It's March 1st and spring training is here, and baseball is in the air. The MLB regular season is right around the corner, which means the rumors continue to swirl. Some big-name players like pitcher Jake Arrieta may be on the move sooner rather than later. There is more than trade news in today's roundup, with injury updates on two young studs. One of which involves Washington Nationals star outfielder Bryce Harper. Here are the latest MLB news and Rumors you need to know:
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Jake Arrieta To The Washington Nationals?
Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is one of the top arms in free agency and wants to be paid as such. According to John Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Nationals are said to be "deliberating" on Arrieta.
Heyman believes the Philadelphia Phillies are the favorite to sign Arrieta, but there is still a chance for the Nationals.
"The Nats can’t be counted out, writes Heyman. "GM Mike Rizzo loves him, but there are concerns about the luxury tax threshold, which they are currently straddling. "
The Nationals have a potential $70 million coming off the books next season with Bryce Harper, Gio Gonzalez, Daniel Murphy, and several relief pitchers becoming potential free agents.
This past season, Arrieta had a 14-10 record with a 3.53 ERA in 168.1 innings pitched and is just two years removed from an NL Cy Young award.
Bryce Harper Undergoes Surgery For Ingrown Toe Nail
Harper was scratched from the Nationals lineup on Wednesday with an ingrown toenail. The Washington Post's Jorge Castillo reported on Thursday, Harper underwent surgery to remove an ingrown toenail. The surgery is considered minor and he may return as soon as Saturday.
Harper underwent a similar surgery in 2013 and missed only one game. National fans should be worried since it's only March 1 and Harper has even pushed to play on Friday.
Alex Reyes May Be Ready By May 1
The 23-year-old elite prospect underwent Tommy John surgery last February and missed the entire 2017 season. Mark Saxon of The Athletic reported that Reyes could be ready before May 1st if the St. Louis Cardinals want to use him in relief.
Reyes faced live hitters Wednesday in Cardinals camp for the first time since undergoing surgery. Reyes threw three sets of five pitches to Cardinals minor leaguer hitters. He showed good velocity and no limitations, which is obviously a great sign.
The Cardinals are hoping to get back the Reyes who was spectacular in 2016, registering a 1.57 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings.
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