MLB Player News

Kowar's role moving forward has yet to be determined by the Royals, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar was part of the Royals' camp cuts Wednesday and the team is still deciding whether to deploy him as a starter or reliever. The first-round pick will stay stretched out this spring, but it's possible the organization ultimately determines he's best suited as a reliever. Kowar, 26, has struggled in both roles in the majors so far with a 9.16 ERA as a reliever and an even uglier 11.85 mark as a starter.

Chapman had his next scheduled Cactus League appearance pushed from Wednesday to Thursday due to wet conditions, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Rainstorms blew threw Arizona on Wednesday afternoon and the Royals didn't want to risk an on-field mishap with their new high-leverage reliever. Chapman, signed to a one-year, $3.75 million contract in January, has recorded eight strikeouts through four innings this spring.

The Royals optioned Castillo to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Castillo had been struggling mightily in Cactus League action this spring and can now be ruled out for an Opening Day roster spot in Kansas City. He'll presumably work out of the rotation at Omaha.

The Royals placed Zerpa (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Zerpa hasn't thrown all spring due to the left shoulder issue, which the Royals are labeling as tendinopathy. He'll be out at least the first two months of the 2023 regular season and is likely to settle into the rotation at Triple-A Omaha once healthy.

The Royals optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Kowar had surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and three walks through five innings this spring in the Cactus League. The 26-year-old carries a ghastly 10.76 ERA in 46 career frames at the MLB level.

Castillo has allowed seven earned runs over 5.2 innings across four Cactus League appearances this spring.

Castillo started spring training in the mix for a spot in the rotation, but it doesn't look like he's earned such a role through his performance. He allowed two runs on a hit and a walk over one innings in Tuesday's game versus the Mariners. Castillo is just 23 years old, so it's completely reasonable to assume he could use a little more time at the Triple-A level before making the jump full-time to the majors.

Lovelady has yet to allow an earned run over six innings across six Cactus League appearances.

Lovelady has allowed four hits and struck out eight without issuing a walk. The 27-year-old returned from Tommy John surgery late in the 2022 campaign, logging four scoreless outings between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. He has 46 appearances in the majors during his career, and he should slot into a low-leverage role in the bullpen this season thanks to his strong play in spring.

Stephan has allowed five earned runs on three hits and four walks over 2.2 innings through three Cactus League appearances.

Stephan has had a bit of bad luck -- two of the three hits he's allowed have been home runs. He was excellent at suppressing the long ball in 2022, giving up just three of them over 63.2 innings after allowing 15 homers in 63.1 innings in 2021. The right-hander emerged as a setup man to Emmanuel Clase last season, so there's not much reason to be concerned about Stephan's performance in spring training, but he could move down the pecking order if he struggles to begin the regular season.

Lange is the most likely candidate to open the regular season as the Tigers closer, Cody Stavengagen of The Athletic reports.

While he doesn't expect manager A.J. Hinch to anoint a closer anytime soon, Stavenhagen believes Lange is best suited for the role due to his stuff and demeanor. It tracks with what the common perception has been regarding the Tigers' bullpen situation following the trades of Gregory Soto and Joe Jimenez. Lange's control can evade him at times -- and it has this spring with a 5:6 K:BB over four innings -- but he has swing-and-miss stuff and no platoon split. Hinch might not settle on one guy, but Lange does seem to be the best player for fantasy managers to target.

The Rays selected Kelley's contract Wednesday and added him to their 40-man roster.

Kelley joined Tampa Bay on a minor-league deal in January and had been in line to have his contract selected shortly before spring training, but the Rays later rescinded the transaction. One month later, Kelley will now officially get a spot on the 40-man roster since Wednesday marked the first day that MLB teams can select the contracts of non-roster invitees. Kelley has a minor-league option remaining, so the Rays' decision to select his contract doesn't guarantee that he'll break camp as a member of the big club's Opening Day bullpen.