MLB Player News

With Rowan Wick outrighted to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, Fulmer and Brad Boxberger should be the Cubs' primary options at the back end of games.

It was previously reported that Fulmer and Boxberger were viewed as the leading candidates to close, and this news should cement those two at the back of the bullpen. It remains to be seen if one of the pitchers will emerge as the primary closer. For now, fantasy managers should keep tabs on both of the veterans as the regular season approaches.

Kuhnel is likely to be on the Opening Day roster for the Reds, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Kuhnel is likely the final bullpen option with Bennett Sousa being optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Monday by the Reds. The right-hander has posted a 2.53 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP over 10.2 innings of work in the Cactus League in 10 appearances. He'll likely be a bridge to Alexis Diaz in the middle innings to begin 2023.

Sousa was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Sousa joined the Reds at the end of February after being designated for assignment by the White Sox, and he's now set to begin the 2023 campaign in the minors. He was unable to find much success with Chicago a season ago, finishing with an 8.41 ERA and 1.72 WHIP with a 12:10 K:BB across 20.1 frames, but he should be in the mix for a mid-season promotion.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters before Monday's spring game against the Angels that Hudson's knee responded better than it previously had after his most recent time on the mound, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Hudson is starting the 2023 season on the injured list because of his knee trouble, and the right-hander will remain at Camelback Ranch in Arizona rather than travel with the Dodgers for Opening Day. The right-hander could be an option for the Dodgers at some point in the middle of April and may be inline for save chances once he returns.

Weathers is likely to start the fifth game of the season for the Padres, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Acee notes how well Weathers has pitched this spring, and it's worth pointing out that the left-hander made changes to his delivery before the season that appear to have paid off. The southpaw will likely be on the bump for Monday's start against the Diamondbacks with a chance to earn more starts for San Diego if he pitches well in the early part of the season.

Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett by Atlanta on Monday.

Anderson was sent down a week ago even after pitching terrifically during Grapefruit League play, but injuries to Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) means he'll make the Opening Day roster after all. He could wind up pitching important innings for Atlanta if he can stay healthy.

Hughes (knee) is expected to open the season on the 15-day injured list, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Though Hughes was able to throw a bullpen session Monday and looks to be making solid progress in his recovery from left knee soreness, the fact that he hasn't yet resumed facing hitters with Opening Day just three days away suggests that the Cubs will err on the side of caution and stash him on the IL to begin the season. Assuming he's able to return after a minimum-length stay on the IL or close to it, the left-handed Hughes should factor into the Cubs' late-inning mix once healthy, though he may not be manager David Ross' preferred option for save situations.

The Rockies optioned Hollowell to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Hollowell missed out on the final spot in the Rockies' Opening Day bullpen, with right-hander Connor Seabold winning out in the competition. The 25-year-old right-hander is one of the team's better young relief prospects and should get a shot soon enough.

The Reds informed Law on Sunday that he has won a spot on the Opening Day roster, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Since Law had been attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee, the Reds will have to open up room for him on the 40-man roster prior to Thursday's season opener versus the Pirates. The 32-year-old journeyman right-hander likely entered spring training on the outside looking in for a spot in Cincinnati's Opening Day bullpen, but he earned a roster berth after striking out 10 while churning out a 1.23 ERA and 0.68 WHIP in 7.1 innings. Law may start the season in a middle-relief role, but if he carries over his strong run of form from spring training into April, he could quickly settle in as one of the top setup men for closer Alexis Diaz.

Hughes (knee) tossed a bullpen session Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Hughes won't be part of the pitching schedule in Monday's Cactus League game against the White Sox and may not take the mound for Tuesday's spring finale either, clouding his status for Opening Day. The 27-year-old southpaw turned in a 3.12 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 68:21 K:BB while converting eight saves over 57.2 innings as a rookie last season, and though he's expected to remain part of the Cubs' late-inning equation in 2023, Hughes may not manager David Ross' first choice to close games.