MLB Player News

Burdi agreed Wednesday with the Rays on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to MLB spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Once seen as a potential bullpen ace while he was a prospect in the White Sox system, Burdi has beset by numerous injuries in recent years and would do well just to resurface in the majors in a low-leverage role in 2023. The 27-year-old right-hander hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2021 and wasn't especially effective over his 13 innings with two of the Nationals' lower-level minor-league affiliates last season, posting a 1.38 ERA but issuing 10 walks.

Heller and the Rays agreed Wednesday on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to MLB spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Heller has previously made 31 relief appearances in the majors, but none over the past two seasons while missing extensive time due to arm-related injuries. He pitched just 8.2 innings in the minors as a member of the Twins organization in 2022 and surrendered nine earned runs on nine hits and 10 walks.

Kelley agreed to a minor-league deal with the Rays on Wednesday which includes an invitation to spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander has struggled to a 7.13 ERA in 32 career MLB appearances, including a 6.08 ERA for the Brewers in 2022 over 23.2 innings of work in 18 games. He'll have an outside chance of making the Rays out of spring training with a strong showing in the Grapefruit League.

The Mariners claimed Bukauskas off waivers from Arizona on Tuesday.

After being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Bukauskas will now get another chance to contribute to a major-league pitching staff with Seattle. Bukauskas spent the first few months of last season on the injured list, but was able to return and post a 2.79 ERA and 1.31 WHIP through 19.1 frames with Triple-A Reno. To make room for the 26-year-old reliever, the Mariners designated Alberto Rodriguez for assignment.

Ortega cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul by the Twins on Tuesday.

Ortega will remain in the organization after being designated for assignment and has been invited to major-league spring training. The 26-year-old had been a waiver claim of the Twins earlier this month.

Bristo signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bristo has been given an invitation to major-league spring training as part of the deal. The 28-year-old spent last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization, posting a 4.56 ERA and 64:31 K:BB over 53.1 relief innings. He has yet to reach the majors.

Wingenter (back) signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Sunday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Wingenter's deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, where the 28-year-old should get the chance to compete for a spot in Detroit's Opening Day bullpen. After undergoing back surgery in September 2021, Wingenter was non-tendered by the Padres and caught on with the Reds on a minor-league deal last offseason. Wingenter never ended up seeing action for any of the Reds' minor-league affiliates in 2022, but he was presumably able to pass his physical with Detroit and should report to spring training at full health. Over 73 career relief appearances in the majors, Wingenter owns a 5.14 ERA and 20.1 K-BB%.

Pruitt signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Sunday.

Pruitt hit free agency after being outrighted off Oakland's 40-man roster in November, but he's back with the organization on a minor-league deal. The 33-year-old appeared in 39 big-league games last season and had a 4.23 ERA across 55.1 innings, and he will likely receive an invitation to major-league spring training.

Martin will undergo surgery on his left shoulder next week, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Martin hit the injured list in late September with a left shoulder strain. The fact that he's only now getting surgery nearly four months later suggests the issue may have gotten worse while he attempted to get ready for the upcoming season. An exact timeline for his return has yet to be offered by the Rangers, though the lefty is expected to miss most of the 2023 season.

Peralta and the Yankees agreed to a one-year deal Saturday, avoiding arbitration.

The 31-year-old lefty is coming off a career year, as he finished 2022 with a 2.72 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 56.1 innings of relief. He saved four games and could be one of the options for saves again this season if Clay Holmes struggles or gets hurt, though the Yankees may instead want to match Peralta up against opposing team's toughest lefties. Left-handed hitters slashed just .155/.211/.211 in 77 plate appearances against him last season.