MLB Player News

Muñoz threw 52 pitches out of the bullpen over the last two games, with Sunday’s performance against the Mariners being a rough outing in which he allowed five runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings. The Braves will bring up a fresh arm in the bulk relief role.

The 23-year-old is doing everything that he can to stake his claim to the opening that the team has in right field. Benge smacked an RBI triple off of Tyler Phillips in the second inning that extended the Mets’ lead to 5-0. He then added a two-run single in the sixth and came around to score on a double off the bat of Ronny Mauricio. He’s now slashing .391/.440/.478 with four RBI, one stolen base and a 4/1 K/BB ratio in 25 plate appearances on the spring.

The 24-year-old infielder reached on a fielder’s choice and scored during the Mets’ four-run uprising in the opening inning. He also drove in a run with an RBI double in the sixth that capped off the scoring in the contest. With his two-hit attack, Mauricio is hitting .286 (6-for-23) with a homer, two RBI and two swipes during Grapefruit League play.

After grounding out in his first at-bat, Norby smacked a two-out single off of Zach Thornton in the third inning but didn’t advance from there. He then singled with one out in the sixth inning, stole second and advanced to third on an overthrow — but the Marlins still couldn’t cash him in. For the spring, Norby is hitting .250 (6-for-24) with one homer, one RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

Phillips struck out three batters in the contest while issuing one walk. The Mets scored four unearned runs in the opening inning, as Christopher Morel started the inning by making an error at first base that allowed the floodgates to open. Phillips then allowed an RBI triple to Carson Benge in the second inning. He got six swings and misses on 45 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 29 percent. Through four appearances in Grapefruit League action, Phillips holds a 1.50 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and a 6/4 K/BB ratio over six innings.

Gómez averaged 95.1 mph with his 13 fastballs today and was at 95.5 mph during his four spring appearances with the Rays. Both are nice gains from the 93.8 mph he came in at last year. The Rays figure to carry Gómez as a middle reliever after picking him up from the White Sox in November.

Acuna was most of the offense today, as the rest of the lineup was limited to two hits. Venezuela already clinched a quarterfinal spot earlier in the day when the Dominican Republic eliminated Israel. Those two teams, though, still have to play Wednesday, and the winner will have the big advantage of facing Korea in the final eight, while the loser will face Japan.

Dunn’s 109-mph triple was the hardest-hit ball of the game, while his 107-mph, 419-foot homer was No. 3 on the list. Dunn is 6-for-20 with two homers through 10 games this spring. It’s hard to imagine him making the White Sox, just because he’s on a minor league deal and so many of the alternatives are out of options, but he’s outpacing the field right now.

Freeland had a bit of an easier matchup today after facing Team USA in his spring debut last week. He’s not quite as far along as the rest of the Rockies’ pitchers after dealing with back spasms, but he’s in line to be ready for Opening Day.

Pereria had been sidelined with an oblique issue. The late start won’t help his chances of winning a spot on the White Sox’s bench, but he’ll still have an opportunity. That he’s out of options will help, but so are other competitors Curtis Mead and Derek Hill.

Beck hasn’t proven himself as a quality major leaguer yet, but the Rockies never looked to upgrade over him this winter. That he plays in Coors Field and is a decent basestealer gives him ample fantasy upside if he takes any kind of step forward. Last year’s 30% strikeout rate and 38% hard-hit rate just weren’t very encouraging, though.