MLB Player News

Krehbiel has given up eight runs over 1.2 innings across his first two Grapefruit League appearances.

Krehbiel's place in the Orioles' bullpen can't be considered safe, as the team has a high number of candidates for the rotation that could begin the year as relievers. The shaky start to the spring is a concern, but Krehbiel did fairly well in a setup role last season with a 3.90 GAA, 1.23 WHIP, five wins, one save and 10 holds across 57.2 innings. With Dillon Tate (elbow) out for the first month of the season, that could give Krehbiel a chance to make the roster anyway if he can improve over the rest of spring training.

Faucher (oblique) is expected to be cleared to throw off a mound soon, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Faucher has stretched out his flat-ground throwing to 120 feet and is almost ready to take the mound the next time he throws. Assuming the reliever is able to continue progressing with no setbacks, the Rays anticipate him being ready to go for Opening Day.

Cisnero is day-to-day while dealing with a non-COVID illness, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Cisnero should be fine in a day or two, but he's been limited to just one appearance this spring due to a neck injury and now an illness. As a veteran, though, he shouldn't need too many outings to get ready for the regular season. Cisnero could factor into the saves mix this season for the Tigers alongside Alex Lange.

Puk (groin) threw off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been held back a bit by left adductor tightness but has been able to take some steps forward in his recovery. The left-hander should be cleared for games soon if he can avoid setbacks. Acquired from the Athletics last month, Puk is expected to be in the mix for saves as part of Miami's closer committee this season.

Scott (biceps) resumed throwing off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Scott has been slowed by some discomfort in his left biceps but has apparently made some progress of late. He should be cleared for game action soon and could get in enough work to be ready for Opening Day. Scott is expected to be part of the Marlins' closer-by-committee approach in 2023.

White (shoulder) will throw a 40-pitch bullpen session this weekend, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

If that goes well, he'll progress to live batting practice and eventually games. White has been slowed so far in camp due to a right shoulder impingement which has his status for Opening Day up in the air, but he appears to be moving in the right direction.

Pivetta (illness) will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday versus the Astros, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Pivetta contracted COVID-19 shortly before the start of camp and has been eased into things so far. He won't be able to pitch for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic as hoped, but the veteran right-hander is on track to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Pitching coach Josh Miller said Thursday that Blanco will get stretched out to 40-to-50 pitches this spring, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Blanco reached Triple-A for the first time in 2019 but has struggled to keep a spot on the major-league roster as a reliever. By shifting him toward longer stints on the mound, the Astros hope to give Blanco an additional path to sticking on the roster. He's pitched well early on this spring, throwing three scoreless innings while striking out six.

Merryweather stands a decent chance of securing an Opening Day bullpen role with the Cubs, particularly because he's out of minor-league options, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Merryweather was claimed off waivers back in January, and he's now competing for a role with the Cubs in spring training. The righty struggled last season with a 6.75 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 26 games with the Blue Jays, so he'd likely slot in as a low-leverage option if he makes the team, putting him off the fantasy radar for the time being.

Brazoban (personal) threw his first bullpen session in Marlins camp Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Brazoban had a delayed arrival to spring training because of visa issues, but those were cleared up this past Tuesday and he said he felt "a lot closer than I thought I was going to feel" during his first official workout with the team. The 33-year-old should be ready to fill a long-relief role for Miami come Opening Day.