MLB Player News

Manager Matt Quatraro announced Thursday that Ragans will start Opening Day against the Guardians on March 27, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The announcement comes after Ragans surrendered two runs across 2.2 innings on 83 pitches in a Cactus League game against the Rockies on Sunday. The 27-year-old has had a bumpy spring training, but in 2024 he notched a 3.14 ERA across 186.1 innings in 32 games. This will be the ace's second Opening Day start after getting the nod in 2024.

Paddack will begin the season in the Minnesota rotation with David Festa and Zebby Matthews optioned to Triple-A, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.

Paddack showed he was healthy in his last start after suffering a head contusion when a liner deflected off his glove in his previous outing. Paddack, who didn't pitch in the majors after July last year due to a forearm strain, showed he's back to full strength this spring even if his numbers are not overly impressive. He has a 5.59 ERA with nine strikeouts and no walks over 9.2 innings this spring.

Woods Richardson will begin the season in the Minnesota rotation with David Festa and Zebby Matthews optioned to Triple-A, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.

Woods Richardson has looked sharp this spring by allowing one run in 11 innings with a 9:2 K:BB. Richardson had his first success in the majors last year with a revamped delivery and increased velocity but ran out of gas late in the season, posting a 5.91 ERA and 4.6 BB/9 in his last 11 starts.

Funderburk was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.

It's a little surprising Funderburk was sent to the minors among the first wave of cuts given the injuries to several veterans (Michael Tonkin, Brock Stewart and Justin Topa) in the bullpen. He could be called up early in the season if the Twins need another lefty in the bullpen.

Leiter (back) said he felt good during his bullpen session Sunday and expects to be ready for Opening Day, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

It was reported earlier Sunday that Leiter didn't throw his live batting practice session as scheduled, but he still ended up taking the mound. The right-hander has been slowed the past few days by the back issue but could be good to go for the start of the season.

Otanez was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement Sunday and has been shut down from throwing, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander hasn't officially been ruled out for Opening Day, but he's unlikely to be available since he suffered the injury so late in camp. Otanez is expected to fill a high-leverage role in front of closer Mason Miller once healthy. Jose Leclerc and Tyler Ferguson are likely to handle setup duties in the meantime.

Cruz was optioned by the Royals to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

Cruz had a good showing during spring training, posting a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across seven frames. The 25-year-old right-hander didn't allow a run in 5.2 big-league innings last season and could be among the first players called up when the Royals bullpen needs reinforcements.

The Royals optioned Bowlan to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

Bowlan gave up one earned run over his first six spring outings but struggled against the Reds on Saturday, allowing four runs on four hits and one walk over 1.2 innings. He appeared in 35 games (16 starts) with Omaha last season and posted a 12-4 record with a 4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 98:34 K:BB across 104 innings.

Leiter (back) did not throw his scheduled bullpen session Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Leiter was scheduled to pitch against the Tigers on Thursday, but he was scratched due to a back injury. It's unclear whether his absence Sunday morning was due to aggravating the injury. Leiter was traded by the White Sox to the Yankees in late July, and across 21.2 regular-season innings with the Bronx Bombers he posted a 4.98 ERA and 1.71 WHIP.

After tossing two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Hanifee now has a 0.00 ERA and 0.82 WHIP across 7.1 innings this spring along with seven strikeouts.

Hanifee was a pleasant surprise for the Tigers in 2024, posting a 1.84 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 29.1 regular-season innings after getting called up to the majors in early August. The righty often served as an opener and gave Detroit some length out of the bullpen. Based on his strong showing last year and impressive spring so far, Hanifee should have a roster spot locked up, and he may see more high-leverage work as the season progresses.