MLB Player News

The Yankees optioned Morris to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Morris arrived in New York in December through a trade for Estevan Florial, and Morris will officially begin the season in Triple-A. The 27-year-old righty surrendered eight runs in just 6.2 innings this spring but could still pitch in the majors in 2024 if the Yankees need a fresh arm for their rotation or bullpen.

The Pirates placed Moreta (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Moreta suffered ligament damage in his right elbow during a spring game March 3, and his move to the 60-day IL officially rules him out for the first few months of the season. Moreta's roster spot will be filled by Michael Taylor, who officially signed with the Pirates on Saturday.

The Athletics designated Felipe (elbow) for assignment Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Felipe will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery Friday, and he'll now be without a spot on the 40-man. The newly-signed J.D. Davis will fill Felipe's place on the roster.

Manager Stephen Vogt said Saturday that Hentges (finger) will not throw for a few days, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Hentges will avoid throwing for the next few days while the team gathers more information about the swelling in his left finger. Hentges has struggled in spring training, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five over 4.0 innings.

Barnes struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.

The veteran right-hander entered the game for the sixth inning and fanned Francisco Alvarez and Ji-Man Choi, needing only 12 pitches (seven strikes) to breeze through the frame. Barnes signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals in late February, but he's making a good case for a bullpen spot and has retired all six batters he's faced in his two spring appearances. With Dylan Floro (shoulder) running out of time to get ready for Opening Day, Barnes might be the backup plan.

Pinto underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow earlier in March, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Pinto will miss all of 2024 and likely a large chunk of 2025 while recovering from the surgery. He got up to Double-A in 2023, posting a 3.72 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 28:12 K:BB over 29 innings with Bowie. The 23-year-old was acquired by the Orioles from the Angels in a trade in December of 2020.

Fujinami gave up three runs on three walks, a hit by pitch and three wild pitches without recording an out in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

There's no sugar-coating this one. Fujinami threw only eight of 22 pitches for strikes to begin the eighth inning, and his wild display came mainly against prospects and fringe major leaguers, with Victor Robles being the biggest name he faced. The 29-year-old right-hander carries a 13.50 ERA and 3:4 K:BB through 2.2 spring innings, and while his big fastball keeps earning him chances in MLB, he's on his third organization in two seasons and a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen is by no means assured.

Raley struck out the side in a perfect inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The journeyman southpaw played for five different MLB teams over the prior five seasons, but Raley may have found a home in the Mets' bullpen. After racking up a career-high 25 holds and 66 appearances in 2023 with a 2.80 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 61:25 K:BB over 54.2 innings, he's come into camp and fired three scoreless outings with a 5:0 K:BB. He'll compete for high-leverage work from the left side with Jake Diekman, as setup men in front of closer Edwin Diaz (personal).

Nardi walked one in a scoreless inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The 25-year-old lefty emerged as a reliable bullpen option for the Marlins last year, posting a 2.67 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 73:21 K:BB through 57.1 innings with eight wins, 17 holds and three saves, but Nardi has had trouble finding the plate in camp. He does sport a 0.00 ERA through 4.2 spring innings, but it comes with a 1:5 K:BB, and he threw just seven strikes among his 16 pitches Friday. Nardi's being counted on as the top setup man from the port side for Miami behind southpaw closer Tanner Scott, but both pitchers have dealt with control issues this spring, creating some uncertainty in the team's relief corps ahead of Opening Day.

Bender gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The 29-year-old right-hander didn't pitch at all in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery, but Bender has been healthy in camp and looks ready to resume a high-leverage role in the Marlins' bullpen. Through six spring innings, he's allowed only one run while posting an 8:2 K:BB. Tanner Scott is expected to begin the season as Miami's closer, but if he falters, Bender could work his way back into the ninth-inning mix -- he recorded six saves, plus three holds and a win, over 22 appearances in 2022 prior to undergoing elbow surgery.