MLB Player News
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Garrett Crochet RP | BOS
Red Sox's Garrett Crochet: Finds positives in third outing
Crochet allowed three runs on five hits while striking out two over 4.2 innings in Monday's spring start against the Phillies. He also hit a batter.
Crochet's third Grapefruit League start didn't yield pretty results, but the left-hander was pleased overall with his execution, per Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. His velocity was down, but Crochet explained that was more a function of building arm strength and tinkering with mechanics. Philadelphia touched him for two runs in the second inning, which were aided by a couple of softly hit, well-placed singles. A third run was charged to him when a runner stole home after Crochet departed the game. Pitching into the fifth inning and hitting 59 pitches (42 strikes) leaves Crochet on schedule for Opening Day against the Reds on March 26.
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Alexander Alberto RP | CHW
White Sox's Alexander Alberto: Delayed by back tightness
Alberto won't make a scheduled appearance Monday versus the Rockies due to back tightness, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.
Alberto is expected to be ready to pitch in a day or two, so he's not believed to be dealing with a significant setback. The 24-year-old is trying to win a bullpen spot with the White Sox after being plucked in the Rule 5 Draft. Alberto has yielded three runs with a 4:2 K:BB over five innings so far this spring.
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Geoff Hartlieb RP | ATH
Athletics' Geoff Hartlieb: Cut from big-league camp
The Athletics reassigned Hartlieb to minor-league camp Monday.
Hartlieb had been attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee, but any hope he had of being part of the Athletics' Opening Day bullpen ended after he allowed eight runs (seven earned) over 2.1 innings across four Cactus League appearances. The 32-year-old is likely to serve as organizational relief depth at the Triple-A level throughout the 2026 season.
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Ben Bowden RP | ATH
Athletics' Ben Bowden: Cut from Athletics camp
The Athletics reassigned Bowden (lat) to minor-league camp Monday.
Bowden had been attending Athletics camp as a non-roster invitee, but a left lat strain has kept him from pitching thus far in Cactus League play, effectively ending any chance he had of winning a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The southpaw made 11 appearances for the big club in 2025, logging a 4.22 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 7:5 K:BB In 10.2 innings.
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Stephen Kolek RP | KC
Royals' Stephen Kolek: Playing catch
Kolek (oblique) began playing catch from up to 60 feet Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Kolek was shut down for more than a week after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain. He will be slowly ramped back up before returning to Cactus League action. The right-hander should be healthy for Opening Day, barring setbacks, but the injury has significantly lessened his chances of obtaining a spot in the Royals' rotation.
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Michel Otanez RP | TEX
Rangers' Michel Otanez: Removed from bullpen competition
The Rangers optioned Otanez to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.
Otanez took himself out of contention for a spot in the Rangers' Opening Day bullpen after yielding four earned runs on four hits and one walk over 2.1 innings across his three Cactus League appearances. The 28-year-old righty will serve as a leverage arm at Round Rock to begin the season while he waits for an opening to re-emerge in the Texas bullpen.
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Jose Soriano RP | LAA
Angels' Jose Soriano: Ready to go after bout with illness
Soriano (illness) will start Monday's Cactus League game against the Giants.
Soriano missed his last turn because he was battling an illness, but he's been cleared to return to action after more than a week of rest. The right-hander will be looking to get back on track after being knocked around for seven runs over 3.2 innings in his first two starts this spring.
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Jacob Lopez RP | ATH
Athletics' Jacob Lopez: Shaky in first spring start
Lopez (elbow) allowed three runs on three hits and a walk across two innings in Sunday's Cactus League win over the Dodgers. He struck out one.
Lopez returned to the mound after closing the 2025 season on the injured list with a left elbow strain and being slow-played to open spring. The right-hander was hit around over his two frames, surrendering a solo homer to Andy Pages in the first inning and back-to-back doubles to Nick Senzel and Ryan Ward in the second inning that each plated a run. Aside from the results, Lopez simply returning to action is an encouraging sign as he looks to be healthy for the regular season. After posting a 4.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 113:37 K:BB across 21 appearances (17 starts) and 92.2 innings last year, Lopez is a strong candidate to open the 2026 season in the rotation, though a number of arms -- including Luis Morales, Jack Perkins and J.T. Ginn -- are also vying for spots at the back end of the staff.
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Justin Topa RP | MIN
Twins' Justin Topa: Rough start to spring
Topa gave up four earned runs on four hits, including a home run, with two strikeouts Sunday to increase his spring ERA to 30.38. He's given up nine earned runs in 2.2 innings.
Topa does have a 5:3 K:BB in 2.2 innings, so he's at least striking out batters. It's still early in the spring and Topa as a veteran may be focusing on some aspects of his arsenal. However, this isn't inspiring for his chances to earn saves in the unsettled Twins closer competition.
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Josh Hader RP | HOU
Astros' Josh Hader: Set for bullpen session Tuesday
Hader (biceps) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Hader will take the mound for the first time since he developed left biceps inflammation prior to reporting to Astros camp. While he hasn't yet been officially ruled out for Opening Day, Hader is unlikely to avoid a stint on the injured list. Bryan Abreu appears to be in line to serve as the Astros' closer at the beginning of the season.