MLB Player News

Otto was scratched from Saturday's scheduled start in the Cactus League with right lat tightness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

With Otto out, the Rangers will have Chase Lee start in the right-hander's place. Otto will likely need to undergo testing to make sure there's no structural damage. There should be an update on his status in the coming days.

May has registered a 9.64 ERA in five Cactus League appearances so far in spring training.

May has allowed five runs in 4.2 innings of work, but he has struck out nine while only issuing one walk. Signed to a one-year deal by Oakland in December 2022, the right-hander has a chance for saves in 2023 -- albeit for one of the projected worst teams in baseball. His role in the Athletics' bullpen has yet to be defined, so he probably won't be appealing in fantasy drafts.

Rodriguez left Saturday's Grapefruit League appearance with right torso pain, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez looked to be in significant pain when he left the outing, and was grabbing at his side. The left-hander will likely need to undergo testing to determine the severity of the injury. If healthy, Rodriguez is expected to be a middle-relief option for Boston in 2023.

Rodriguez left Saturday's Grapefruit League appearance while grabbing his hip, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez walked off the mound on his own accord, but appeared to be favoring his right hip. There should be an update on his status shortly.

Lopez is set to serve as a high-leverage arm for the White Sox this season, Jack Magruder of MLB.com reports. "He's a special talent, and he's also a special kid," said manager Pedro Grifol. "He likes the moment. He likes the stage."

Grifol swooned about how special he thinks Lopez is, having strategized against him for the past several years as the Royals' bench coach from 2020-22. The skipper indicated that bullpen usage will be determined by game situations, not a particular inning designation, so it sounds like Lopez will enter the season as part of a saves committee along with Kendall Graveman.

Lawrence was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence was signed to a minor-league contract in January with an invite to major-league camp. The right-hander gave up four runs in eight innings over four Grapefruit League appearances, and he'll be a bullpen depth option in 2023. It's unclear if he'll work as a reliever or starter with Triple-A Buffalo after starting 37 of his 48 minor-league appearances over the last two years.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Saturday that Kahnle (biceps) has been unable to resume throwing, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Kahnle is dealing with tendinitis in his right biceps, and because of soreness, the right-hander isn't able to start his throwing program. He's a lock to start the year on the injured list, and unfortunately for the Yankees' bullpen, it looks like he may not be able to join the group until the end of April at the earliest.

Romano struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning during Friday's split-squad game against the Phillies.

It's a bit odd to see a closer actually work the ninth in a meaningless Grapefruit League game, when the opposition's big-league hitters have generally already hit the showers, but Romano still carved up the minor-league batters he got to face. The right-hander has a 9:2 K:BB through 5.2 spring innings and looks more than ready for the regular season to begin. After recording 59 saves over the last two years with a 2.13 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 11.20 K/9, Romano heads into 2023 as one of the most reliable closing options available to fantasy managers.

Estevez and the Angels aren't concerned over his poor numbers this spring, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

He has walked 10 batters in 3.2 innings and has a 19.64 ERA, but the veteran righty has been experimenting with new pitches and strategies at the expense of clean innings in exhibition play. Estevez has been working more up in the zone, because the numbers say he is harder to hit up there, and he's been working on a new changeup grip while attempting to throw a harder slider. Pitching coach Matt Wise said Estevez is trending in the right direction and manager Phil Nevin said he expects Estevez to get more consistent as the start of the season nears.

White (shoulder) will throw either a bullpen session or get into a spring game in the middle of next week, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

He threw a live bullpen Thursday and the club is still determining the next step for White. Regardless, it won't be until after Tuesday's off-day that he throws again.