MLB Player News

Leclerc allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one over a third of an inning in Thursday's spring game against Milwaukee.

Leclerc, who made his Cactus League debut, was tagged with a blown save, though that means little in the context of a spring game. Coming off a strong postseason, he is considered one of the options to close games this season. Manager Bruce Bochy has not yet identified any one reliever as his closer, nor has the manager established a pecking order, as multiple arms are being considered for endgame work.

Mantiply allowed one hit and hit two batters over a scoreless inning in Friday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Mantiply loaded the bases with one out but wriggled out of the jam by inducing a 5-2-3 double play. That he faced adversity and pitched out it is the positive spin on the left-hander's first Cactus League appearance. He's expected to occupy a spot in the bullpen to open the season, but the one-time high-leverage option needs better results to reclaim a trusted role in 2024. Mantiply recorded a 4.62 ERA with a diminished strikeout rate and increased walk rate in 2023.

Pepiot allowed three hits and walked one while striking out three across two scoreless innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Pepiot allowed three hitters to reach base in the first inning and stranded the bases loaded by striking out Davis Schneider. He pitched a much cleaner second frame to end his spring debut on a high note. Pepiot should fill an Opening Day rotation spot and will look to turn in a full season of work after an injury-plagued 2023 campaign with the Dodgers.

Herget signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Feb. 22 and received an invitation to major-league spring training.

Herget posted a 5.18 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 24.1 innings with the Reds last season. The Brewers already have a fairly deep big-league bullpen, so Herget will likely begin the new campaign in Triple-A Nashville.

Alzolay did not play in Friday's spring training game against the White Sox due to an illness, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Alzolay picked up the illness Thursday and was scratched from Friday's game and noted that his schedule will be pushed back by two days. He agreed to a one-year, $2.11 million contract in January after going to arbitration with the Cubs. Alzolay posted a 2-5 record and 22 saves last season with a 2.67 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 67:13 K:BB over 64 innings.

Weiss is currently sidelined with a tres major strain in his right shoulder, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

He's not expected to resume playing catch for another week, according to the report. It sounds likely that Weiss will begin the season on the injured list or need more time in extended spring training before he's ready for the season. Weiss was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox in February and was expected to compete for a middle-relief role.

Reds manager David Bell said Friday that Gibaut (forearm) is progressing but isn't a lock to be ready by Opening Day, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gibaut is working his way back from a pronator strain in his right forearm. While he is feeling better, he has yet to resume a throwing program. If healthy, Gibaut is projected for a middle-relief role in Cincinnati.

Cano has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut, but the Orioles are taking a slow approach with the right-hander, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Cano has done side sessions and will continue to do so for a few more days. Manager Brandon Hyde explained that Cano's heavy workload last season -- 72.2 innings -- has played a part in taking it slow with the reliever. Craig Kimbrel is expected to close games for the Orioles in 2024, but Cano is the next man up in the bullpen should Kimbrel get hurt or pitch poorly.

Swanson (personal) has returned to Blue Jays' camp, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.

Swanson was away for a few days after his son, Toby, was struck by an SUV on Sunday in Florida. Most importantly, this means Toby's condition is improving. Secondarily, Swanson can now resume his throwing program and has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day.

Matsui (back) resumed playing catch Friday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The left-hander was shut down from throwing the past few days due to back inflammation, but he's back to playing catch Friday. Matsui will likely need to stretch out his throwing distance before returning to mound work, so he should be at least a week or two away from being ready for game action.