MLB Player News

Fulmer and Brad Boxberger are viewed as the primary options at closer for the Cubs, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

It could ultimately wind up being more of a carousel, with Brandon Hughes, Rowan Wick and Adbert Alzolay also somewhere in the mix, but Fulmer has expressed a strong desire to claim the job and Boxberger boasts 82 career major-league saves. Fulmer, 29, signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago in February after working to a 3.39 ERA with 61 strikeouts over 63.2 innings last season between the Tigers and Twins. He picked up three saves along the way.

Wilson tossed 3.2 scoreless innings of relief in Monday's exhibition contest. He allowed one hit, hit a batter and posted a 2:2 K:BB in the outing.

Wilson has toed the rubber three times this spring, and he has kept the opponent off the scoreboard on all three occasions while posting a 0.71 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB over 5.2 combined frames. The 25-year-old has not found much success at the top level, but he cannot be optioned, and his strong spring could help him break camp with the big club.

Montes de Oca (elbow) will be shut down for the next 3-to-4 weeks, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Montes de Oca was diagnosed Monday with a stress reaction in his right elbow, and now there's at least some semblance of a timetable for his recovery. The ligaments in his elbow checked out fine, but he will open the 2023 season on the injured list.

Arano will be shut down for 10 days due to a right shoulder impingement, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Arano's 2022 season ended with a right shoulder strain, so this news isn't ideal. He'll be re-evaluated following his 10-day shutdown period and will undoubtedly will require a stint on the injured list to start the season.

Raley (hamstring) returned to Mets camp and played catch Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Raley had to pull out of the World Baseball Classic because of a low-grade left hamstring strain, but he's expected to be fine. The lefty won't appear in a game for at least a week, but the Mets anticipate the reliever being ready to roll on Opening Day.

The Marlins optioned Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Soriano was knocked around during his two relief appearances this spring, but he seems to have found a home in the bullpen after moving there midseason in 2022. He should push to debut in 2023.

The Nationals optioned Cronin to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Cronin earned a spot on the 40-man roster over the winter after a nice performance between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester. He'll surely debut this season.

The Nationals optioned Abbott to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Abbott has pitched well this spring but nonetheless finds himself on the outside looking in for a roster spot. He figures to serve in a swingman role again for the Nationals this season.

The Nationals optioned Weems to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Weems held a 5.22 ERA but a 41:12 K:BB over 39.2 innings for the Nats last season. He should get another shot in the big-league bullpen at some point in 2023.

Santillan (back) threw a live batting practice session Saturday, facing Will Benson and Jose Barrero, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. It was his first live session of the spring.

Santillan is targeting a return to game action by mid-April, though what role he'll have upon his return remains uncertain.