MLB Player News

Rodney was taken out of a Caribbean Series game earlier this week as a precautionary measure after feeling some leg tightness, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports.

This came a day after the Padres agreed to terms with Rodney to presumably get the first crack at closing for them this year. In three games this month for the Dominican Republic he has allowed three runs (one earned) and struck out five. There is no reason to believe the injury is anything serious, but it's worth noting as spring training approaches.

Hoover won his arbitration case and signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Reds on Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The Reds were hoping to only pay Hoover $1.225 million, but the arbitrators ruled in favor of the pitcher. Now that his case is over, Hoover can get back to focusing on locking down the closer job for the Reds.

Manager A.J. Preller indicated Thursday that Rodney continues to display velocity consistent with previous seasons, and appears to be the favorite for the closer job, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 38-year-old reliever struggled in the role with the Mariners last season, but was eventually moved to the Cubs and finished the season strong (0.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 12 innings). Preller said there's been "nothing promised" to Rodney, indicating he'll still need to earn the job in spring training. However, it appears he'll enter camp in the driver's spot for the role, with Kevin Quackenbush considered the top alternate to serve in that capacity should Rodney fail to impress in spring training.

Biddle (elbow) was traded to the Pirates on Wednesday, CSN Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury reports.

He was designated for assignment last week, but considering his previous status as a highly-touted prospect, it is not surprising that the Phillies received interest in Biddle. Back in 2012 he was electric at times, flashing a beautiful curveball with great shape and depth, but poor command and a fringe fastball led to him getting hit hard in the upper levels of the minors, and he now serves as a cautionary tale for prospect hounds who fall in love with pitchers with incomplete repertoires in the lower levels. That said, the Pirates might be the best developmental organization for pitchers, so this is an ideal spot for Biddle to try to salvage his professional career. This has very little fantasy impact, however, as Biddle will miss all of 2016 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in the fall, so it won't be clear what the Pirates have in him until 2017. He will likely spend all of 2016 on the 60-day DL.

Hoover might be the front-runner to win the Reds' open closer job, but he's not a sure-thing, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I'm going to wait and see," manager Bryan Price said. "I think he's certainly a front-runner for this opportunity, but I don't think I'm quite ready to be assigning roles for on the team just quite yet. We'll see what the final roster looks like coming out of spring training. He's absolutely in contention for the position."

Hoover's component stats didn't track along with his improved ERA in 2015, and skill set doesn't scream out lock-solid closer. Opportunity is the most important factor in evaluating potential closers, but ultimately Hoover will have to perform well enough to hold the job. Bid cautiously when it comes to Hoover.

Kontos agreed to a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Giants on Monday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Kontos appeared to have his best season in 2015 with career-highs in ERA (2.33) and innings (73.1). Advanced statistics told a different story for the right-handed middle reliever, however, a low strikeout rate and high percentage of men left on base indicate that fantasy owners should be hesitant to expect similar results in 2016.

Torres has been placed on waivers by the Mets, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports.

After a suitable trade was not found, the Mets decided to place the 33-year-old on waivers. Torres pitched in 57.2 innings for the Mets last season, posting a 4.68 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. His contract is not very expensive, so there is a good chance that a team looking for a veteran reliever could snatch him up while he's available.

Underwood received an invitation to spring training Friday.

The right-hander hasn't pitched a game above High-A in his career, so it's unlikely that he'll appear in the majors this season. That being said, this shows how highly they regard the 21-year-old, as not too many other players of his age and experience would be invited to major league spring training.

Biddle was designated for assignment Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

This move was made to make room on the 40-man roster for Bobby LaFromboise, who was claimed off waivers by the Phillies on Friday. Biddle, a former first-round pick and top prospect, has struggled to find his command throughout his career, posting BB/9 rates ranging from 3.42 to 5.50 over the past five seasons. To make matters worse, Biddle underwent Tommy John surgery in October and will miss the entire 2016 season. It could be a while before the 24-year-old is even on the radar for fantasy purposes.

Edgin (elbow) is expected to be ready about one month into the season, ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports.

Edgin had Tommy John surgery in March and subsequently missed the entire 2015 season. Previous reports suggested he would be ready for Opening Day, but it now sounds as if that won't be the case. Assuming he returns to his pre-injury form, he'll be a key lefty in the New York bullpen.