MLB Player News

Manager Joe Espada confirmed Saturday that Ort (oblique) will begin the season on the injured list, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Ort has been out since mid-February dealing with a left oblique injury and is being brought along relatively slowly, as he only began throwing off a mound Thursday. Despite his slow progress, the Astros are still hopeful he'll be able to return before the end of April.

General manager Brian Cashman said Saturday that Beeter (shoulder) will be out "a while," Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

While Cashman's comments don't exactly offer the clearest return timeline, it doesn't seem like Beeter is expected back anytime soon. The right-hander has been battling an issue in his throwing shoulder since the start of camp and seemingly hasn't progressed past throwing bullpen sessions.

Hamilton (infection) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Hamilton was able to make his spring debut Thursday when he gave up one run on three hits and recorded three strikeouts in one inning of work. However, the Yankees will place him on the injured list to start the season, which will allow the right-handed reliever to continue building up -- likely on a rehab assignment -- before joining New York's bullpen.

Manager John Schneider said Saturday that Sandlin will be a part of Toronto's Opening Day bullpen, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Sandlin has made five appearances in the Grapefruit League, surrendering two earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over five innings. He'll likely settle into a middle-relief role to start the year, though his ability to rack up strikeouts keeps the door open for a healthy amount of high-leverage opportunities.

Yarbrough has exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Blue Jays now have 24 hours to either add Yarbrough to their roster or release him. Yarbrough pitched well last season for Toronto after being acquired via trade, posting a 2.01 ERA and 26:7 K:BB over 31.1 innings.

The Rays optioned Bigge to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Bigge has permitted just two runs with a 6:1 K:BB over seven innings during Grapefruit League action but nonetheless will begin the season at Durham. The hard-throwing righty should be back in the big-league bullpen sooner rather than later.

The Rays optioned Orze to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Orze has been excellent during Grapefruit League play, posting a 1.42 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 6.1 frames. However, he has minor-league options remaining, and the Rays will take advantage of that.

Brieske has given up four runs with a 5:1 K:BB over six innings during spring training, and he is expected to be an option to close out games for manager A.J. Hinch this season.

The right-hander recorded just one save during the regular season last year but recorded two more in the playoffs as he finished the year as one of Hinch's most-trusted relievers. Including the postseason, Brieske had a 1.91 ERA across his final 37.2 frames in 2024, priming him to fill a high-leverage role this year. Hinch isn't officially expected to name a closer in the near future, but Brieske, Tyler Holton and Jason Foley should be the main options for saves, with Foley being the early favorite after recording 28 saves during the regular season last year.

Newcomb may be the slight favorite to open the season as the Red Sox' fifth starter, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Richard Fitts will handle the fourth spot, while Newcomb looks to have a bit of an edge over Quinn Priester for the final opening in the rotation while the Red Sox deal with multiple pitching injuries. It's been an unlikely re-emergence for Newcomb, who boasts a 0.63 ERA with 13 strikeouts and three walks over 14.1 Grapefruit League innings. The lefty hasn't been used as a regular starter in the majors since 2018.

Fitts is likely to open the season as the Red Sox' fourth starter, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

With Brayan Bello (shoulder), Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Kutter Crawford (knee) all expected to open the season on the injured list, the Red Sox are needing to dip into their rotation depth. Fitts has earned the opportunity by collecting a 2.45 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six walks over 14.2 spring innings. Sean Newcomb and Quinn Priester are fighting for the final spot in Boston's rotation.