MLB Player News

Rangers general manager Chris Young said that Martin (back) will open the season on the injured list, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Though Martin is expected to make his Cactus League debut Monday against the Rockies, the reliever apparently won't have enough time to get fully ramped up before the Rangers begin their season April 1. However, assuming Martin steers clear of any setbacks Monday and in any subsequent spring appearances, he should be ready to return from the IL in the minimum 10 days.

Leclerc is dealing with elbow soreness and is expected to miss an extended period, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc was considered the likely (albeit not locked-in) closer in Texas after top competitor Jonathan Hernandez was diagnosed with a sprained UCL in early March, but he's now dealing with elbow troubles himself. It's not clear exactly when the Rangers expect him to return, but he's out of the mix for at least the early part of the season. With Brett Martin (back) and Joely Rodriguez (ankle) also set to open the year on the injured list, the battle for saves in Texas is now wide open, with non-roster invitees Ian Kennedy and Matt Bush potentially leading the pack due to their experience working in the role.

Ortiz (ankle) is listed as an available reliever for Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies.

Ortiz isn't expected to play unless the Rangers' other five scheduled pitchers exhaust their respective pitch counts, but the right-hander's inclusion on the lineup card is an indication that he's feeling healthy again after missing time early in camp with an ankle injury. He made his spring debut Friday against the Dodgers, retiring two of the four hitters he faced. The 25-year-old is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Round Rock.

Martin (back) is slated to pitch in relief Monday during the Rangers' Cactus League game against the Rockies.

Martin had been scheduled to make his spring debut March 6, but it got delayed more than two weeks after he experienced back spasms. As a result, Martin is currently behind the Rangers' other relievers, but he may only need to turn in two or three spring outings over the next week and a half to guarantee his availability for Opening Day.

The Royals reassigned Kowar to their minor-league camp Monday.

Kansas City sent several of its top prospects back to minor-league camp Monday, as Kowar was reassigned along with infielder Bobby Witt, outfielder Kyle Isbel and pitcher Daniel Lynch. Kowar will likely open the 2021 campaign at Triple-A Omaha after posting a 3.51 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 78:21 K:BB across 74.1 innings at Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2019.

Hand topped out at 93 mph with his fastball over the weekend, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports. "I think by the end of spring training, the adrenaline will start pumping a little more," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Sunday. "We might see the 94s and 95s again."

Declining velocity was a concern for Hand last season and may have played into Cleveland's decision to part ways with him, as he averaged 91.5 mph with his fastball in 2020 -- over two miles per hour slower than in 2018. The southpaw still got excellent results though, going 16-for-16 on save chances and posting career lows in ERA (2.05) and WHIP (0.77). With Hand not showing any signs of further decline this spring, there seems to be little danger of him losing his grip on the closer role for Washington.

Marlins general manager Kim Ng said Monday that Guzman (elbow) recently made 25 throws off flat ground from 60 feet after beginning a throwing program, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Guzman is beginning the build-up process again after being shut down a little under two weeks ago with right elbow inflammation. Since Triple-A Jacksonville won't begin its season until May, Guzman could be ready to pitch in games by that time if he avoids any setbacks during his throwing program.

Barnes struck out two over a perfect ninth inning in Sunday's spring game against Pittsburgh.

Barnes authored his fourth scoreless outing of the spring and has struck out eight over 4.1 innings. Those numbers appear to be closer worthy, but manager Alex Cora still hasn't named one. Barnes and Adam Ottavino, who has allowed one unearned run in 4.1 innings, are in the mix. Each has pitched the ninth inning of a game, and while the ninth inning of spring contests often are not against a opponent's best hitters, it does give a pitcher a chance to prepare for closing.

Pivetta allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings in Sunday's spring game against the Pirates.

Pivetta lamented his fastball command when speaking with Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "Got behind a lot of guys. It's never fun to pitch behind (in the count). So that was a bit of a negative today but made some good pitches, got some weak contact," said Pivetta. The right-hander had been sharp during his first three Grapefruit League outings before falling victim to wavering command Sunday. Pivetta will get two more spring starts to clean up whatever issues were presented Sunday.

Crochet allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Crochet is locking in a spot in the White Sox's bullpen with a strong spring. The 21-year-old left-hander has allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out six over six Cactus League innings. At this point, he's expected to be used in the last third of games, leading up to closer Liam Hendriks.