MLB Player News

King (1-0) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out three in two innings to earn the win Friday against the Red Sox.

King entered Friday's matchup in the 10th inning and allowed the runner on second base to come across, but he remained in the game after the Yankees tied it up in the bottom half of the inning. He struck out two of the three batters he faced in the top of the 11th and was rewarded with his fourth career win. In spite of Friday's outing, the 26-year-old is expected to serve mainly in low-leverage situations in 2022.

Pagan will be part of a closer committee that could include Joe Smith, Tyler Duffey, Caleb Thielbar, Jorge Alcala and Danny Coulombe, manager Rocco Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It's not a situation where we're just going to fill that role with someone and say, 'That's how it's going to work,' " Baldelli said. "We will use the quality arms in the back end of our 'pen to match up, try to put them in position to get outs."

Baldelli is likely still sorting out his bullpen after the trade of Taylor Rogers to San Diego, so he could narrow down his options to finish games early in the season. Pagan figures to be one of his first choices, but Baldelli has ignored traditional closer patterns in managing his bullpen. Still, if Pagan starts strong with the Twins he should see consistent high-leverage work.

Duran threw two scoreless innings with four strikeouts and a walk in his MLB debut in Friday's loss to Seattle. He reached 100 mph with his fastball on six pitches. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said he plans to use Duran in the middle innings while he adjusts to the majors, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Duran gave up hits to the first two batters he faced and then struck out the side in his first inning. The 24-year-old entered the game in the fifth inning and may be used in similar lower-leverage situations in the short term, but given his dominant arsenal he could be closing games before too long.

Raley struck out the only batter he faced and earned a save over the Orioles on Friday.

J.P. Feyereisen was lifted from the game after coughing up a two-out single to Rougned Odor in the ninth inning. Raley took over and fanned Cedric Mullins on six pitches to secure the 2-1 victory. The 33-year-old southpaw posted a 1.93 ERA in four spring appearances and it looks like he'll be part of the Rays' late-inning mix to start the 2022 campaign.

Barnes didn't pitch in Friday's loss to the Yankees due to back tightness, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Although Friday's matchup lasted 11 innings, Barnes didn't enter the game. Manager Alex Cora said after the loss that the right-hander was unavailable due to his back issue. It's not yet clear when Barnes will be able to return to action.

Criswell (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday.

Criswell landed on the 10-day IL earlier this week with shoulder inflammation, and he's now been transferred to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. The 25-year-old will now be sidelined until at least the start of June and isn't guaranteed a spot in the majors once fully recovered.

Honeywell (elbow) remains shut down from throwing, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The oft-injured righty is dealing with elbow issues yet again, this time in the form of a stress reaction. He'll be re-examined sometime later this month, so it doesn't look like Honeywell will be throwing soon even in a best-case scenario.

Giles (finger) landed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Giles came into camp ready to go after missing nearly two years with Tommy John surgery, but he'll have to wait even longer to make his debut due to a tendon injury in his right middle finger. He's been shut down for a few weeks and does not have a clear timetable for his return.

Rijo (elbow) has been placed on the 60-day IL at High-A Cedar Rapids.

Rijo injured his elbow last August and had Tommy John surgery, so he's expected to miss the 2022 season.

Richan (undisclosed) was placed on the injured list at Double-A Erie on Friday, Emily Waldon of The Athletic reports.

The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but Richan will open the season on the shelf. He made eight starts for Erie last year and had a 3.72 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB over 29 innings.