MLB Player News

Hatch struck out one in a perfect sixth inning during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

The fact that the right-hander was being used for a short relief outing this late in camp could be a sign the Blue Jays plan to transition him to the bullpen on a full-time basis this season rather than stretching him back out to start at Triple-A Buffalo. Hatch's 9.35 ERA and 2.08 WHIP through 8.2 innings this spring are ugly, but they come with an 11:2 K:BB, and he could be an option later this season when the big-league 'pen needs reinforcements.

Norris signed a minor-league deal with the Guardians on Friday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

After being released by the Reds on Monday, the 29-year-old reliever will get a shot with Cleveland and report directly to minor-league camp. Norris put up a 5.22 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 58.2 major-league innings last season with the Cubs and Tigers, and he will likely begin the season at Triple-A.

Tate (elbow) threw another side session Friday in Orioles camp, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Tate continues to make steady progress in his recovery from a November flexor strain, but he is still expected to spend the first month of the 2023 campaign on the injured list. The 28-year-old worked to a 3.05 ERA and 60:16 K:BB over 73.2 innings of relief for Baltimore in 2022.

Vest was optioned to Triple-A Toledo by the Tigers on Friday.

Vest has struggled mightily this spring while fighting mechanical issues. He will try to get those ironed out at Toledo and could still be a key piece in the Tigers' bullpen later this season.

Leclerc struck out two over a scoreless inning in a Double-A game Thursday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc threw on back-to-back days for the first time this spring then dismissed any concerns over his decrease in velocity. "It's the same thing every year in spring training for me," the right-hander said. "But during the season, it picks up. It will be alright." Leclerc's fastball is living in the 92-93 mph range this spring after averaging over 96 mph in 2022. He remains the leading candidate to close games for the Rangers.

Duran threw a scoreless inning in Thursday's spring training loss to Toronto. Duran was hit by a line drive in his leg Sunday during a minor league game.

Duran only suffered a bruise and his leg shouldn't be an issue for Opening Day. He'll be a primary weapon in the Minnesota bullpen again in 2023, but manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't tipped his hand about his plan for the closer role this spring. While Duran may be Minnesota's best reliever, Baldelli usually runs his bullpen with disregard to the save statistic. Duran had eight saves and 18 holds with a 1.86 ERA over 67.2 innings as a rookie last year.

Alcala threw a scoreless inning during Thursday's spring training loss to Toronto to lower his spring ERA to 2.35. He's averaging 95.4 mph on tracked fastballs this spring, MLB.com reports.

After giving up two runs in his first appearance, he's thrown six scoreless innings. He has 11 strikeouts, three walks and just three hits allowed in 7.2 innings. Alcala underwent season-ending arthroscopic debridement surgery on his elbow in August but looks back to full strength this spring. He's expected to be a key setup man and could figure in the mix for saves with the Twins possibly using a committee approach.

Lange, who walked a batter in a scoreless inning during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, now has eight free passes in six innings this spring.

Lange has also struck out eight and has limited batters to a .190 average in Grapefruit League action, so he's been pretty good when he's throwing strikes. The righty has had a BB/9 of 4.0 or higher in each of his two MLB seasons, and if that continues this year, he'll be a volatile fantasy asset. However, Lange appears to be Detroit's most likely option to begin the season as the closer, so there should be fantasy value here as long as he's converting saves.

Cleavinger is expected to secure a high-leverage role in the Rays' bullpen in 2023, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Cleavinger spent the 2022 season with both the Dodgers and Rays, though he got his most consistent chances in the major leagues with Tampa Bay. He responded by delivering a 3.91 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, while also maintaining an impressive 32:7 K:BB across 23 frames. Cleavinger isn't projected to immediately factor into the mix for saves, though he could pitch in the ninth inning when the opposition has a lefty-heavy portion of their lineup due to hit.

Warren could possibly make the Angels' Opening Day roster, but he's more likely to begin the campaign in the minors, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Warren has pitched well this spring, posting a 2.25 ERA and 9:0 K:BB over eight innings. However, he lost his spot on the team's 40-man roster in January, which may hinder his ability to break camp with the club this year. Warren struggled with a 5.63 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 16 frames in the majors last season, but he was excellent as a rookie in 2021, recording a 1.77 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB over 20.1 innings.