MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks designated Strzelecki for assignment Monday.

A trade-deadline pickup from the Brewers last August, Strzelecki made only one appearance for Arizona after he struggled to an 8.76 ERA and 2.31 WHIP over his 12.1 innings at Triple-A Reno following the deal. Strzelecki will be ticketed for a relief role at Reno to begin the 2024 campaign, but he'll first have to pass through waivers after Arizona moved him off the 40-man roster Monday.

The Rays optioned Kelly to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Kelly had to be kept on the Rays' roster all of last season after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, but the club is now able to send him to the minors now that they've retained his rights. The Rays typically have a constant churn among their relievers on the back end of the 40-man roster, and Kelly could be one of several hurlers who gets cycled between the big club and Durham in 2024.

Luetge is set to open the season at Triple-A Worcester after being informed over the weekend that he won't be included on Boston's Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republic reports.

Fellow non-roster invitee Joely Rodriguez ended up beating out Luetge for the final lefty reliever spot in the Red Sox's Opening Day bullpen. Though Luetge's minor-league deal with Boston contained an upward mobility clause that would allow him to opt out of his contract, the deadline for him to invoke the clause has passed, so he'll report to Worcester. Luetge had most recently spent the 2023 season in Atlanta's organization, logging a 7.24 ERA and 1.76 WHIP over 13.2 innings with the big club.

The Mets released Smith on Monday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

It's not clear whether Smith exercised an opt out or the Mets simply decided to cut him loose, but either way he's now a free agent. Smith has allowed 25 earned runs in 31.2 career major-league innings.

Burdi has won a spot in the Yankees' Opening Day bullpen, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Burdi's career has been derailed by multiple arm surgeries, but he rediscovered his triple-digits fastball this spring on his way to a 2.45 ERA and 13:4 K:BB over 7.1 innings. The 31-year-old figures to be used in low-leverage spots initially but could work his way into more meaningful situations if he pitches well and stays healthy.

Waguespack threw only two innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, an indication he may be headed for a relief role to begin the season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Waguespack is a candidate for the rotation with both Shane Baz (elbow) and Taj Bradley (pectoral) sidelined. However, his workload has decreased as spring has progressed, going from 48 and 53 pitches in his first outings to only 40 on Monday. Waguespack could fill a multi-inning relief role, though Tyler Alexander looks to be lined up for a starting job.

Alexander threw 89 pitches and completed six innings in a minor-league game Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alexander is competing for the fifth starting job for the Rays to open the season with both Shane Baz (elbow) and Taj Bradley (pectoral) sidelined. In addition to his outing Sunday, Alexander also threw five innings in a March 19 Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox. Meanwhile, Jacob Waguespack -- another contender for the rotation -- has worked significantly shorter stints.

The Cubs informed Little on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Little claimed one of the final spots in the team's Opening Day bullpen after he permitted three earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out nine over 8.1 innings during Cactus League play. The 23-year-old lefty made plenty of bats miss between the Double-A and Triple-A level (84 strikeouts in 46.1 innings) and as a September call-up (12 in 6.2 innings) last season, making him a name worth monitoring if Adbert Alzolay is unable to lock down the closer's gig or otherwise misses time at some point. At least to begin the season, Little's usage could be limited to lower-leverage spots.

The Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Wesneski struck out 12 over 11 innings this spring but also allowed 12 runs. The right-hander should join Iowa's rotation and could eventually help the Cubs either in a starting or relief role.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that Mlodzinski (forearm) is slated for a live batting practice session in the coming days, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

While he will begin the season on the injured list, Mlodzinski looks to be tracking toward a short absence as long as he continues moving in the right direction. He's been sidelined by right forearm tightness since mid-March.