MLB Player News

Manager David Bell reluctantly confirmed Diaz as the Reds' closer to begin the season when asked about the matter Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. "I guess the only reason I'm hesitant to say that -- and I'm not, he's going into the season as our closer -- there are times where it's an important game and he's fully available, we might use him earlier than that," Bell said of Diaz. "He's that good."

Bell's quote is important, but his managerial tendencies are still going to be a little frustrating for fantasy players when he sees a situation where Diaz needs to put out a fire in the seventh inning. Even so, Bell's comments represent a more affirmative statement about his plans at closer than he's typically provided during his tenure as Reds manager. Diaz's ascension to closing duties comes in part due to the Reds' lack of reliable alternatives, though he certainly earned the role on merit as a rookie in 2022. The 26-year-old converted 10 of 14 save chances while providing a 1.84 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 83:33 K:BB across 63.2 innings in his first taste of the big leagues.

King (elbow) said Wednesday that he's thrown about 10 times from a mound over the past six weeks, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

King is not only throwing off the mound, but he's using all of his pitches and has already faced live hitters. The right-hander believes he'll be ready for the start of the season after missing the final two months of 2022 because of a fractured elbow that required surgery. Assuming he continues to make steady progress as spring training unfolds, King should be a strong late-inning option for the Yankees during the 2023 campaign.

Holton was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

As a result of the team officially signing Andrew Chafin, Holton was removed from the 40-man roster. The left-hander will now either get claimed by another team, be released outright or remain with Triple-A Reno, the last of which seems the most likely. Overall, Holton appeared in 10 games with the Diamondbacks in 2022, allowing three runs over nine innings while recording six strikeouts.

Nelson (elbow) will be ready for the start of spring training, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Nelson missed the final few weeks of the season while he was dealing with inflammation in his left shoulder. Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old was one of the most effective members of the Arizona bullpen, posting a 2.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 37 innings from 43 appearances. Assuming he carries his health into the start of the regular season, Nelson should be a bridge in the middle innings to Mark Melancon or whoever wins the Diamondbacks' closing job.

Sims (back) reported to spring training earlier this week and will be a full participant in camp, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims was limited to just 6.2 innings at the big-league level 2022 before undergoing season-ending surgery, and he gave up seven runs over that span. The right-hander has been an effective relief option when healthy, however, and he's expected to re-enter the high-leverage mix for Cincinnati now that he's made a full recovery from back surgery. Reds manager David Bell has named Alexis Diaz the closer, so Sims will have to settle for setup work early on.

Reds manager David Bell said Tuesday that Santillan (back) may not be ready to pitch by the start of the regular season, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Santillan is making steady progress in his recovery from the lower-back strain that he suffered last summer, but he hasn't quite returned to full strength yet. The 25-year-old right-hander projects to fill a middle-relief or setup role for Cincinnati whenever he's fit enough to do so.

Winder will be developed as a starter during spring training, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Winder was able to make 11 starts and 15 total appearances for the Twins in 2022, and while there were some flashes in his time with Minnesota, he ultimately finished with a 4.70 ERA over 67 innings of work. The right-hander will have a chance to win the fifth starting spot, but there's just as much risk in his profile -- if not more -- than there is reward.

Munoz (ankle) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

Munoz was immobilized for 12 weeks (six in a cast, six in a walking boot) following surgery shortly after the season to fuse two bones together in his right ankle. However, he began a throwing program a while ago and has now progressed to mound work. Barring any setbacks, the hard-throwing reliever will be ready to roll for Opening Day.

Alcala (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday in Twins camp, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Alcala required arthroscopic debridement surgery last August on his right elbow, but he appears to be 100 percent now and could quickly return to a high-leverage relief role this season in Minnesota. The 27-year-old boasts a 3.39 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 87.2 career major-league innings.

Padres manager Bob Melvin told reporters that Pomeranz (elbow) will likely be limited to start spring training, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz didn't pitch at all in 2022 while he recovered from flexor tendon surgery over the summer of 2021 . The southpaw has been an effective option when he's healthy, and Melvin believes that he'll be ready for the start of the season even with limitations to begin the Cactus League. In his 44.1 innings of work in 2020-21 before the injury, Pomeranz registered a 1.62 ERA and 59:20 K:BB over 47 appearances.