MLB Player News

Chafin's availability for Opening Day is in question as he continues to receive treatment for groin tightness, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Chafin was scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League appearance Wednesday, and time is getting tight for him to get back on track and avoid a trip to the injured list. The Tigers brought Jacob Barnes back from minor-league camp Friday, which seems to be a clear sign that they're worried Chafin won't break camp with the team.

Floro (arm) continues to make progress but won't be ready to go by Opening Day, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Floro is positioned to add to his 15 career saves this season, but he won't get to add to that number right away. He's been behind schedule throughout camp due to arm soreness, and while he's scheduled for another bullpen Friday, he won't be built up in time to avoid a trip to the injured list. Anthony Bender and Anthony Bass are in the mix for the Marlins' first few save chances of the year, but it doesn't look as though Floro will miss an extended period.

Barlow allowed a run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Thursday's spring training game against the Dodgers.

Barlow allowed a run for the third time in four Cactus League appearances and sports a 9.82 ERA over 3.2 innings. He had been the presumed closer until Wednesday, when Rangers manager Chris Woodward told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com that he did not want to use the 26-year-old right-hander in that role right away. The manager cited raised expectations following a rookie season in which Barlow converted 11-of-12 save opportunities. Woodward mentioned Spencer Patton, Matt Bush and Greg Holland as candidates to serve in the ninth inning of games.

Crochet exited Thursday's Cactus League contest against the Reds with an apparent injury, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Crochet faced only two batters before suffering the apparent injury and leaving with an athletic trainer. The exact nature of the issue is currently unknown, though he reportedly showed some discomfort in his arm prior to exiting. Crochet was expected to serve as a key part of the team's bullpen in 2022, but his start to the campaign may now be delayed.

Hearn allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out one over four innings in Thursday's spring training start against the Dodgers.

Hearn had traffic on the bases in each inning but limited the damage. Texas manager Chris Woodward talked about the young lefty's maturity with Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. "He's able to deal with adversity much better," the manager said. "He's able to execute better, just in a much better place." In three Cactus League starts. Hearn has allowed two runs on nine hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 8.2 innings. With five spring training games remaining, there's one more potential start for Hearn, or the team could hold him back to follow Opening Day starter Jon Gray in the rotation. If that's the case he'll pitch Saturday, April 8, against the Blue Jays.

Lange appears on track to make the Tigers' Opening Day bullpen, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Lange made his MLB debut last season and pitched in 36 games for Detroit, recording a respectable 4.04 ERA to go with 39 strikeouts across 35.2 innings. The 26-year-old has minor-league options remaining, though it seems like he's secured his spot in the bullpen for now. Lange will probably work in front of the likes of Michael Fulmer and Gregory Soto, with the latter likely to gobble up most of the team's saves.

Vest could earn a spot in the Tigers' bullpen to begin the season, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Vest made his MLB debut last season and pitched in 32 games for Seattle, so he has experience at the top level. He may end up shuttling between Triple-A and the majors ultimately, so his fantasy value is limited unless he's able to secure a more reliable role in Detroit.

Roberts has looked sharp this spring, though he seems likely to start the season in the minors, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Roberts has logged three scoreless innings in Cactus League action with five strikeouts, and manager Davis Ross said the 24-year-old "looks like a back-end arm right now." The right-hander likely will still start the year with Triple-A Iowa, which is where he finished off his 2021 campaign. In 54 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last season, Roberts struck out 72 batters, so there is definite upside here,

Nance was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins claimed Nance off waivers Sunday after he was designated for assignment by the Cubs. He made his major-league debut in 2021, and despite a disastrous 7.22 ERA showed some promising skills by racking up 30 strikeouts across 28.2 innings. Though he'll now begin the season at Triple-A Jacksonville, Nance will likely contribute out of Miami's bullpen at some point during the season.

Effross is likely to be a member of the Cubs' Opening Day bullpen, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Effross made his MLB debut last season and pitched in 14 games for Chicago. He performed pretty well, registering a 3.68 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 18 strikeouts across 14.2 innings. Jonathan Holder, Ethan Roberts and Michael Rucker are a few of the other pitchers vying for bullpen spots in camp, though it seems like Effross has a leg up at this point.