MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Alex Cora informed Kelly on Sunday that he's secured a spot on the Opening Day roster, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Kelly was solid in his cup of coffee with Boston in 2023 with a 3.95 ERA over 13 appearances and 13.2 innings, and he's done a nice job this spring with a 3.38 ERA in his eight innings of work in Grapefruit League play. The 28-year-old right-hander will be a middle-innings option out of the bullpen to open the 2023 campaign.

Solomon allowed one hit and two walks while striking out two over 2.2 scoreless innings in Saturday's spring start against the Mariners.

This was Solomon's first Cactus League appearance since March 10, as the right-hander has been victimized by rainouts and a logjam of starters needing work. He's pitched plenty on the back fields while vying for a multi-inning relief role. "There's consistency with the stuff," manager Torey Lovullo told Owen Perkins of MLB.com. "He pitches to spots, pitches to a game plan. I think there's an opportunity to see what he can do in certain situations and give us some length." Solomon was selected in the Rule 5 draft over the winter and could grab a bullpen spot. The decision appears to hinge on whether Lovullo is comfortable moving whichever young starter -- Drey Jameson or Ryne Nelson -- loses out on the No. 5 job to relief.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz is expected to start the season on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching elbow, but his ability to toss a bullpen Saturday suggests that the issue is minor. The lefty reliever didn't pitch at all in the majors last season, but he's expected to have an important role in San Diego's bullpen once he's able to throw in games again.

Devenski is staying with the Angels rather than opting out of his minor-league deal, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Devenski had the option of declaring himself a free agent since the Angels didn't add him to their 40-man roster by Saturday, but the veteran hurler has instead decided to stick with the organization. Devenski struggled mightily with an 8.59 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 14.2 innings between the Diamondbacks and Phillies last season, but he'll try to work his way back to the majors through the Angels' Triple-A affiliate.

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw 30 pitches in a live batting practice session Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

This was Rodriguez's second such session this week, as he threw 20 pitches in live batting practice Tuesday. Angels manager Phil Nevin said that Rodriguez will throw another live batting practice before potentially getting into a minor-league contest or tossing a simulated game. The right-hander is still working his way back from the shoulder surgery he underwent in late 2021 and is expected to open the season on the injured list.

Suarez will not be a part of the Opening Day roster for the Cardinals, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Suarez lost out to Andre Pallante and Packy Naughton for the final spots in the St. Louis bullpen. The left-hander will likely head to Triple-A Memphis to begin the 2023 season, and he could help the Cardinals at some point over the summer, assuming he stays in the organization.

Naughton has been informed he will be a part of the Opening Day roster for the Cardinals, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Naughton was in a battle with several arms for one of the final spots in the bullpen, and he's come out on top. The left-hander had mixed results in the Grapefruit League with a 4.82 ERA and 7:3 K:BB over 9.1 innings, but his ability to go multiple innings as a former starter likely was the determining factor. Naughton is unlikely to pitch in a role that provides much fantasy relevance in 2023.

Muckenhirn was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Mets on Saturday.

Muckenhirn was believed to have a chance to win one of the final spots in the bullpen for the Mets, but instead the southpaw will likely start the 2023 season with Triple-A Syracuse. If Muckenhirn pitches well in the International League, he could be an option for New York by the end of the 2023 campaign.

Lambert was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Sunday.

Lambert will begin the year in Triple-A after missing the majority of the last two seasons with injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2020. The right-hander will have his innings limited to begin the campaign, but he could be a rotation option for Colorado by the time 2023 comes to a close.

Bird was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Saturday.

Bird made just two appearances in the Cactus League before being moved down, and he allowed three runs -- two earned -- with two walks and a strikeout over 1.2 innings of work. The right-hander will likely be back with Colorado at some point in the season, but for now Bird will report to the Isotopes and work in the Pacific Coast League.