MLB Player News

Vest allowed six runs on four hits and two walks while not recording an out in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

It was a disastrous outing for Vest, who looked better in his spring debut Wednesday, tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. The righty should still have a key role after appearing in 59 games for the Tigers last season, though he could slide down some in the bullpen pecking order if he continues to struggle throughout the spring. Vest is likely behind Alex Lange and Jose Cisnero as a closing option at this point, so his fantasy value is limited.

Chafin allowed two runs on three walks and two hits while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's spring game against the Padres.

Chafin's off to a rocky start in the Cactus League. The left-hander has allowed four runs on four hits and walked five batters over 2.2 innings. He's part of the fluid mix of relievers that could get save opportunities. Others in that group are Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply and Mark Melancon.

The Cubs are building up Thompson slowly this spring as he adjusts to a new role as a reliever, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Thompson made his Cactus League debut Saturday and logged a scoreless inning with a strikeout. The team wanted to see how the righty responded to throwing bullpen sessions more frequently to begin spring training as they transition him into a relief role. Thompson made 17 starts and 12 relief appearances last season, recording a strong 3.76 ERA across 115 total innings. He figures to be a multi-inning bullpen option in 2023, though he's capable of making spot starts when needed.

The Cubs are easing Hughes into Cactus League action after the lefty set a career high in innings pitched last season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hughes has yet to appear in a spring contest, which is by design after he logged 57.2 innings in relief last season. That's not a particularly high number, but the converted outfielder tossed only 17 innings in the minors the year before, which was his first time on the mound as a professional. The lefty should once again be a key bullpen weapon for the Cubs, possibly closing out games, though Rowan Wick along with newcomers Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger could factor into the mix as well.

Silseth has added a new cutter to his arsenal this season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Silseth already had a variety of pitches to go to -- per Statcast, he threw five different pitches during his time in the majors last year. The cutter is new wrinkle, and he believes that it could help him against left-handed hitters, per Bollinger. Silseth dominated at the Double-A level last season, but he struggled during a call-up to the majors, posting a 6.59 ERA (5.97 FIP) over 28.2 innings. He's competing for the Angels' sixth-starter job this spring, though he'll most likely open the 2023 campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake.

Zuniga was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Zuniga signed an MLB contract in December, but has options remaining, so the right-hander will open the season in the International League rather than with the Cards. He could be a bullpen option for St. Louis at some point in 2023.

Pacheco (elbow) was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Pacheco has been slowed by arm trouble in the Grapefruit League, but was always unlikely to make the Cardinals' roster to open the season anyway. He'll provide depth for the St. Louis pitching staff in Triple-A.

Garcia was removed from Saturday's spring game with left arm tightness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Garcia allowed four earned runs and recorded just one out in Saturday's outing, and the arm issue likely played a factor. The extent of his injury is uncertain, but he figures to go undergo tests in the near future.

Clarke (lower body) is set to throw live batting practice Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Clarke's been slowed early in spring training by lower-body soreness. He's been dealing with the issue for about a week. The right-hander will likely need just one or two live BP sessions before being cleared for game action, so he'll still have enough time make an impression on manager Matt Quatraro over the next few weeks while competing for a bullpen spot.

De Los Santos is dealing with a hamstring injury and may not be ready for Opening Day, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

De Los Santos has yet to make his Cactus League debut this spring, and the severity of his injury is unknown. The right-hander enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 61:17 K:BB across 53.1 innings. If he can return to game action before the end of spring training, he should be considered likely to make the Opening Day roster.