MLB Player News

Hill tossed two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Hill drew the start and looked sharp while logging 34 pitches. The righty made eight starts for the Tigers in 2022, though he'll likely start this season in a long-relief role with Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull back in the mix and Michael Lorenzen joining the team. Hill could force his way into the rotation at some point if he pitches well, however.

Zimmermann will start Monday's game versus the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Zimmermann struggled last season with a 5.99 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 73.2 innings. He made 13 of his 15 appearances as a starter, but time is running out for the southpaw to establish himself as a viable part of the rotation. He'll need a strong spring to begin the year as a starter, especially with top prospect Grayson Rodriguez looking to make the jump to the majors. It's still possible Zimmermann opens the year in the bullpen or at Triple-A Norfolk if he doesn't show improvement from 2022's poor numbers.

Jameson allowed a hit and a walk over two scoreless innings in Saturday's spring game against Oakland.

Jameson and Ryne Nelson, the two leading candidates for Arizona's fifth-starter job, started split-squad contests Saturday. After round one, Jameson has the edge, as Nelson was knocked around by the Rockies for four runs in one-plus innings.

Crochet (elbow) is raising the intensity of his weekly bullpen sessions, MLB.com reports.

Crochet had been throwing two bullpen sessions per week but with a lower level of intensity. His timeline to return from Tommy John surgery remains in mid-May, though the White Sox also clarified that the plan is for Crochet to pitch in extended spring training games before going on a rehab assignment with a minor-league affiliate.

Alcala gave up two earned runs on two hits with a walk and no strikeouts over one inning in his spring debut Saturday against Tampa Bay.

It was Alcala's first competitive game since June as he struggled with injuries last season. Alcala went on the injured list in mid-April with a sore right elbow. He experienced a setback when trying to return in June, and then underwent season-ending arthroscopic debridement surgery on his elbow in August. He had a rough spring debut, but he's likely rusty with the long layoff. More importantly, he's looked healthy early in spring. If he can work out the kinks, he's expected to be a key setup man and could figure in the mix for saves with the Twins possibly using a committee approach.

Hernandez is expected to be a reliever again in 2023, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has experience as a starter -- 21 of his 56 big-league appearances have been in that role. He struggled throughout 2022 with a 7.39 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 35:31 K:BB across 56 innings. His ability to cover multiple frames will likely make him a low-leverage option in the Royals' bullpen.

Taylor (back) will be available to pitch in Saturday's spring training game against Texas, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Taylor missed all of last season due to back issues, but the Royals acquired him from the Red Sox in exchange for Adalberto Mondesi nonetheless. If he proves his health this spring, he could be an effective left-handed reliever for the Royals this season. He recorded a 3.40 ERA in 47.2 innings in 2021.

Pacheco is dealing with elbow tightness and won't throw for the next couple weeks, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Pacheco experienced the issue during a live batting practice session. While tests reportedly revealed nothing particularly concerning, he'll nonetheless back off from throwing for now. The 24-year-old right-hander reached Triple-A Memphis for the first time last season, posting a 2.27 ERA and 32.6 percent strikeout rate in 35.2 innings.

Otto allowed two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out five over two innings in Friday's spring game against Kansas City.

Otto opened the game with a four-pitch walk to Bobby Witt, who later came around on Vinnie Pasquantino's home run three batters later. "It starts with throwing strikes," manager Bruce Bochy told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. "That's the obvious. He's got great stuff. But he's got to pound the strike zone and throw quality strikes." The right-hander started 27 games for the Rangers in 2022, but he's not expected to return to the rotation after Texas added three veteran starters during the offseason. Otto could be a candidate for the bullpen, but a roster spot is not guaranteed.

The Diamondbacks were awarded a fourth option for Martin, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

That means Martin can be sent down to the minors this season without the need to pass through waivers. Teams are sometimes given a fourth year for players who have missed large chunks of time due to injury. Martin is in the mix for a bullpen spot this year after pitching mostly as a starter during his career.