MLB Player News

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 Justice to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Justice struggled mightily in the minor leagues last season, finishing with an 8.76 ERA and 2.52 WHIP across 24.2 frames at Albuquerque. He showed signs of improvement during spring training, allowing two runs and striking out six batters over three innings, though the 26-year-old southpaw likely has quite a bit of work to do before the Rockies feel comfortable inserting him into their bullpen.

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.

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

Mejia spent all of last season with Double-A Hartford, where he accumulated a 5.00 ERA and 1.61 WHIP alongside a 65:30 K:BB across 54 innings. After throwing three scoreless innings in Cactus League play, he'll receive a bump to Triple-A for his age-24 season, though his past minor-league performance doesn't inspire much confidence in a promotion to the majors.

The Nationals optioned Henry to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

The right-hander missed the entire second half of the 2024 campaign due to a lat injury and has transitioned to long relief for 2025. Henry made five starts for Double-A Harrisburg last year prior to the injury and had a 3.95 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 13:9 K:BB across 13.2 innings.

The Nationals optioned Lara to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Lara is one of Washington's top prospects and was added to the 40-man roster in November in order to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft. The 22-year-old spent most of last season at the Double-A level and had a 3.55 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 86:32 K:BB across 99 innings.

Miller (head) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

It will be his first time facing hitters since he was struck in the head by a comebacker back on Feb. 20. Miller has been out of concussion protocol for a few days, but it's not clear when he might be ready to return to games. The right-hander is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Tovar (triceps) will start at shortstop and bat second in Friday's Cactus League game versus the Rangers.

Tovar was removed from Wednesday's contest against the Padres after being hit on the left triceps by a pitch, but he's fine and back out there after a day of rest. The young shortstop is 4-for-17 with three doubles at the dish so far this spring.

Parker (neck) threw a bullpen session Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Parker had to be scratched from a scheduled appearance in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to neck stiffness. However, he appears to be feeling better and should be cleared to return to game action soon. Parker is competing for a spot in the Nationals' rotation.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that Walker (knee) was able to take some dry swings and play catch Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Marmol described Walker's progress two days after being diagnosed with inflammation in his left knee as "a little ahead of what I expected," adding that he's "super encouraged" with how the outfielder is feeling. Walker will be held out of Grapefruit League action for a few more days but is tracking toward avoiding a stint on the injured list.