MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed Wednesday that Pressly will serve as a setup man when Josh Hader is available to close games, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

When the Astros announced Hader's signing to a five-year, $95 million deal in late January, general manager Dana Brown was initially evasive when asked to define the roles of the team's relievers, though the prevailing assumption was that Hader -- a five-time All-Star -- would take over as Houston's full-time closer. Espada put to rest any thought that the Astros might opt for a two-pronged approach to the ninth inning, despite Pressly's strong track record as Houston's primary closer for the past four seasons. Pressly had already begun to show signs of skills degradation in 2023 -- his 3.58 ERA, 3.61 xERA and 21.6 K-BB% last season were all his worst marks of his five full seasons in Houston -- but the 35-year-old still profiles as a reliable setup man in front of Hader and a capable fill-in closer on the occasions Hader isn't available. Even so, the lack of reliable save opportunities moving forward largely limits Pressly's fantasy appeal to deeper leagues or AL-only leagues.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Hader will be the team's closer this season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

There didn't seem to be much doubt after Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract last month, but Espada made it official after speaking to both Hader and Ryan Pressly on Tuesday. Pressly could net the occasional save on days when Hader is unavailable, but clearly his fantasy outlook takes a major hit. Hader collected a 1.28 ERA and 85:30 K:BB over 56.1 innings while recording 33 saves for the Padres in 2023.

Alexander signed a one-year contract with the Athletics on Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Alexander is coming off a down 2023 campaign, having posted a 4.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB in 48.1 innings for the Giants. He entered last year with a career 3.00 ERA over parts of eight major-league seasons, however, so the A's will be hoping for something closer to that version. The sinkerballer will provide Oakland with a lefty relief option.

Hill was diagnosed Wednesday with a mild right lat strain, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Hill felt discomfort during a bullpen session last week and will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days. The right-hander is in camp as a non-roster invitee, and the injury probably ruins any chance he had of cracking the Opening Day roster.

Staumont (shoulder) will not be under any restrictions at the start of spring training, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Staumont underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in July but told reporters Wednesday that he's been throwing for months. It's an operation that is notoriously difficult to come back from. Staumont has posted a 6.09 ERA over 63 appearances since the start of the 2022 season.

Adam lost his arbitration case to the Rays and will earn $2.7 million in 2024, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Adam is in the second year of arbitration eligibility and asked for $3.25 million. He's turned in two excellent seasons with the Rays, and he posted a 2.98 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 12 saves and 11 holds in 2023. Adam should remain a high-leverage reliever for the team in 2024, even if Pete Fairbanks ends up with most of the save opportunities.

Krook was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Tuesday.

He's losing his spot on the 40-man roster to Jordan Groshans, who was claimed off waivers. Krook, 29, was roughed up for 11 runs over four innings during his time with the Yankees in 2023. He did collect a 1.32 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 34 innings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season in his first year as a full-time reliever, so perhaps there will be interest on waivers if a team can stomach his control problems.

Pomeranz (elbow) agreed to a minor-league contract with the Angels on Tuesday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Pomeranz has been sidelined the past two seasons with elbow issues, so he'll have to settle for a minor-league deal in 2024. The left-hander could provide some solid bullpen depth if he can stay healthy, given the 1.75 ERA he posted the last time he pitched in the majors during 2021.

Duarte cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Duarte was designated for assignment by Minnesota last week but will stick around the organization and also attend big-league spring training. The right-hander appeared in 31 games for the Reds last season and had a 3.69 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 23:20 K:BB over 31.2 innings.

Brigham signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Brigham, 32, collected a 5.26 ERA and 42:18 K:BB over 37.2 frames with the Mets last season. The veteran right-hander has managed a 4.76 ERA over 117.1 innings at the big-league level but has also fanned 121 batters.