MLB Player News

Leclerc (neck) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc appeared in two Cactus League games before succumbing to neck stiffness. Sunday's session was his first since being shut down the middle of last week.

White is a strong candidate to make his MLB debut later this season, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

White recorded a 2.67 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 73:17 K:BB across 67.1 innings with Double-A Erie last year, and the Tigers moved him onto the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. The righty could make the jump to Triple-A this year and possibly make his MLB debut if he pitches well. White has shown an effective slider as a reliever and closed out nine games for Erie in 2022, though he likely wouldn't have a high-leverage role initially in the majors.

Heasley has allowed seven earned runs across four innings through two Cactus League appearances.

Heasley isn't exactly making a great case to be in the Royals' rotation to begin 2023. He struggled last year as well, logging a 5.28 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 70:47 K:BB across 104 innings over 21 starts. Without significant improvement in spring games, he could be sent to Triple-A Omaha or work out of the Royals' bullpen to start the campaign.

Winckowski allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four over three scoreless relief innings in Saturday's spring game against Houston.

As the injuries to projected rotation members mount, Winckowski's chances of being part of the rotation early in the season improve. Brayan Bello (forearm), James Paxton (hamstring) and Garrett Whitlock (hip) are in various stages of recovery and could miss Opening Day. If all or any of the projected starters aren't ready for the early April turns of the rotation, Winckowski, Tanner Houck or Kutter Crawford could be part of the starting staff initially. The Red Sox have a couple of off days within the first nine days of the season and could get by with four starters until April 13.

Pivetta allowed three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four over 1.2 innings in Saturday's spring start against the Astros.

Pivetta, who was making his Grapefruit League debut after being delayed due to illness, needed 43 pitches to get five outs. Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe that Pivetta's curveball and fastball were good but location was an issue. Pivetta will be part of the team's rotation, likely slotting in third behind Chris Sale and Corey Kluber.

Rodriguez (shoulder) hasn't yet thrown to live hitters this spring, though Angels manager Phil Nevin hasn't ruled him out for Opening Day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rodriguez last saw big-league action in 2021. He underwent shoulder surgery in November of that year and missed all of last season after suffering a setback while working through a throwing program. Nevin indicated that Rodriguez could see Cactus League action in "the middle of spring," and the right-hander tossed a bullpen session Friday, so he's behind the Angels' other pitchers but still in the mix for the Opening Day roster. If he does make the team, it's uncertain if it would be as a reliever or as a starter.

Vest allowed six runs on four hits and two walks while not recording an out in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

It was a disastrous outing for Vest, who looked better in his spring debut Wednesday, tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. The righty should still have a key role after appearing in 59 games for the Tigers last season, though he could slide down some in the bullpen pecking order if he continues to struggle throughout the spring. Vest is likely behind Alex Lange and Jose Cisnero as a closing option at this point, so his fantasy value is limited.

Silseth has added a new cutter to his arsenal this season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Silseth already had a variety of pitches to go to -- per Statcast, he threw five different pitches during his time in the majors last year. The cutter is new wrinkle, and he believes that it could help him against left-handed hitters, per Bollinger. Silseth dominated at the Double-A level last season, but he struggled during a call-up to the majors, posting a 6.59 ERA (5.97 FIP) over 28.2 innings. He's competing for the Angels' sixth-starter job this spring, though he'll most likely open the 2023 campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake.

Clarke (lower body) is set to throw live batting practice Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Clarke's been slowed early in spring training by lower-body soreness. He's been dealing with the issue for about a week. The right-hander will likely need just one or two live BP sessions before being cleared for game action, so he'll still have enough time make an impression on manager Matt Quatraro over the next few weeks while competing for a bullpen spot.

De Los Santos is dealing with a hamstring injury and may not be ready for Opening Day, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

De Los Santos has yet to make his Cactus League debut this spring, and the severity of his injury is unknown. The right-hander enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 61:17 K:BB across 53.1 innings. If he can return to game action before the end of spring training, he should be considered likely to make the Opening Day roster.