MLB Player News

Dodd struck out three batters over two perfect innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

The 24-year-old southpaw isn't yet a big name in prospect circles after being a third-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, but Dodd could gain a lot of helium if he keeps pitching like this. He made one start for Triple-A Gwinnett at the end of last season and figures to begin 2023 there, and if the velocity gains he showed last year stick, his potentially plus changeup and strong control could mark him as something more than just a long reliever or swingman in the majors.

Vines gave up one hit and struck out three in a scoreless inning during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

It's generally foolhardy to draw too many conclusions from the sixth inning of a late February spring training game, but Vines certainly looked the part of a top pitching prospect Saturday as he leaned on his plus changeup to whiff three of the four batters he faced. The 24-year-old right-hander posted solid numbers in Double-A and Triple-A last season and appears poised to make his big-league debut at some point in 2023.

Butto gave up a run on zero hits and two walks over 1.2 innings in Saturday's split-squad game against the Marlins, striking out four straight batters.

The run crossed the plate after he'd left the game in the second inning. Butto touched 97 mph with his fastball, and while the 24-year-old right-hander isn't viewed as an elite prospect, he did post solid numbers between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 before making his big-league debut in late August. The Mets have plenty of rotation depth, but if injuries thin the ranks, Butto could be a factor later in the year if he continues his development and can add a reliable curveball to his fastball-changeup arsenal.

Gore worked a scoreless first inning in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, allowing one hit and striking out one.

The left-hander tossed 13 of 18 pitches for strikes, topping out at 96 mph with his fastball while mixing in his slider and curve and even tossing one changeup to Paul Goldschmidt. Gore hadn't seen action in an MLB game since last July, so the Nationals will bring him along slowly in camp in an effort to keep him healthy, but the 24-year-old is on track to open the regular season in the rotation. He had an impressive start to the 2022 campaign, posting a 1.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 57:17 K:BB in 48 innings for the Padres through his first nine big-league appearances before his elbow began acting up, and the Nats believe he can regain something close to that form after picking him up in last year's Juan Soto trade.

Sale (wrist) threw a simulated inning against live batters Saturday and came away with no issues, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale threw 23 pitches and avoided hard contact. He said there were command issues against one batter, but Sale was largely pleased with the results, particularly the shape of his breaking ball. The lanky left-hander was limited to two starts last year amid a number of injuries. He sustained a rib injury during a bullpen session in February, then suffered a broken pinkie finger against the Yankees in July followed by a wrist injury in an August bicycle accident. Next up for Sale is a two-inning live bullpen session Thursday before making his spring debut after that.

Steele was scratched from Sunday's spring start against the Dodgers due to general arm fatigue, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The left-hander hasn't been shut down from throwing and is scheduled for a bullpen session within the next couple days, but it's still a concerning development early in spring training. If Steele's bullpen goes well, he could take the mound in Chicago's next turn through the rotation.

Eovaldi struck out four over two scoreless innings in Saturday's spring game against Kansas City. "I was able to throw all my pitches. The cutter was good, the split was good, the curve was my best pitch," the pitcher told Tim Colishaw of the Dallas Morning News.

Eovaldi faced the six-batter minimum in his debut in a Rangers uniform. The right-hander was in strong form, hitting 98 MPH repeatedly and topping out at 99. Eovaldi threw just 19 pitches and tossed another 10 in the bullpen following his time in the game, which lasted no more than 10 minutes thanks to the new pitch clock. He's expected to serve as the No. 2 starter behind Jacob deGrom.

Nelson allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one over one-plus innings in Saturday's spring game against Colorado. "I think the fastball felt good, fastball command felt good," Nelson told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. "I threw some offspeed pitches I really liked, [but] I think there's still consistency with [offspeed pitches] that can be better."

Nelson gave up a pair of run-scoring doubles in the first inning, then was removed after he allowed the first two batters to reach base in the second. Those runners eventually came around to score while Eric Yardley was on the mound. Nelson is one of two leading candidates, along with Drey Jameson, to fill the fifth-starter job this season. Jameson allowed a hit and a walk over two scoreless innings in a split-squad game against the Athletics.

Keller allowed one hit and no walks while striking out two across two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Keller performed well in his spring debut while facing a mix of Toronto's regulars and reserves. Per Justice delos Santos of MLB.com, Keller also debuted a new pitch that is a cross between a slider and cutter. Keller took a step forward in 2022, posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, and he will be relied upon by the Pirates as a key part of their rotation throughout the upcoming campaign.

Lynn allowed one earned run on three hits and no walks while striking out four across three innings in Saturday's Cactus League matchup against the Padres.

Lynn allowed three consecutive singles to begin the game, but he settled in from there and did not allow any additional baserunners during his outing. Though he faced a watered-down version of the Padres' lineup, it was still an encouraging opening start of spring training. Lynn will be looking to bounce back from a relatively disappointing 2022 campaign when he posted a 3.99 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 121.2 frames.