MLB Player News

Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Topa (elbow) will remain in rehab mode during spring training and isn't expected to pitch in any Cactus League games, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Topa be ready to throw bullpen sessions by the end of spring training, but the update from Counsell implies that the right-hander will open the season on the injured list while he continues to work back from the flexor tendon injury he sustained in a Sept. 3 appearance versus the Cardinals. Topa was limited to only four relief appearances for the big club in 2021 after suffering a similar elbow injury last spring.

Reyes underwent an extensive review of his shoulder by team doctors Monday to determine whether or not he could start spring training on time, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The results of the review are not yet known. The 27-year-old finally had an injury-free season last year and recorded 29 saves with a 30.0 percent strikeout rate and a 3.24 ERA, though he also walked 16.4 percent of opposing batters. Reports from last season indicated that the Cardinals planned on Reyes pushing for a rotation role this season, but it's possible he remains in the bullpen if the team doesn't think his arm can handle the increased workload.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Monday that Alzolay is dealing with shoulder tightness and is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

A clearer timeline for Alzolay to make his season debut could begin more clear later in spring training, but the fact that Hoyer is already dismissing the possibility of the right-hander breaking camp with the club suggests he'll likely spend more than the minimum amount of time on the IL. Had he reported to camp at full health, Alzolay would have been in good shape to win a back-end rotation spot, but his absence to begin the season improves the chances of Alec Mills, Keegan Thompson and Justin Steele winning starting roles.

The Giants designated Harvey (triceps) for assignment Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

San Francisco dropped the talented but injury-prone Harvey from the 40-man roster to make room for Jakob Junis, who signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the team. The Giants put in a waiver claim for Harvey in November with the thought that he might make for a high-upside lottery ticket out of the bullpen, but he was at major-league camp for just a few days before losing his 40-man spot. If Harvey clears waivers this time around, he'll stick in the organization and presumably open the season with the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento.

Junis (shoulder) signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Giants on Monday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Junis isn't expected to be part of the Giants' Opening Day rotation if the team escapes spring training with its top five starters intact, but given the poor durability that the likes of Carlos Rodon, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood and Alex Cobb have shown during their careers, the 29-year-old Junis makes for valuable insurance. After working as a full-time starter for Kansas City from 2017 through 2019, Junis served as more of a swingman the past two years, accruing a 5.71 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 14.9 K-BB%. While those numbers aren't overly impressive, the Giants' ability to coax good results out of their pitchers in recent seasons will make Junis someone to keep an eye on if he gets a look in the rotation at any point.

Hand agreed Monday with the Phillies on a one-year, $6 million contract, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

One of the top lefty relievers who was available on the open market, Hand ultimately landed with the fourth different NL East team of his career after stops with the Marlins, Mets and Nationals. With 121 career saves on his ledger, Hand immediately becomes the most accomplished reliever in the bullpen, but because he'll be making $4 million less than fellow free-agent pickup Corey Knebel, the former could be second in line for saves. Phillies manager Joe Girardi could also choose to use the two relievers as part of a loose closer committee, with the southpaw Hand and right-handed Knebel both representing appealing options against opposite-handed hitters. While the transaction makes handicapping the Phillies' closer situation a more difficult endeavor, the offseason additions of Hand and Knebel (and longtime Mets setup man Jeurys Familia) undoubtedly strengthen the bullpen, which has been a major trouble spot for the team in recent years.

Armstrong signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Sunday that includes an invite to major-league spring training, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Armstrong made 31 relief appearances for the Rays and Orioles last year and posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 36 innings. The right-hander will compete for a spot in the Marlins' bullpen ahead of Opening Day in 2022.

Almonte signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Sunday that includes an invite to major-league spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Almonte spent the first four years of his major-league career in Colorado, and he made a career-high 48 relief appearances for the Rockies in 2021. During that time, he posted a career-worst 7.55 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 47.2 innings and blew all three of his save chances. The right-hander will earn $1.5 million if he earns a big-league roster spot with the Dodgers in 2022.

Boxberger agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Brewers on Sunday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Coming off a strong season and with 81 career saves under his belt, Boxberger could have been a closer had he landed on a different team in free agency. However, he should reprise his role as a setup man in Milwaukee, barring any trades or injuries to Josh Hader and/or Devin Williams. Boxberger logged a 3.34 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 21.8 K-BB% in 64.2 innings last season. He also chipped in five wins and four saves across 71 appearances.

Castillo (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Sunday that includes an invite to major-league spring training.

Castillo underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2021 and was cut loose by the Padres in late November. While he likely won't be cleared for game action by the start of the regular season, he'll get to rehab with the big-league squad this spring.