MLB Player News

The Royals optioned Klein to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Klein was added to the Royals' 40-man roster in November after posting a 5.66 ERA and 1.85 WHIP across 35 innings in Triple-A last season. He struck out six batters over 3.2 scoreless frames during spring training, but he will need to prove he can find consistent success in the minors before getting the call to join Kansas City's bullpen.

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

Over his three appearances in spring training, Cruz has allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks over three innings while striking out four. He'll start the 2024 season in the minors and look to work his way back into the majors later in the year.

Johnson was optioned to minor-league camp by the Orioles on Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Johnson missed most of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he ended the year healthy and made one scoreless appearance this spring before getting cut. The 25-year-old needs to make up for lost time in the minors but could push to debut at some point in 2024.

The Tigers optioned White (elbow) to Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

White has been held out of game action all spring due to elbow soreness, ending his chances of making the Tigers' Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old had a 5.09 ERA over 40.2 frames in his first taste of the big leagues last season.

Wood started a rain-shortened Cactus League matchup against the Guardians on Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk over 2.1 innings while recording five strikeouts.

The game was called due to rain in the top of the third inning, but not before Wood turned in a markedly better performance than in his Cactus League debut against the Royals last Friday. The veteran southpaw had allowed three earned runs on four hits, including two homers, and a walk over two innings in that start. However, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Wood felt much more in command while needing just 23 pitches to record his first six outs Thursday. "I was just trying to pump the zone," Wood said. "I've been working on a few things I've been trying to get reps with. I felt good. I felt like I commanded it pretty solidly today. I'm just going to keep building up and getting ready to go."

Peralta was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte by the White Sox on Friday.

Peralta allowed two runs over 3.1 innings during Cactus League action. The left-handed reliever could wind up making a good number of appearances for the White Sox this season, but he's set to begin the year at Charlotte.

Francis gave up one run on three hits and a walk over 3.2 innings while striking out five in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

The 27-year-old right-hander appears to be in the driver's seat for the Blue Jays' fifth starter role, with Alek Manoah (shoulder) looking increasingly doubtful for Opening Day. Francis faced a Detroit lineup that included most of its likely regulars and struggled early, plunking Mark Canha with the bases loaded in the first inning to bring home Parker Meadows. He settled down after coaxing a double play out of Carson Kelly to escape the frame, however, eventually leaving the mound having thrown 55 pitches (37 strikes). Through eight innings this spring, Francis has a 10:2 K:BB and hasn't given up a homer.

Stanek agreed to a contract with the Mariners on Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Stanek tallied 38 holds and a 2.41 ERA for the Astros between 2021 and 2022 but took a step back last season with just three holds and a 4.09 ERA in 55 outings. The veteran righty should fill a middle relief role for the Mariners in 2024.

Boston manager Alex Cora said Pivetta is one of two choices to start Opening Day, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. The other pitcher in consideration is Brayan Bello.

Pivetta, who was relegated from the rotation to the bullpen last May, re-established himself as a starter after adding a sweeper midseason. Over the final two months, the right-hander appeared in 12 games (seven starts) and compiled a 3.98 ERA while striking out 73 over 54.1 innings. "Nick is a workhorse. He's a strong kid," Cora said. "He has his goals, and we all know what he wants to accomplish. He worked hard in the offseason to keep getting better repertoire-wise and body-wise, and he's in a good spot." Pivetta made his second spring start Thursday, giving up two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out four over three innings in a loss to Atlanta.

Knebel (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready to pitch to begin the season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Knebel entered spring training behind schedule as he recovers from shoulder surgery, and he has yet to throw live batting practice or appear in a game. He reports feeling good in his recovery but does not have a clear timeline to return. Knebel hasn't pitched at any level of pro ball since 2022, so his ability to contribute with the big-league club remains murky.