MLB Player News

Betances will move back into a setup role in 2017 with the Yankees' re-signing of Aroldis Chapman.

If he were getting steady saves, Betances has the strikeout ability and ratios necessary to become a top-five closer, but instead he'll be used as part of the bridge to get the ball to Chapman in the ninth inning. Even without save opportunities, Betances is a useful staff filler in many formats, but his value takes an understandably large hit as a result of Chapman's return.

Chapman inked a five-year, $86 million contract with the Yankees on Wednesday evening, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

The Yankees dealt Chapman to the Cubs before the 2016 trade deadline and he locked down the ninth inning for the eventual World Series champs. After posting an immaculate 1.01 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over 28 regular-season appearances with the Cubs, the left-handed fireballer struggled a bit in the postseason, allowing six runs over 15.2 innings. Regardless, he will retake his role as the closer for New York in the coming season, while his signing will push Dellin Betances back to a setup job.

Mantiply signed a minor league contract with the Yankees on Wednesday, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports.

He was claimed off waivers and subsequently designated for assignment by the Yankees earlier this offseason, but chose to return to on a minor league deal, rejecting a similar deal with the Tigers. Look for him to serve as organizational bullpen depth in 2017.

Lopez was traded to the White Sox on Wednesday as part of the return package in a trade that sent Adam Eaton to the Nationals, FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reports.

He had moments of brilliance after being promoted to the big leagues last year, particularly dominating the Braves in a couple starts. However, it remains to be seen whether Lopez is a starter or reliever long term. A 6-foot righty, Lopez has a lot in common with Yordano Ventura, where an 80-grade fastball helps the rest of the repertoire play up, but shaky command could limit his effectiveness in the rotation. The White Sox will undoubtedly develop Lopez as a starter, making this a win for his dynasty league owners, as the Nationals may have been able to make better use of him in the bullpen. He could be a No. 3 or No. 4 starter who strikes out a batter per inning but posts a below-average WHIP. If that does not work out, he could be a legitimate ninth inning arm. Lucas Giolito and Dane Dunning were also a part of Chicago's haul.

Colome will reportedly be part of the Dominican team at the World Baseball Classic, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays closer plans to soon start pitching in winter ball in order to be ready for his role as a potential closer for the Dominican club. Colome was a revelation for the Rays last season in the wake of former closer Brad Boxberger's multiple injuries, converting 37 of 40 save opportunities while generating an outstanding 1.91 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

Zych (shoulder) is expected to be fully ready for spring training, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Zych was operating as a late-inning reliever for the Mariners in 2016 prior to being placed on the 60-day disabled list. He posted an impressive 13.83 K/9 as well as a concerning 6.59 BB/9 over 13.2 innings. With Edwin Diaz locked in as the team's closer, Zych will likely fall into a middle-relief or occasional setup role in 2017.

Tolliver was claimed off waivers by the Astros on Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

This marks the second time Tolliver has been plucked off waivers since September, as two teams now have deemed him unworthy of a 40-man roster spot. The left-hander's numbers in the minor leagues were solid -- he struck out 42 batters and only allowed 11 runs across 40.1 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A last season -- but his lack of control will likely keep him out of high-leverage innings.

Kiekhefer was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Saturday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Kiekhefer's Mariners tenure didn't last a month, as the team opted to clear his roster spot for one of two pitchers with past track records of major league success in Casey Fien or Mark Rzepczynksi. Kiekhefer's strong minor league numbers should be able to find him a new organization, but he might have to wait a while before a return to the majors.

Weber was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

The Mariners needed to clear a space on the 40-man roster, and after being designated for assignment earlier in the week, Weber will report to the Triple-A club. The 26-year-old split time between the majors and minors last season while with the Braves organization, posting a 2.76 ERA at Triple-A but a 5.45 mark with the parent club. He'll be used as organizational depth out of the bullpen, though it's possible he gets some starting opportunities while in the minors.

Venditte cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Venditte never quite found his groove after being acquired by the Mariners from Toronto in 2016. Over seven games (13.1 innings) with the Seattle he allowed 10 runs, nine of which were earned, off 13 hits and seven walks. Although circumstances may change by the time the 2017 campaign comes around, Venditte will likely start the upcoming season with Tacoma, where he'll look to hone his subpar accuracy.