MLB Player News

Rangers general manager Chris Young said that Martin (back) will open the season on the injured list, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Though Martin is expected to make his Cactus League debut Monday against the Rockies, the reliever apparently won't have enough time to get fully ramped up before the Rangers begin their season April 1. However, assuming Martin steers clear of any setbacks Monday and in any subsequent spring appearances, he should be ready to return from the IL in the minimum 10 days.

Leclerc is dealing with elbow soreness and is expected to miss an extended period, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc was considered the likely (albeit not locked-in) closer in Texas after top competitor Jonathan Hernandez was diagnosed with a sprained UCL in early March, but he's now dealing with elbow troubles himself. It's not clear exactly when the Rangers expect him to return, but he's out of the mix for at least the early part of the season. With Brett Martin (back) and Joely Rodriguez (ankle) also set to open the year on the injured list, the battle for saves in Texas is now wide open, with non-roster invitees Ian Kennedy and Matt Bush potentially leading the pack due to their experience working in the role.

Ortiz (ankle) is listed as an available reliever for Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies.

Ortiz isn't expected to play unless the Rangers' other five scheduled pitchers exhaust their respective pitch counts, but the right-hander's inclusion on the lineup card is an indication that he's feeling healthy again after missing time early in camp with an ankle injury. He made his spring debut Friday against the Dodgers, retiring two of the four hitters he faced. The 25-year-old is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Round Rock.

Martin (back) is slated to pitch in relief Monday during the Rangers' Cactus League game against the Rockies.

Martin had been scheduled to make his spring debut March 6, but it got delayed more than two weeks after he experienced back spasms. As a result, Martin is currently behind the Rangers' other relievers, but he may only need to turn in two or three spring outings over the next week and a half to guarantee his availability for Opening Day.

The Royals reassigned Kowar to their minor-league camp Monday.

Kansas City sent several of its top prospects back to minor-league camp Monday, as Kowar was reassigned along with infielder Bobby Witt, outfielder Kyle Isbel and pitcher Daniel Lynch. Kowar will likely open the 2021 campaign at Triple-A Omaha after posting a 3.51 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 78:21 K:BB across 74.1 innings at Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2019.

Barnes struck out two over a perfect ninth inning in Sunday's spring game against Pittsburgh.

Barnes authored his fourth scoreless outing of the spring and has struck out eight over 4.1 innings. Those numbers appear to be closer worthy, but manager Alex Cora still hasn't named one. Barnes and Adam Ottavino, who has allowed one unearned run in 4.1 innings, are in the mix. Each has pitched the ninth inning of a game, and while the ninth inning of spring contests often are not against a opponent's best hitters, it does give a pitcher a chance to prepare for closing.

Pivetta allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings in Sunday's spring game against the Pirates.

Pivetta lamented his fastball command when speaking with Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "Got behind a lot of guys. It's never fun to pitch behind (in the count). So that was a bit of a negative today but made some good pitches, got some weak contact," said Pivetta. The right-hander had been sharp during his first three Grapefruit League outings before falling victim to wavering command Sunday. Pivetta will get two more spring starts to clean up whatever issues were presented Sunday.

Crochet allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Crochet is locking in a spot in the White Sox's bullpen with a strong spring. The 21-year-old left-hander has allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out six over six Cactus League innings. At this point, he's expected to be used in the last third of games, leading up to closer Liam Hendriks.

Fulmer pitched three scoreless innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

Fulmer had allowed 10 earned runs across four innings in his previous two spring appearances, so Sunday's performance was a welcome change. The righty still has a 10.00 ERA in Grapefruit League play, and he's no lock for the rotation this year, as the Tigers have some decisions to make with players such as Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and non-roster invitee Julio Teheran. Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull should have rotation spots set in stone, though the latter is expected to be out the rest of camp due to COVID-19 protocols and could miss a turn or two early in the season.

Alexander has a 3.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and six strikeouts through nine Grapefruit League innings.

Alexander has looked good this spring, and the lefty will definitely have a spot on the 26-man roster coming out of camp. The bigger question is what exactly his role will look like. Alexander has the flexibility to work as a starter and a reliever, and he did a little of both for the Tigers last season when he registered a 3.96 ERA across 36.1 innings. For now, he looks like more of a long reliever, but he could find himself in the rotation if other pitchers struggle or deal with injuries.