MLB Player News
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Robert Stephenson RP | LAA
Angels' Robert Stephenson: Hits 60-day IL
The Angels placed Stephenson (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Tuesday.
Stephenson had been working his way back from a nerve issue and thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during camp, but he suffered a setback in mid-March and has now been ruled out for at least the first two months of the regular season. A timeline for his return may begin to form once he's cleared to resume a throwing program.
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Cody Laweryson RP | MIN
Twins' Cody Laweryson: Set to make bullpen
Laweryson will make the Opening Day roster in the bullpen barring any last-minute trades, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He had a 1.17 ERA and 7:1 K:BB in 7.2 innings this spring.
Laweryson was claimed off waivers by the Angels from the Twins in November, but he was later released and re-signed with Minnesota. He's likely the last man in the bullpen, but roles in the Twins relief corps remain in flux, so he could find his way into higher-leverage situations if he pitches well.
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Ben Joyce RP | LAA
Angels' Ben Joyce: Officially placed on IL
The Angels placed Joyce (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Monday.
Joyce is still on the mend from a shoulder procedure he underwent last May, so the Halos will stash him on the injured list to begin the regular season. The 25-year-old never made an appearance in the Cactus League but has been throwing off a mound, so he may not need much more than a minimum-length IL stint before he returns to the Angels bullpen.
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Enmanuel De Jesus RP | DET
Tigers' Enmanuel De Jesus: Wins bullpen spot
De Jesus will be included on the Tigers' Opening Day roster, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.
The Tigers made their final cut of the spring Tuesday by sending Brenan Hanifee down to Triple-A, ensuring that De Jesus will be in the team's bullpen to begin the season. The 29-year-old was a non-roster invitee to spring training and turned heads while pitching nine innings without allowing an earned run in the Grapefruit League. He also gave up just one earned run and struck out 11 batters across 7.1 innings while representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He'll likely begin the year in a middle-relief role, but he could quickly ascend the leverage ladder if his dominance continues.
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Brenan Hanifee RP | DET
Tigers' Brenan Hanifee: Optioned to Toledo
The Tigers optioned Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.
Hanifee was an effective member of Detroit's bullpen last year, posting a 3.00 ERA over 60 innings with the big club. He gave up four earned runs in just 5.2 innings in the Grapefruit League, however, so the Tigers will send him down to Triple-A to give him a chance to get back on track.
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Elvis Peguero RP | CHW
Orioles' Elvis Peguero: Signs two-year MiLB deal with O's
The Orioles signed Peguero (elbow) to a two-year, minor-league contract Tuesday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Peguero ended last season on the injured list with the White Sox due to a right elbow strain. The fact that he signed a two-year deal suggests he might have needed surgery, though that hasn't been confirmed. Peguero holds a career 4.26 ERA over parts of five major-league seasons.
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Nick Martinez RP | TB
Rays' Nick Martinez: Pushed back with hamstring issue
Martinez's season debut will be pushed back to March 30 in Milwaukee due to a minor hamstring injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
He had been slated to start Saturday in St. Louis but instead till get a couple extra days of rest. It's unclear how long Martinez's hamstring has been bothering him, but it could partly explain why he was lit up for 18 runs over 7.2 innings in his final two Grapefruit League starts.
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Ryan Pepiot RP | TB
Rays' Ryan Pepiot: Lands on IL with hip inflammation
The Rays placed Pepiot on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right hip inflammation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
It's an injury that seemingly came out of nowhere and will cost Pepiot at least his first couple turns in the rotation. Joe Boyle will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to slide into Pepiot's rotation slot. Manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that he does not anticipate Pepiot being sidelined long, so it could be a minimum stay on the IL for the right-hander.