MLB Player News

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.

Curry was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Thursday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Curry held a 5.14 ERA through 14 innings this spring in the Cactus League after posting a 5.79 ERA over his first 9.1 major-league frames in 2022. The 24-year-old right-hander will serve as organizational relief depth for Cleveland leading into the 2023 campaign.

Ortega was reassigned to the Twins' minor-league camp Thursday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Ortega split time last season between the Angels and their Triple-A affiliate, racking up 33 strikeouts in 34 major-league innings alongside a 3.71 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. His spring numbers were solid too, so he will return to Triple-A and likely be one of the top candidates to be called up should the Twins need more depth in their bullpen.

Hernandez has covered five innings without allowing an earned run over three Cactus League appearances.

Hernandez has also posted a 6:1 K:BB with just three hits allowed. His workload hasn't been that heavy in the spring, but he's performed well in the limited sample. The 26-year-old right-hander looks set to fill a bullpen role as a multi-inning option this season. He struggled to a 7.39 ERA and 1.84 WHIP over 56 innings last season, but if he carries over his improved control from the spring to the regular season, he should at least enjoy a little more job security.

Barlow has allowed one earned run on six hits and a walk while striking out eight over eight innings during spring training.

Barlow is doing well in Cactus League play, and he should be at the head of a closer committee once the regular season starts. He matched his career high in innings pitched with 74.1 last season while posting a 2.18 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 24 saves, six holds and a 7-4 record. Barlow has been known to work more than just the ninth inning, and the presence of lefty Aroldis Chapman on the roster could make this a matchup-based approach. In any case, if Barlow continues to pitch well, he'll be considered for the most important moments in games.

White (shoulder) touched 94 mph during a two-inning appearance in a minor-league game Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

White threw around 40 pitches in the outing and came out of it with no issues. The hope is that his next appearance will be in a Grapefruit League game, which would be his spring debut. While White is trending in the right direction, a stint on the injured list to begin the season seems likely given how much time he's missed.

Manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Rodriguez (oblique) is not expected to be placed on the 60-day injured list, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Rodriguez will need an IL stint after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 right oblique strain, but he's already reported some improvement, so the Red Sox don't want to rule him out for two months. However, it will probably still be a little while before a clear timetable is known.

Manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Winckowski will be part of the Red Sox' Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Winckowski will fill a long-relief role while Kutter Crawford will get a spot in the rotation. Winckowski -- who is starting Thursday in Grapefruit League play -- has allowed just two unearned runs in 10 innings this spring.

Mills will begin the season on the injured list after being diagnosed with a flexor issue in his right arm Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Mills' injury had previously been referred to as elbow inflammation, but the flexor diagnosis suggests it might be a little more serious. The reliever figures to be shut down for a while before being re-evaluated.