MLB Player News

Foley figures to have a prominent relief role for the Tigers this season with several key members of last year's bullpen departing in the offseason, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Gregory Soto is the most significant departure, as the lefty led the Tigers in saves last year. However, Joe Jimenez, Michael Fulmer and Andrew Chafin are also gone. That leaves the likes of Foley, Alex Lange and Jose Cisnero in a position to take on more prominent roles, though it's unclear who might emerge as the closer. Foley recorded a 3.88 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 60.1 innings in 2022. However, he only tallied 43 strikeouts in that time, so the righty doesn't profile as an overpowering pitcher, which could make him more of a setup option.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is not on the schedule to throw live batting practice this week in Angels camp, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Rodriguez is said to be rounding the corner in his recovery from November 2021 shoulder surgery, but he's obviously at least a little behind the other pitchers who are contending for the Angels' projected six-man starting rotation. The 24-year-old right-hander missed all of 2022 and likely won't be an option at the outset of the 2023 campaign given the Halos figure to continue easing him along this spring.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson suggested Wednesday that Soto (visa issues) might have to be pulled out of the World Baseball Classic, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Soto is currently part of the projected bullpen mix for Team Dominican Republic, but he has yet to report to Phillies camp in Florida due to visa complications. "At some point he's got to get into some [Grapefruit League] games before he goes to the WBC or else you're putting him at risk," Thomson said. The 28-year-old reliever was acquired from the Tigers in January and is expected to operate in a high-leverage role this season for the reigning NL champs.

Yates (elbow) threw his first live batting practice session of spring training Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Yates made his return from March 2021 Tommy John surgery in August last season, but he stayed healthy for about a month before succumbing to inflammation in his surgically repaired elbow. Fortunately for Yates, the long offseason provided ample time for him to overcome the setback, and he reported to spring training without any restrictions. Yates is only four years removed from a season in which he was arguably the game's top reliever, but now that he's in his mid-thirties and has just 15 relief appearances at the big-league level under his belt since that banner 2019 campaign with the Padres, Atlanta is simply hoping that he can serve as a dependable setup option in front of closer Raisel Iglesias.

Nelson will start the Phillies' Grapefruit League opener Saturday against the Yankees, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Nelson projects to serve as a long reliever and/or bullpen-game starter this year for the reigning NL champs, but there's always the possibility that a camp injury or two could thrust him into the Opening Day rotation. He'll probably go about two innings Saturday and build up from there.

Speas joined the Rangers for minor-league camp this week and has elected to resume his playing career after spending most of the 2022 season on the restricted list, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

During his last full season in 2021, the 24-year-old right-hander struggled to the tune of an 11.15 ERA, 2.48 WHIP and 30:26 K:BB across 15.1 innings between stops at Double-A Frisco and the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. The Rangers will likely assign Speas to a lower-level affiliate to begin the season with the hope that he can regain confidence and show improved control. A 2016 second-round draft pick, Speas is blessed with a fastball that can hit the triple digits, so he could have some developmental upside as a reliever if he's able to find the strike zone on a consistent basis.

The Reds claimed Sousa off waivers from the White Sox on Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Sousa, designated for assignment Monday, posted a miserable 8.41 ERA in 20.1 innings with the White Sox last season. Those struggles suggest he'll need to show significant improvement in camp for a shot at Cincinnati's Opening Day roster.

Waites (lat) will begin a throwing program in a week, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Waites sustained a right lat injury in early February, but his MRI showed no major damage. The right-hander will still be delayed for a bit in camp, and a stint on the injured list to begin the regular season hasn't been ruled out yet.

Barlow is working on a two-seam fastball to add to his pitch mix, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Barlow enters the year as the Royals' expected closer, though the offseason addition of Aroldis Chapman could create a committee. Rogers reports Barlow's two-seamer has been applauded by Royals hitters during camp, so the 30-year-old righty will likely continue to develop it as a fourth pitch to go with his four-seamer, slider and curveball. Barlow went 24-for-28 in saves with a 2.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 77:22 K:BB across 74.1 innings in 2022.

Stephenson is dealing with minor right elbow discomfort and is going through a modified throwing program at this stage of spring training, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Stephenson doesn't look as though he'll be ready to pitch during the first week of Grapefruit League play, but the Pirates are still seemingly optimistic that his elbow issue won't be anything that threatens his availability for Opening Day. He could resume throwing off a mound early next week if he responds well to playing catch over the next few days.