MLB Player News

Beede elected free agency Oct. 6.

Beede found little success at the big-league level in 2022 between stints with the Giants and Pirates, submitting a 5.14 ERA and 1.63 WHIP while striking out just 39 batters over 61.1 innings. Though Beede once had some pedigree as a prospect, he's set to turn 30 years old in May and doesn't have much of a track record at the big-league level to fall back on. With that in mind, Beede might have to settle for a minor-league deal in free agency this winter.

Peters elected free agency Oct. 6.

The 30-year-old lefty will presumably have to settle for a minor-league deal in free agency this winter. He logged 22 appearances (four starts) for Pittsburgh in 2022, submitting a 4.58 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 26:17 K:BB in 39.1 innings.

Rodriguez elected free agency Oct. 6 following the conclusion of the season.

Rodriguez was summoned from the minors in April and September, making one appearance for Minnesota during both of his brief call-up periods while giving up five runs (three earned) over 7.2 total innings. The 30-year-old right-hander will be looking to land a minor-league deal with the Twins or another organization this winter.

Smeltzer elected free agency Tuesday after clearing outright waivers.

Smeltzer has been with the Twins since being acquired from the Dodgers in the July 2018 deal that sent infielder Brian Dozier to Los Angeles, but he may try his luck with a new organization now that he's on the open market for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old lefty made 15 appearances (12 starts) at the big-league level in 2022, going 5-2 with a 3.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB in 70.1 innings.

Jackson (elbow) revealed Wednesday via his personal Twitter account that he resumed throwing for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery April 13.

Jackson will likely be limited to playing catch while gradually extending his throwing distance off flat ground, but he could be ready to resume mound work at some point later this winter. He'll still face restrictions at the start of spring training, but he could avoid a stint on the 60-day injured list to begin the 2023 campaign if his team confident he's far enough along in his recovery to return at some point in the first two months of the season. Jackson will first look to secure a contract with Atlanta or another squad, as he's set to become an unrestricted free agent this winter.

Uribe (knee) has struck out three and scattered four hits and no walks across three scoreless innings through his first three appearances in the Arizona Fall League.

Uribe is back in action after missing nearly all of the 2022 minor-league campaign due to the torn meniscus in his left knee that he suffered in April. After a prolonged recovery from surgery, the 22-year-old right-hander looks to have regained his velocity, with Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com noting that Uribe's fastball has occasionally touched triple digits. Uribe is likely to open the 2023 season at Double-A Biloxi, but he could surface as an option in the big-league bullpen during the second half if health prevails.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Matzek (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Earlier this week, Matzek was removed from Atlanta's roster ahead of the National League Division Series with the Phillies due to elbow discomfort, and follow-up tests evidently determined that the southpaw would need reconstructive surgery to address the issue. Even if Matzek meets the short end of the 12-to-16-month recovery timeline typical for Tommy John surgeries, he won't be available to pitch for Atlanta until at least the spring of 2024, when he'll be 33 years old. Matzek was a key piece out of the bullpen for Atlanta during last season's World Series run, but he had taken a slight step back during the 2022 campaign, logging a 3.50 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 36:29 K:BB over 43.2 innings.

Ward was removed from his start Monday in the Arizona Fall League due to side discomfort, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

While the side injury might be significant enough to keep Ward out for the remainder of the AFL slate, the Red Sox are likely just relieved that the right-hander isn't dealing with any arm-related setbacks after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2021. Due to his prolonged recovery from the elbow procedure, Ward made just seven starts for Double-A Portland this season and was expected to pick up more innings in the AFL. The 25-year-old is expected to either return to Portland to begin the 2023 campaign or join the Triple-A Worcester rotation.

Smeltzer was placed on outright waivers by the Twins on Tuesday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Smeltzer spent the majority of the 2022 season with the Twins, and he maintained a respectable 3.71 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 70.1 innings. However, his contact-heavy approach resulted in some inconsistent performances, as he allowed six or more earned runs in two of his 12 starts. Smeltzer will now be subjected to waivers and could find a new club relatively quickly.

Reed was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

After a 2022 season that saw Reed record a 7.02 ERA while bouncing between three different teams, he has now been cast off Baltimore's 40-man roster to make room for Jake Cave. Unless he is claimed by another team, Reed will almost certainly begin 2023 in Triple-A where he had a respectable 3.37 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 21.1 innings.