MLB Player News

Gilbreath was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Gilbreath was in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot during camp but has yet to pitch above High-A. As a result, he'll start the season at Triple-A Albuquerque but could be considered to make his major-league debut at some point in 2021. The southpaw made eight Cactus League appearances this year and posted a 7.36 ERA and 2.05 WHIP in 7.1 innings.

Weathers remains a candidate to open the season on the big-league roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Weathers struggled in a Cactus League start against the Mariners on Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings. His numbers overall this spring, which include a 7.11 ERA and 1.66 WHIP, aren't exactly impressive, but he has struck out 15 batters in 12.2 innings. San Diego's bullpen has been hit by multiple injuries of late, so Weathers could fill a long-relief role if he makes the cut. The left-hander could also feasibly used as a starter if the Padres decide to go with a six-man rotation.

Pomeranz (forearm) threw a perfect inning in Friday's Cactus League game against Seattle, notching two strikeouts.

Pomeranz needed only seven pitches to mow down the Mariners in order after missing nearly three weeks with left forearm inflammation. The 32-year-old appears to have avoided a long-term injury and should be ready to roll as one of the Padres' most important bullpen arms on Opening Day.

Abreu was informed Saturday that he'll make the Astros' Opening Day roster as a reliever, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Abreu was ramping up his innings during Grapefruit League games but will begin the 2021 season in the major-league bullpen rather than joining Triple-A Sugar Land's rotation. The right-hander has made three appearances (two starts) this spring and posted a 3.68 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 7.1 innings. Abreu should serve as a middle reliever for Houston early in the year.

Kay exited Saturday's spring game against the Yankees due to a lower right leg contusion.

Kay started Saturday's Grapefruit League matchup and allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one in 2.2 innings. The severity of Kay's injury isn't yet known, and it's unclear whether the issue will impact his availability to begin the regular season.

Alzolay will likely be on the Cubs' Opening Day roster following a handful of moves by the team Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Brad Wieck, Shelby Miller, Pedro Strop and Trevor Megill were all sent to the minors, so Alzolay should be able to make the team, though it's unclear what his role will be. Bastian notes that Alzolay and Alec Mills could essentially split the fifth starter role, with the two working in tandem and keeping workloads more limited. That type of arrangement curbs the fantasy appeal of both players, at least until one of them potentially steps forward and grabs the rotation spot outright. Alzolay does also have a fourth minor-league option this year, an MLB arbitrator determined recently, so he could be sent down at some point even if he begins the year in the majors.

Megill was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Megill has yet to appear in the majors, and he was a long shot to make the club out of spring training. He spent 2020 at the Cubs' alternate site and finished the 2019 season at the Triple-A level, which is likely where he'll begin the 2021 campaign.

Strop was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Strop has only been able to log three innings in Cactus League play as he was delayed by COVID-19 protocols earlier in the spring, so he was facing an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster. The veteran reliever has had some good moments with the Cubs during his career and will give the team some organizational depth this season.

Payamps was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Payamps was waived and claimed four separate times this offseason but will finally find some stability with the Blue Jays organization. He's made just four career big-league appearances, so it's no surprise to see that he'll open the year in the minors.

Miller was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Miller was having a strong spring (1.00 ERA and 12 strikeouts across nine innings) and was in the mix for a bullpen spot, but the non-roster invitee will not break camp with the Cubs. The 30-year-old didn't pitch in the majors in 2020 and struggled in 2019 and 2018, so his recent track record didn't help his case. However, if Miller looks better in the minors, he could factor into Chicago's plans later in the season.