MLB Player News

Karinchak has made six appearances for Cleveland in Cactus League play, working 5.1 innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits and five walks while striking out 11.

Karinchak's ability to rack up strikeouts at a prolific rate would likely make him a top-tier fantasy closer if manager Terry Francona hands him the job, but the skipper has yet to commit to any pitcher as the primary option for saves. While Karinchak still looks like the most appealing candidate, the walk issues he's experienced so far this spring could give Francona pause. Karinchak may need to show improved control in his final handful of Cactus League appearances to stave off the likes of Emmanuel Clase, Nick Wittgren and Blake Parker for closing duties.

The Tigers optioned Lange to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday.

Lange held opposing hitters to a .167 average and struck out three over 3.1 innings this spring, but it wasn't enough for him to remain in the competition for a spot in Detroit's Opening Day bullpen. The 25-year-old will be a candidate to make his MLB debut later in 2021.

Hill (wrist) threw a bullpen session Monday consisting of 17 or 18 fastballs, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Hill was cleared to step on a mound for the first time this spring after offseason right wrist surgery delayed him through the first few weeks of camp. Manager Terry Francona suggested that Hill checked out fine during the side session, but the 26-year-old still looks like he'll open the 2021 season on the 10-day injured list.

Trivino has an unblemished ERA over his first three Cactus League appearances, having allowed just a hit and a walk while recording five strikeouts across three innings.

The 29-year-old hasn't quite regained the form he displayed during his stellar 2018 rookie campaign, but he did enjoy a somewhat resurgent 2020 that included a 3.86 ERA and career-high 28.0 percent strikeout rate across 20 appearances. Trivino's early work this spring offers reason for optimism and supports the notion that he could be an integral setup option this coming season, offering fantasy value in leagues that count holds.

The Orioles placed Harvey (oblique) on the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for third baseman Maikel Franco, who signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with Baltimore. Harvey had been the leading candidate to close for the Orioles before suffering a left oblique strain in a Grapefruit League outing last weekend. With Harvey now sidelined until at least May 16, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde will likely turn to Tanner Scott, Shawn Armstrong and Cesar Valdez as the team's primary late-inning options for the first six weeks of the season.

Patino was optioned off the active roster Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Patino is part of a large group of pitchers who could start games for the Rays this season, but he won't do so right away. It's not particularly surprising to see him open the year in the minors, as he'd only made two starts at the Double-A level prior to last year, when he jumped to the big leagues and didn't look entirely ready. He posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.85 WHIP while walking 16.5 percent of the batters he faced in his 17.1-inning debut. Patino could certainly still fill an important role for the Rays at some point this year.

The Rays optioned Honeywell (elbow) to their minor-league camp Tuesday.

Honeywell had yet to pitch for the Rays during the team's Grapefruit League slate, but he looks to be nearing the finish line in his recovery from a mid-December elbow procedure. He was cleared to face hitters in live batting practice over the weekend, so Honeywell could get the chance to test himself in a game setting before the end of the spring, as he'll still be eligible to pitch in the Grapefruit League even after his demotion. Considering that Honeywell hasn't pitched in affiliated ball since 2017 due to a slew of arm injuries, he'll likely need to stay healthy and pitch effectively at Triple-A Durham before the Rays consider adding him to the active roster.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Tuesday that Merryweather (back) should be ready to make his Grapefruit League debut soon, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Atkins also added that he envisions Merryweather filling a hybrid bullpen role, serving both as an opener and as a multi-inning reliever. Because Merryweather will need to more time to build up than a traditional one-inning reliever, he shouldn't be considered a lock for the Opening Day roster. That said, Merryweather likely won't be in store for a lengthy stay on the injured list if he fails to break camp with the big club, assuming he avoids any setbacks with his back once he's integrated into the spring pitching schedule.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said that Pearson suffered a "mild re-aggravation of his right groin" injury while throwing a bullpen session Tuesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Toronto is labeling Pearson as day-to-day, but the setback effectively eliminates any hope he had of making the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster. With Pearson out of the rotation for the time being, Atkins said that Ross Stripling "has a leg up" over Thomas Hatch and Anthony Kay for the fifth starter's role, according to Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star.

Pivetta allowed four hits, a walk and a run while striking out four over four innings in Monday's spring game against the Rays.

Pivetta had some early issues, giving up hits to the first two batters and a run in the first inning. After that, he worked around all the traffic encountered over the final three innings. Pivetta has pitched well during Grapefruit League play, allowing three runs in nine innings as he continues solidifying securing his spot in the rotation.