MLB Player News

Manager Brandon Hyde said Sunday that Bautista will be included on Baltimore's Opening Day roster, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

There was some recent concern that Bautista wouldn't be ready to go for the start of the regular season, but the skipper put those thoughts to bed Sunday. The right-hander spent most of camp in ramp-up mode while working his way back from October 2023 Tommy John surgery, but he's been cleared after making five spring appearances. The 29-year-old recorded 33 saves with a 1.48 ERA during the 2023 regular season and should begin the campaign as the Orioles' closer.

Hanifee, Brant Hurter and Andrew Chafin are likely competing for Detroit's final bullpen spot to begin the regular season, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Hanifee is a righty, while Hurter and Chafin are southpaws, so the decision could come down to how manager A.J. Hinch decides to construct his bullpen. Even if Hanifee doesn't make the cut initially, he figures to be in the mix for MLB action at some point this year. Hanifee impressed in a small sample last year, posting a 1.84 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 29.1 regular-season innings for the Tigers.

Manager Kevin Cash announced Sunday that Pepiot will start Friday's season opener against the Rockies, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Shane McClanahan had previously been named Tampa Bay's Opening Day starter, but a triceps injury will put him on the injured list to begin the season. Pepiot is coming off his first full season as an MLB starter, and he pitched well in 26 starts with a 3.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 142:48 K:BB over 130 innings.

Moore has decided not to opt out of his contract and will begin the campaign at Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

As a veteran on a minor-league contract with over six years of service time, Moore had the option to opt out of his deal and look for an opportunity elsewhere. However, the lefty reliever appears set to accept a spot on Boston's Triple-A roster to begin the 2025 campaign. Moore suffered a forearm injury last August that ended a rough campaign with the Angels during which he posted a 5.03 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 48.1 innings. Moore didn't allow an earned run and posted a 2:2 K:BB over three innings this spring, and he'll be an option for a call-up when the Red Sox need reinforcements in their bullpen.

Hernandez will not make the Kansas City bullpen and is set to be put on outright waivers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

He's out of minor-league options and is likely to be claimed by another team. While he had a 6.97 ERA this spring with a 8:5 K:BB ratio in 10.1 innings, another team may take a chance on his near 100-mph fastball.

Marsh (shoulder) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Marsh experienced tightness in his right shoulder during his offseason throwing program and has been eased back into action this spring. He recently threw in a minor league game, so he is making progress. However, there's no clear timetable for his return.

McArthur (elbow) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

McArthur underwent surgery in the offseason to address an olecranon fracture in his right elbow. He's been throwing this spring, but there's no timetable for his return. It may take several months before he's ready to pitch in a game.

Stewart (hamstring) will begin the season on the injured list as he builds up to be ready for the regular season, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He threw 20 pitches in a minor-league game Saturday.

Stewart departed his last Grapefruit League appearance March 15 with a left hamstring issue, but he's since returned to action, most recently throwing 20 pitches in a minor-league game Saturday. Due to the time he missed in camp, however, the Twins will proceed slowly with Stewart, who could be activated to make his 2025 debut at some point in the first half of April.

Strickland signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers on Saturday.

The Rangers released Strickland from his minor-league contract Friday, but he'll make a quick return to the club. He's likely to open the season with Triple-A Round Rock, though he had a 3.31 ERA and 1.09 WHIP to go along with a 57:24 K:BB across 73.1 innings with the Angels in 2024.

X-rays on Wesneski's left foot came back negative Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Wesneski took a comebacker off his foot during Thursday's contest, but he managed to come away from the incident with no significant damage. He's slated to throw a bullpen session Sunday, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, and the right-hander should be fine to make his next scheduled outing.