MLB Player News

Pearson's chances of breaking camp on the big-league roster would improve significantly if Jordan Romano (elbow) or Erik Swanson (forearm) need to begin the season on the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The one-time top prospect appeared to be on the outside looking in for a spot in the bullpen this spring, but the Blue Jays could have one or two unexpected vacancies to fill. Pearson still wouldn't be expected to handle a high-leverage role, but a hot start to the campaign could change his usage. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted a 9:3 K:BB through seven spring innings and has been working a splitter into his repertoire in camp as a complement to his premium fastball, but ultimately Pearson's control and command will determine if he can establish himself as a reliable big-league arm.

Brentz was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain in his left hamstring Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Brentz missed all of last season due to a lat injury he suffered while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and he's now in line to be sidelined for the next six weeks. The 29-year-old southpaw was having a rough spring before getting hurt, surrendering nine earned runs in just 4.1 innings.

Ortega is returning to Houston on Tuesday to be evaluated for an elbow injury, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Ortega was claimed off waivers by Houston in late October after finishing last season on the injured list with a back strain, and he's now dealing with an elbow injury. The 27-year-old is likely to begin the season on the injured list if he requires any sort of shutdown period.

Martin (groin) was throwing 95-to-96 mph during a minor-league game Tuesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

That's right around what he averaged with his four-seamer last season, which seems like a good sign as he works his way back from a groin injury. Martin is expected to pitch in another game Friday, although it's not clear whether that will be against minor- league hitters or in a Grapefruit League contest. He's tracking toward being ready for Opening Day, and it's possible he'll be needed to close if Kenley Jansen (back) isn't ready.

Jansen's (back) next Grapefruit League appearance won't come until at least Thursday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Jansen keeps getting pushed back as he deals with a bout of lower-back stiffness. He's been limited to just one appearance this spring, having previously dealt with a lat issue. While the Red Sox are not ruling out the veteran closer for Opening Day, a trip to the injured list for Jansen is looking increasingly likely. Setup man Chris Martin (groin) is also banged up, although he pitched in a minor-league game Tuesday and looks to be trending in the right direction.

Garcia could be in the mix for save chances if Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) are unavailable at the start of the season, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

As things stand right now, the Blue Jays have not ruled Romano or Swanson out for Opening Day, but given that they're both nursing arm injuries, nothing is assured. Garcia looms as potentially next in line to close and has had a strong spring, posting a 2.25 ERA and 7:2 K:BB over eight innings. The 33-year-old notched three saves for Toronto in 2023, producing a nice 79:15 K:BB across 66 frames along the way.

With Robert Stephenson (shoulder) uncertain to be ready for game action by Opening Day, the Angels are considering whether to move Soriano to a relief role, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Soriano had been stretching out as a starter this spring, but Stephenson's shoulder issue may shift that plan, at least temporarily. Soriano posted a respectable 3.64 ERA in 42 innings as a reliever last season, though he had been primarily a starter in the minors prior to undergoing revision Tommy John surgery in 2021. Angels manager Ron Washington indicated late last week that the team still wants to see what Soriano can do as a starter and suggested that a move to the bullpen would be to "take care of need" before "thinking long term."

The Athletics announced Tuesday that Wood will start Opening Day against the Guardians on March 28, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The 33-year-old lefty worked as a swingman for the Giants last season and had a 4.33 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 74:42 K:BB over 97.2 innings, but being a veteran on a largely unproven staff makes him a logical candidate to pitch Opening Day. Wood doesn't have much fantasy upside with a 4.41 ERA across the past three seasons, especially since he hasn't topped 140 frames in any of those individual campaigns.

The Orioles optioned Zimmermann to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Zimmermann was among the candidates to fill in for Kyle Bradish (elbow) and John Means (elbow) in the rotation, but he quickly fell behind Tyler Wells and Cole Irvin in the pecking order and never made up ground. The left-hander will be part of Norfolk's rotation.

Swanson will be shut down from throwing for a day or two due to right forearm tightness, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

An MRI showed no structural damage or even inflammation, so the hope is that Swanson can ramp things back up after a day or two of rest. For now, consider the setup man day-to-day. The back-end of the Blue Jays' bullpen is suddenly in flux, as Jordan Romano (elbow) is also banged up.