MLB Player News

Clase gave up a two-run home run in Sunday's Cactus League game versus the Royals.

Clase worked the fifth inning in this contest and ended up giving up his first two runs of the spring. The Guardians' closer posted 42 saves with an excellent 1.36 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and just three homers allowed over 72.2 innings last season, so this is likely just a blip on the radar. He'll be one of the most popular relievers in fantasy drafts, with a cutter that can top 100 mph and two straight years of ninth-inning dominance under his belt.

Bautista (shoulder/knee) will make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday against the Pirates, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Bautista and the Orioles had been eyeing Thursday for his spring debut, but that timeline was apparently moved up a couple days. It's a good sign that Bautista's shoulder and knee aren't a concern anymore, which matches reports of how his bullpens and live batting practice sessions have looked. "The Mountain" is on track to be ready to roll for the O's on Opening Day as the club's clear closer.

Tate (elbow) said he will throw 20 pitches off a full mound Tuesday, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Tate is set to take the next step forward in his recovery from a right elbow strain after he resumed throwing off a half mound last week. The 28-year-old noted that he'll throw only fastballs in Tuesday's workout, but if all goes well, he could begin to incorporate breaking pitches in his throwing sessions in the near future. Tate is set to begin the season on the injured list and could be sidelined through April.

The Athletics optioned Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Harris will head back to the Pacific Coast League for further refinement after the 26-year-old struggled in his first exposure to the level late in the 2022 season. The lefty earned the promotion to Triple-A after accruing a 1.67 ERA while striking out 48 over 32.1 innings at Double-A Midland, but he was lit up to the tune of a 6.35 ERA and 1.71 WHIP across his eight starts with Las Vegas.

Oller has generated a 1.86 ERA and 10:4 K:BB across 9.2 innings in three Cactus League appearances (two starts).

Oller has pitched to some contact -- he's allowed eight hits, including a solo home run -- but his most recent appearance saw him shut out the Dodgers on two hits over four innings while racking up seven strikeouts. The right-hander was frequently hit hard as a 27-year-old rookie last season, posting a 2-8 record, 6.30 ERA and 1.63 WHIP across 74.1 innings over 19 appearances (14 starts). However, with the starting rotation seemingly set, Oller appears ticketed for a long-relief role if he does open the season with the big-league club.

Faucher (oblique) is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Faucher has been sidelined since late February but has been throwing live batting practice for the last seven days. He'll be set for his first game action against the Twins after posting a 5.48 ERA and 1.69 WHIP across 21.1 innings in 2022.

Patino has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and three walks in three appearances in the Grapefruit League.

Patino is in consideration for a rotation spot with Tyler Glasnow (oblique) sidelined, and he's pitched well early on. He threw 2.2 scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday, an outing highlighted by strikeouts of Francisco Alvarez, Tommy Pham and Danny Mendick. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that manager Kevin Cash voiced concern over Patino consistently falling behind in the count, though he also noted that Patino made several strong pitches to work out of trouble. Josh Fleming and Yonny Chirinos are also in consideration for the fifth starter role.

Fleming is in contention for the fifth spot in the Rays' starting rotation while Tyler Glasnow (oblique) is sidelined, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming struggled in his spring training debut, surrendering six earned runs on six hits across only one inning. Since then, he hasn't allowed an earned run across six innings, maintaining a 3:0 K:BB in that span. Fleming also stretched out to three frames in his last outing, so he should be able to handle a normal starter's workload by the time the regular season begins. Luis Patino and Yonny Chirinos are also in consideration for the rotation while Glasnow remains sidelined.

Mata was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Manager Alex Cora said in February that Mata could make his MLB debut this season, though it's still not a surprise the right-hander won't be on the Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old finished the 2022 campaign with Worcester after he was promoted in August, and he could see the majors before too long if he can replicate the 3.47 ERA he posted at Triple-A last season.

The Mariners optioned Then to Double-A Arkansas on Sunday.

Then is heading into his third season as a member of the Mariners' 40-man roster, but he doesn't appear especially close to making his MLB debut. The 23-year-old right-hander covered just 12 frames in the minors between Arkansas and the Mariners' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate in 2022, making one-inning appearances in each of those outings.