday evening, the Diamondbacks had him throw a backfield session Thursday afternoon instead of taking a turn in a game environment. It was a controlled environment where the left-hander could hit his pitch count and get in an up-and-down. All involved thought it was good session for Montgomery, who is expected throw next in a Cactus League game. He believes there's still time to get ready for the regular season, and the fact that he'd be fifth in line gives him a bit more time. Due to a day off following the first series of the season -- a four-game set against the Cubs -- Arizona will not require a fifth starter until April 5.

Waldron suffered a mild left oblique strain while warming up in the bullpen Friday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Waldron's injury prevented him from pitching as scheduled against the Rangers. He'll be re-evaluated Saturday, at which point a return timeline may be established, but he's likely to be unavailable for Opening Day given the timing of the injury. The 28-year-old right-hander has had a tough time getting going this spring, surrendering 11 runs (nine earned) on nine hits and seven walks while striking out seven batters in 9.1 innings.

Waldron didn't pitch as scheduled Friday due to a potential injury he suffered while warming up in the bullpen, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

After Waldron threw a few pitches in the bullpen preparing for what was supposed to be his fifth appearance of the spring, a trainer intervened to check on him. The 28-year-old righty then retreated into the Padres' clubhouse. It's unclear at the moment what he might be dealing with, though more information is likely to be revealed following the game.

Walker appears likely to make the Opening Day roster due to Matt Strahm's shoulder injury, but Walker could be a trade candidate this season, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

After giving up just two runs on four hits and one walk over four innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Walker now sports a 3.38 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with five strikeouts across 9.1 frames to further solidify his case to be part of the Opening Day roster. Lauber notes Walker isn't a great fit for the bullpen because he's functioned as a starter for the majority of his career, but the veteran right-hander might draw trade interest if he continues to perform well. Lauber also notes the Phillies could hold onto Walker for long relief as insurance in case one of their starters gets injured, so the team does have some options while their rotation is healthy.

The Cardinals optioned Munoz to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Munoz was solid in his first spring as a Cardinal, giving up four runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters over seven frames. However, he owns a 6.53 ERA over 82.2 career MLB innings, so it makes sense that St. Louis would like to see him sustain success over a longer period before giving him a big-league roster spot. The 24-year-old right-hander is making the switch from starter to reliever this season, which should increase his chances at reaching St. Louis once the Cards begin searching for fresh arms to cycle into their bullpen.