MLB Player News

Hancock gave up three runs on four hits and one walk in Friday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, striking out four over 2.1 innings while taking the loss.

The Mariners have a rotation spot up for grabs, as George Kirby (shoulder) is likely to begin the season on the injured list, and Hancock appears to be the most likely candidate to begin the year as a starter. However, Hancock is still looking for a groove this spring, as he carries a 9.53 ERA and 1.94 WHIP over 5.2 frames (three starts). The 2020 No. 6 overall pick has a case as a late-round flier in fantasy drafts due to Kirby's injury, but Hancock could have limited upside after recording a weak 14.7 percent strikeout rate across 60.2 innings in 2024.

The Dodgers informed Sauer on Friday that he will be part of the team's travel roster during the Tokyo Series versus the Cubs, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Over his four spring training appearances, Sauer has given up seven earned runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out eight batters over 7.2 innings. Despite his poor numbers, the Dodgers have liked what they've seen from the 26-year-old enough to give him a spot in their bullpen while in Japan. Sauer owns a 7.71 ERA over his 14 career MLB appearances, so he'll likely be used only in low-leverage situations.

Cole is scheduled to undergo diagnostic tests on his right elbow, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Cole surrendered six earned runs on five hits over 2.2 innings during his spring outing Thursday, and he said after the game that he was struggling with command -- particularly of his fastball. The 34-year-old righty missed most of the first half of last season due to elbow trouble, and it seems like the Yankees are at least somewhat concerned those issues have resurfaced. More will be known regarding his status within the next several days.

Kremer gave up six runs on six hits and two walks while taking the loss in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Detroit, striking out three over three innings.

It was a struggle for Kremer, who served up three home runs Friday and hasn't looked particularly sharp in the Grapefruit League. Over three appearances (two starts) this spring, the 29-year-old right-hander has a 9.00 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and an 8:5 K:BB across eight frames. Kremer posted an unimpressive 4.10 ERA over 129.2 innings (24 starts) in 2024, but he still appears to be locked into a spot in Baltimore's rotation to begin 2025, as Grayson Rodriguez (triceps) is slated to start the season on the injured list.

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

Robberse spent nearly all of last season in Triple-A, where he finished with a 4.59 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 84.1 innings. He didn't find much success during spring training, surrendering seven earned runs over just 2.2 frames, and he'll likely remain in Memphis until he can find his footing on the mound.

Roupp has become the leading candidate for San Francisco's fifth-starter role and appears set to win a roster spot either in the rotation or as a long reliever, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Roupp has had an impressive spring so far, tossing 8.1 scoreless innings with an 11:1 K:BB. Meanwhile Kyle Harrison has struggled this spring (12.27 ERA). There's still time for the race to shift, but Roupp merits a look in deeper fantasy formats. Roupp's sinker-curveball approach induces ground balls and could make him an interesting home streaming candidate at spacious Oracle Park.

Harrison has fallen behind Landen Roupp this spring in the competition for the Giants' fifth-starter role, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports. Harrison has given up five runs in 3.2 innings this spring with a 5:1 K:BB.

Harrison reached a maximum velocity of 92.3 mph in his last spring outing. He had said before spring training that he's rediscovered his fastball velocity after the pitch dipped below 93 mph on average last season, but that hasn't shown up yet this spring. If he doesn't make the rotation, he's a candidate for the bullpen but could also be kept as a starter at Triple-A.

Sanchez struck out four over three innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Pittsburgh, allowing one run on two hits.

Sanchez poured in 27 strikes out of his 36 pitches in his third start of the spring Friday, registering a 42.1 percent whiff rate. The 28-year-old left-hander was an All-Star for the first time in 2024, and he's now given up just two runs to go with a 12:1 K:BB across 7.2 frames during his impressive start to spring training. It's also worth noting that Sanchez has experienced a bump in velocity thus far, with his sinker averaging 97 mph Friday, per Paul Casella of MLB.com.

The Rockies optioned Molina to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Molina appeared in two spring training games for the Rockies and allowed four earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over three innings. He'll start the 2025 campaign in the minors, and he'll look to perform well enough to get a call-up to the majors should the Rockies need another arm out of the bullpen. Molina posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.58 WHIP across 59.2 innings for Colorado during the 2024 regular season.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Rodriguez (triceps) will not be ready for Opening Day, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hyde noted that Rodriguez isn't dealing with any structural damage, but the discomfort he's feeling in his right elbow/triceps is enough to keep him out for "some time." The 25-year-old will seek a second opinion, and it's unknown at this point how far his absence will extend into the regular season. While Rodriguez is out, Albert Suarez and Cade Povich will battle for the open spot in Baltimore's rotation.