MLB Player News
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Tyler Matzek RP | NYY
Yankees' Tyler Matzek: Donning pinstripes
Matzek agreed to a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Matzek reportedly impressed at a recent showcase, enticing the Yankees to extend him a contract. The veteran southpaw struggled in 2024 while with Atlanta, posting a 9.90 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 10 innings at the big-league level, but he's success in the past in the majors, having turned in sub-4.00 ERAs in three straight seasons from 2020 through 2022. His minor-league deal presumably includes an invitation to MLB spring training that will allow him to compete for a spot in New York's Opening Day bullpen.
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Garrett Whitlock RP | BOS
Red Sox's Garrett Whitlock: Facing hitters Tuesday
Whitlock (elbow) will face hitters Tuesday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.
Whitlock underwent an internal bracing procedure on his right elbow last May, but since he will be used as a full-time reliever this season, he is expected to be ready for a normal spring training and be part of Boston's Opening Day bullpen. The 28-year-old could even find himself in the mix for saves, although he is probably no better than third or fourth in the pecking order as things stand right now.
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Ronny Henriquez RP | MIA
Twins' Ronny Henriquez: Booted from 40-man roster
The Twins designated Henriquez for assignment Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
Minnesota needed to clear spots on its 40-man roster for the signings of Harrison Bader and Danny Coulombe. Henriquez, 24, has made 19 appearances at the major-league level, posting a 2.90 ERA and 24:8 K:BB over 31 innings. He does not have minor-league options remaining, which could limit his appeal on waivers.
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Steven Wilson RP | TB
White Sox's Steven Wilson: Designated for assignment
The White Sox designated Wilson (shoulder) for assignment Friday.
The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for waiver claim Brandon Eisert. Wilson posted a 5.71 ERA and 34:26 K:BB over 34.2 innings with the White Sox in 2024 and missed much of the final two months of the season with back and shoulder problems. It's not clear if he's fully recovered ahead of camp.
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Brandon Eisert RP | CHW
White Sox's Brandon Eisert: Claimed by ChiSox
The White Sox claimed Eisert off waivers from the Rays on Friday.
Eisert has now gone from the Blue Jays to the Rays to the White Sox since late January. The left-hander should have a good shot to win a spot in the Chicago bullpen, although he does have minor-league options remaining. Eisert allowed three runs over 6.2 frames during his brief time in the big leagues in 2024.
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Mason Englert RP | TB
Tigers' Mason Englert: Removed from 40-man roster
The Tigers designated Englert for assignment Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
A 40-man roster spot needed to be freed up with Jack Flaherty's deal becoming official. Englert has collected a 5.45 ERA and 57:22 K:BB in 77.2 innings over the last two seasons with Detroit. The 25-year-old has a 29.1 percent strikeout rate and 7.4 percent walk rate in the minors and has minor-league options left, so he could draw some interest via trade or waivers.
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Hayden Wesneski RP | HOU
Astros' Hayden Wesneski: Option for rotation
Wesneski is expected to begin the 2025 season in Houston's rotation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
The Astros have four clear starters in their rotation, though none of Lance McCullers (forearm), Cristian Javier (elbow) and Luis Garcia (elbow) will be ready to begin the campaign. That will open the door for Wesneski, who the club acquired as a part of the Kyle Tucker trade. Wesneski has pitched primarily as a reliever during his time in the big leagues, but he has a respectable 4.21 ERA paired with 14.8 K-BB% across 109 innings as a starter. His status could change if the Astros acquire another starter late in the offseason, though McTaggart suggested that is unlikely.
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Anthony Maldonado RP | HOU
Athletics' Anthony Maldonado: Remaining in organization
Maldonado cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas, Jason Burke of SI.com reports
After being DFA'd on Thursday to make room for Elvis Alvarado, Maldonado will officially stick around in the Athletics' farm system as organizational depth. The 26-year-old spent most of his time with the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate last season, turning in a 4.66 ERA and 1.48 WHIP across 46.1 innings.
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Matt Festa RP | CLE
Rangers' Matt Festa: Back with Texas as NRI
The Rangers signed Festa to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Festa was traded from the Rangers to the Cubs in January before electing free agency following his removal from Chicago's 40-man roster. Now he's back in Texas, where he posted a 4.37 ERA and 23:7 K:BB over 22.2 innings covering 18 appearances last season.
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Owen White RP | CHW
Yankees' Owen White: Scooped up by NYY
The Yankees claimed White off waivers from the Reds on Wednesday.
White struggled at Triple-A Round Rock in the Rangers organization last season, posting a 5.64 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 99 innings. He's just 25 and formerly a top prospect, though, so the Yankees felt he was worth a waiver claim. The righty is likely headed to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the 2025 season.