MLB Player News

Rogers has allowed one earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over 4.1 innings across five Cactus League appearances.

Rogers had an elevated 2.7 BB/9 over 64.1 innings between the Brewers and the Padres last year, and walks appear to still be an issue for him. Everything else is in order though, and the southpaw should be ready to take on a setup role in his first year with the Giants. Manager Gabe Kapler is likely to roll with Camilo Doval as the closer, but Rogers has reached 30 saves twice in his career, so he will be a solid secondary option for games where Doval isn't available.

The Royals optioned Castillo to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Castillo had been struggling mightily in Cactus League action this spring and can now be ruled out for an Opening Day roster spot in Kansas City. He'll presumably work out of the rotation at Omaha.

The Royals placed Zerpa (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Zerpa hasn't thrown all spring due to the left shoulder issue, which the Royals are labeling as tendinopathy. He'll be out at least the first two months of the 2023 regular season and is likely to settle into the rotation at Triple-A Omaha once healthy.

The Royals optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Kowar had surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and three walks through five innings this spring in the Cactus League. The 26-year-old carries a ghastly 10.76 ERA in 46 career frames at the MLB level.

Castillo has allowed seven earned runs over 5.2 innings across four Cactus League appearances this spring.

Castillo started spring training in the mix for a spot in the rotation, but it doesn't look like he's earned such a role through his performance. He allowed two runs on a hit and a walk over one innings in Tuesday's game versus the Mariners. Castillo is just 23 years old, so it's completely reasonable to assume he could use a little more time at the Triple-A level before making the jump full-time to the majors.

Lovelady has yet to allow an earned run over six innings across six Cactus League appearances.

Lovelady has allowed four hits and struck out eight without issuing a walk. The 27-year-old returned from Tommy John surgery late in the 2022 campaign, logging four scoreless outings between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. He has 46 appearances in the majors during his career, and he should slot into a low-leverage role in the bullpen this season thanks to his strong play in spring.

The Marlins placed Bender (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Bender underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in late September and will miss the entire 2023 season. Garrett Hampson has been added to Miami's 40-man roster in a corresponding move.

Stephan has allowed five earned runs on three hits and four walks over 2.2 innings through three Cactus League appearances.

Stephan has had a bit of bad luck -- two of the three hits he's allowed have been home runs. He was excellent at suppressing the long ball in 2022, giving up just three of them over 63.2 innings after allowing 15 homers in 63.1 innings in 2021. The right-hander emerged as a setup man to Emmanuel Clase last season, so there's not much reason to be concerned about Stephan's performance in spring training, but he could move down the pecking order if he struggles to begin the regular season.

The Mets announced Wednesday that Coonrod has been diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

The team hasn't provided a timetable, but the injury is one that could conceivably keep Coonrod sidelined for months. The right-hander had been pitching well this spring and seemed to have a good shot to win a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen, but his expected extended absence creates an opening for another arm.

Lange is the most likely candidate to open the regular season as the Tigers closer, Cody Stavengagen of The Athletic reports.

While he doesn't expect manager A.J. Hinch to anoint a closer anytime soon, Stavenhagen believes Lange is best suited for the role due to his stuff and demeanor. It tracks with what the common perception has been regarding the Tigers' bullpen situation following the trades of Gregory Soto and Joe Jimenez. Lange's control can evade him at times -- and it has this spring with a 5:6 K:BB over four innings -- but he has swing-and-miss stuff and no platoon split. Hinch might not settle on one guy, but Lange does seem to be the best player for fantasy managers to target.