MLB Player News

Hoffman (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Sunday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Hoffman elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Reds in November, and he's finally secured a new deal with spring training just underway. The 30-year-old had a 3.83 ERA and 45:23 K:BB over 44.2 innings last season but missed the second half with forearm and elbow issues. The right-hander's contract includes opt outs March 28, May 15 and June 15, so he'll have options if the Twins don't add him to the big-league roster.

Santana was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Sunday.

Santana was acquired by Atlanta in November, but the club apparently put him on waivers this week. The right-hander appeared in 63 games for the Rangers last year and had a 5.22 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 54:28 K:BB across 58.2 innings.

Hill tossed two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Hill drew the start and looked sharp while logging 34 pitches. The righty made eight starts for the Tigers in 2022, though he'll likely start this season in a long-relief role with Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull back in the mix and Michael Lorenzen joining the team. Hill could force his way into the rotation at some point if he pitches well, however.

Zimmermann will start Monday's game versus the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Zimmermann struggled last season with a 5.99 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 73.2 innings. He made 13 of his 15 appearances as a starter, but time is running out for the southpaw to establish himself as a viable part of the rotation. He'll need a strong spring to begin the year as a starter, especially with top prospect Grayson Rodriguez looking to make the jump to the majors. It's still possible Zimmermann opens the year in the bullpen or at Triple-A Norfolk if he doesn't show improvement from 2022's poor numbers.

Crochet (elbow) is raising the intensity of his weekly bullpen sessions, MLB.com reports.

Crochet had been throwing two bullpen sessions per week but with a lower level of intensity. His timeline to return from Tommy John surgery remains in mid-May, though the White Sox also clarified that the plan is for Crochet to pitch in extended spring training games before going on a rehab assignment with a minor-league affiliate.

Alcala gave up two earned runs on two hits with a walk and no strikeouts over one inning in his spring debut Saturday against Tampa Bay.

It was Alcala's first competitive game since June as he struggled with injuries last season. Alcala went on the injured list in mid-April with a sore right elbow. He experienced a setback when trying to return in June, and then underwent season-ending arthroscopic debridement surgery on his elbow in August. He had a rough spring debut, but he's likely rusty with the long layoff. More importantly, he's looked healthy early in spring. If he can work out the kinks, he's expected to be a key setup man and could figure in the mix for saves with the Twins possibly using a committee approach.

Hernandez is expected to be a reliever again in 2023, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has experience as a starter -- 21 of his 56 big-league appearances have been in that role. He struggled throughout 2022 with a 7.39 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 35:31 K:BB across 56 innings. His ability to cover multiple frames will likely make him a low-leverage option in the Royals' bullpen.

Taylor (back) will be available to pitch in Saturday's spring training game against Texas, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Taylor missed all of last season due to back issues, but the Royals acquired him from the Red Sox in exchange for Adalberto Mondesi nonetheless. If he proves his health this spring, he could be an effective left-handed reliever for the Royals this season. He recorded a 3.40 ERA in 47.2 innings in 2021.

Otto allowed two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out five over two innings in Friday's spring game against Kansas City.

Otto opened the game with a four-pitch walk to Bobby Witt, who later came around on Vinnie Pasquantino's home run three batters later. "It starts with throwing strikes," manager Bruce Bochy told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. "That's the obvious. He's got great stuff. But he's got to pound the strike zone and throw quality strikes." The right-hander started 27 games for the Rangers in 2022, but he's not expected to return to the rotation after Texas added three veteran starters during the offseason. Otto could be a candidate for the bullpen, but a roster spot is not guaranteed.

Faucher is currently sidelined with an oblique injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Faucher has started playing catch in Florida, but there's no timetable as to when the right-hander will be able to return to the mound. The 27-year-old appeared in 22 games for the Rays in 2022, registering a 5.48 ERA along with a 1.69 WHIP over his 21.1 innings of work.