MLB Player News

Peters (back) is scheduled to start Sunday's spring game against the Blue Jays, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Peters ended 2021 on the injured list with a strained lower back, but he's ready to go early in spring training for Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old was acquired by the Pirates at the trade deadline last year and pitched well in six starts with a 3.71 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 23:10 K:BB across 26.2 frames. He's a strong bet to begin 2022 in the starting rotation.

Reyes (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing for two weeks after receiving an injection in his right shoulder Wednesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Reyes is dealing with some shoulder soreness to open camp and underwent an MRI earlier this week, and it's now confirmed he won't be ready for the start of the regular season. Once cleared to start a throwing program, the 27-year-old will remain at the Cardinals' extended spring training site as he ramps up his workload. He's set to at least miss the first few weeks of the season, leaving Giovanny Gallegos and Genesis Cabrera to potentially split closing duties.

Honeywell is expected to start Friday's Cactus League opener against the Angels and pitch two innings, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander arrived in Oakland via trade with the Rays in November, and the organization will waste no time in seeing what they have in the talented, yet oft-injured, acquisition. Once one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, Honeywell missed three full seasons due to various injuries before impressing at Triple-A Durham in 2021 and subsequently logging the first three big-league appearances of his career. His exact role to open the 2022 season is expected to be fleshed out during spring training.

Gibaut signed a minor-league deal with Cleveland on Thursday, according to Fusion Sports Agency.

Gibaut spent the majority of the 2021 season in the Twins organization at Triple-A St. Paul. He pitched almost exclusively out of the bullpen but struggled to a 6.80 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. He'll have the opportunity to earn a role in Cleveland's bullpen during spring training, though he'll have to substantially improve his results to do so.

Alexander is set to start the Tigers' fifth game of spring training Tuesday against the Phillies, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Alexander is expected to begin the regular season as the team's fifth starter, but veteran Chase Anderson was also added to the mix Monday on a minor-league deal. Alexander has the ability to swing between the rotation and bullpen, though he'd certainly have more fantasy value as a starter. The lefty will be looking to make a good first impression Tuesday in an effort to secure the rotation spot.

Valdez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Angels on Thursday which includes an invite to big-league camp.

Valdez recorded eight saves for Baltimore last season but struggled overall with a 5.87 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 45:14 K:BB over 46 innings. He could earn a spot in the big-league bullpen but is unlikely to find himself in a high-leverage role for the Angels.

Gsellman signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Thursday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Gsellman recorded a 3.77 ERA with the Mets last season, but that came in just 28.2 innings as he was limited by a lat injury. It also came with a very low 14.3 percent strikeout rate. He'll compete for a spot in the Cubs' bullpen ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Iglesias will fill a conventional closer role this season and is not expected to be used for more than one inning, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Iglesias was the Angels' unquestioned closer last season, recording 34 of the team's 39 saves. That won't change this year, but what will apparently change is his usage. Iglesias recorded at least four outs in 16 of his 65 appearances last season, something which the Angels are now looking to avoid. That could slightly reduce the righty's overall workload, but his overall value shouldn't change significantly.

Pomeranz is playing catch but remains doubtful for Opening Day as he works his way back from flexor tendon surgery, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz underwent the procedure back in August. While it's a positive that he's been able to play catch, he's yet to throw off a mound. The lefty has closer upside once he's eventually healthy, as he owns a 1.62 ERA and a 33.7 percent strikeout rate over the last two innings, but injuries have unfortunately been the story throughout much of the veteran's career.

Gallegos (personal) is expected to arrive at spring training Thursday and will join the full team Friday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Gallegos was delayed slightly for personal reasons, but it appears it won't cost him more than a week of camp. The 30-year-old right-hander is expected to be part of the Cardinals' closer committee this season, with Alex Reyes (shoulder) and Genesis Cabrera also in the mix.