MLB Player News

Zuniga was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Zuniga signed an MLB contract in December, but has options remaining, so the right-hander will open the season in the International League rather than with the Cards. He could be a bullpen option for St. Louis at some point in 2023.

Pacheco (elbow) was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Pacheco has been slowed by arm trouble in the Grapefruit League, but was always unlikely to make the Cardinals' roster to open the season anyway. He'll provide depth for the St. Louis pitching staff in Triple-A.

Garcia was removed from Saturday's spring game with left arm tightness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Garcia allowed four earned runs and recorded just one out in Saturday's outing, and the arm issue likely played a factor. The extent of his injury is uncertain, but he figures to go undergo tests in the near future.

The Rockies placed Kinley (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

July 2022 elbow surgery was already expected to sideline Kinley for the start of 2023. With a stellar 0.75 ERA and 10 holds in 24 innings last season, the righty showed he absolutely belongs in the Rockies' bullpen this year once healthy. The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for reliever Brad Hand, whom Colorado signed Saturday.

Mantiply allowed one run and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Friday's spring game against the Mariners.

Mantiply hasn't allowed a run over two Cactus League outings. With Arizona's closer situation described as "fluid" by manager Torey Lovullo, Mantiply is part of crew that could get late-inning work. Mark Melancon is likely the frontrunner, but he was roughed up in his spring debut, which focuses speculation about Mantiply, Kevin Ginkel and Andrew Chafin. Mantiply had a strong season in 2022, sporting a 2.85 ERA and 22 holds; however, he blew six of eight save opportunities, as Lovullo auditioned several arms when Melancon lost control of the job.

The Rockies signed Hand to a one-year, $2 million contract Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Hand, coming off a 45-inning, 2.80-ERA campaign with the Phillies, finally has a home for the 2023 season. The Rockies don't project to win many games, but the left-hander could have some opportunities for holds and/or saves. It's unclear how built-up Hand is, or whether he'll be ready for Opening Day. The contract includes a $7 million club option for 2024.

Melancon allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two over one inning in Friday's spring game against Seattle.

Melancon made his spring debut in the fourth inning and was immediately tagged for a single and a home run. After a strikeout, the next four hitters reached base before he finished out the inning. Melancon operated as the team's closer to start 2022 before losing the job then reclaiming it again late. He'll be part of the late-game mix in 2023, although manager Torey Lovullo has said the closer role will be fluid.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez expressed concern Friday about Edwards' dip in velocity, Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reports.

Edwards said he feels fine, but all of his pitches have been down at least a couple of ticks. Maybe that's just part of a routine spring-training buildup, but Martinez told reporters that the situation would be reevaluated Saturday. Edwards was knocked around for four earned runs while recording only one out Friday in a Grapefruit League appearance against the Mets.

Brebbia allowed two runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in one inning versus Arizona on Wednesday.

Per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Brebbia was having trouble with his timing while focusing on the pitch clock, and pitching coach Andrew Bailey suggested Brebbia simply step off the rubber despite the rules limiting pitchers to two disengagements per batter. The right-hander doesn't appear to have an issue with his pace, but adjusting to the new rules is something he'll have to work out in the spring. He was a versatile option for the Giants last season, making 11 of his 76 appearances as an opener while logging a 3.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 54:18 K:BB over 68 innings. He went 6-2 and added 18 holds and four blown saves, so he should be a lock to be in the setup mix ahead of closer Camilo Doval.

Puk (groin) threw off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been held back a bit by left adductor tightness but has been able to take some steps forward in his recovery. The left-hander should be cleared for games soon if he can avoid setbacks. Acquired from the Athletics last month, Puk is expected to be in the mix for saves as part of Miami's closer committee this season.