MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Kilian to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Kilian gave up eight hits and a walk over 3.2 innings during spring training. The 27-year-old righty owns a career 9.22 ERA and 2.01 WHIP across 27.1 MLB frames, and his 40-man spot could be in jeopardy soon.

The Cubs optioned Poteet to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Poteet struggled to find his footing this spring, giving up four earned runs over 3.1 innings. He'll head to Iowa to begin the 2025 campaign but is certainly capable of working his way back to the majors after turning in a 2.22 ERA over 24.1 regular-season frames with the Yankees last year.

The Cubs optioned Neely to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Neely allowed one earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out three batters over his two innings of Cactus League action, but the Cubs will need to see more from him in the minors before adding him to their bullpen. The 24-year-old posted a 3.26 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 19.1 innings in Triple-A last year.

The Cubs optioned Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Hollowell made just one appearance for the Cubs during Cactus League play, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two batters over one inning. He'll work as bullpen depth in the minors to open the new season.

Miller (finger) didn't throw his scheduled live bullpen session Saturday due to an illness, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Miller has been battling numbness in a finger on his left (throwing) hand recently, though that isn't what held him back Saturday. The 27-year-old southpaw will take a day or two to recover before continuing to work toward making his spring debut.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said earlier this month that Puk being left-handed "wouldn't be an issue for me" when considering his options for the ninth inning, Jack Sommers of Arizona Diamondbacks on SI reports.

The other two Arizona closer candidates -- Justin Martinez and Kevin Ginkel -- are both righties, which is the handedness managers often prefer in the role. However, it does not appear that will factor into Lovullo's decision. Puk was dominant for the Diamondbacks last season after being acquired from the Marlins, posting a 1.32 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 43:5 K:BB over 27.1 innings.

Reid-Foley (shoulder) is out of minor-league options, making him a favorite to win a spot at the back of the Mets' bullpen if he proves in spring training that he's healthy, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old right-hander is being brought along carefully in camp from a right shoulder impingement that ended his 2024 campaign early. Reid-Foley was effective in the Mets' bullpen last season when he was on the mound however, posting a 1.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 25:14 K:BB over 21.2 innings. If he sees Grapefruit League action soon, he should still have time to get ready for Opening Day.

Stanek is expected to handle eighth-inning duties alongside A.J. Minter (hip) in front of Mets closer Edwin Diaz, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Stanek didn't exactly thrive during his time in New York in 2024 after being acquired from Seattle, posting a 6.06 ERA with a win and three holds in 17 regular-season appearances, but his 23:8 K:BB over 16.1 innings was enough to convince the Mets to bring him back on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with incentives. The 33-year-old has been an effective setup man in the past, recording 38 holds with a 2.41 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 145:68 K:BB over 123 innings in 2021-22 for the Astros. If Stanek struggles in a high-leverage role this season, Reed Garrett, Dedniel Nunez (elbow) and Jose Butto are all candidates to step into his spot.

Hall (lat) said Friday he hopes to be cleared to start playing catch next week, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Hall suffering a lat strain earlier in February and appears to be nearing the end of his shutdown period. The left-hander will need to resume throwing soon to have a chance of being fully built up by Opening Day. Any additional delays could mean Hall begins the campaign on the IL.

Tarnok will be held out of game action for two weeks after rolling his left ankle, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok is in Marlins camp as a non-roster invitee. He probably wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster regardless, but this injury should seal his fate in that regard.