MLB Player News

Tapia (oblique) will play catch Wednesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Tapia was diagnosed with a strained right oblique at the start of last week. He'll wind up being shut down for just over a week, and the delay may make it tough for him to get up to speed by Opening Day.

Bazardo was optioned to the Red Sox's alternate site Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Bazardo was added to the 40-man roster in November but was always a long shot to break camp in the big-league bullpen. He looked good in 73.1 innings of relief in the minors in 2019, posting a 2.21 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 29.6 percent strikeout rate, but those innings came at the High-A and Double-A levels, so he may need some more time in the minors before pushing for a major-league job.

Harvey (oblique) is expected to be ready to return by late May or early June, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Harvey just can't catch a break with injuries, as he was placed on the 60-day injured list Tuesday due to the strained oblique he suffered Friday against the Phillies. It doesn't look as though he'll miss much more than the required 60 days, though his injury history doesn't provide any reason for confidence that he'll avoid setbacks. He still has closer upside when he eventually gets back into game action, especially as the Orioles don't have any obvious alternatives for the role, but it's hard to hold onto a pitcher with Harvey's track record who isn't even guaranteed to close when he eventually returns.

Karinchak has made six appearances for Cleveland in Cactus League play, working 5.1 innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits and five walks while striking out 11.

Karinchak's ability to rack up strikeouts at a prolific rate would likely make him a top-tier fantasy closer if manager Terry Francona hands him the job, but the skipper has yet to commit to any pitcher as the primary option for saves. While Karinchak still looks like the most appealing candidate, the walk issues he's experienced so far this spring could give Francona pause. Karinchak may need to show improved control in his final handful of Cactus League appearances to stave off the likes of Emmanuel Clase, Nick Wittgren and Blake Parker for closing duties.

Rainey (collarbone) could pitch in a game this weekend, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

He will throw another simulated game Thursday, and if that goes well, Rainey will pitch in an exhibition game this weekend. He still has time to get ready for Opening Day if he can avoid setbacks.

Betances' four-seamer averaged 90.6 mph in Tuesday's appearance against the Astros, down a couple ticks from earlier this spring, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

He allowed two runs on a pair of hits (though one of those came on an outfield misplay) and a hit batsman while striking out one over one inning, and Betances has now given up six runs with a 2:3 K:BB in four innings this spring. It was reported earlier this spring that he had returned to his old arm slot after battling injuries in recent years, but something still isn't right for the towering righty. He should be considered a volatile middle reliever going forward.

The Tigers optioned Lange to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday.

Lange held opposing hitters to a .167 average and struck out three over 3.1 innings this spring, but it wasn't enough for him to remain in the competition for a spot in Detroit's Opening Day bullpen. The 25-year-old will be a candidate to make his MLB debut later in 2021.

Lambert (elbow) has been regularly taking part in long-toss throwing off flat ground during spring training, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The Rockies appear to be pleased with how Lambert is advancing through his throwing program as he makes his way back from the Tommy John surgery he required last July. He could be ready to begin mound work by the end of the spring, which would likely put him on track to make his return to game action at some point late in the second half of the season. Colorado will likely place Lambert on the 60-day injured list shortly before Opening Day.

Hill (wrist) threw a bullpen session Monday consisting of 17 or 18 fastballs, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Hill was cleared to step on a mound for the first time this spring after offseason right wrist surgery delayed him through the first few weeks of camp. Manager Terry Francona suggested that Hill checked out fine during the side session, but the 26-year-old still looks like he'll open the 2021 season on the 10-day injured list.

Trivino has an unblemished ERA over his first three Cactus League appearances, having allowed just a hit and a walk while recording five strikeouts across three innings.

The 29-year-old hasn't quite regained the form he displayed during his stellar 2018 rookie campaign, but he did enjoy a somewhat resurgent 2020 that included a 3.86 ERA and career-high 28.0 percent strikeout rate across 20 appearances. Trivino's early work this spring offers reason for optimism and supports the notion that he could be an integral setup option this coming season, offering fantasy value in leagues that count holds.