MLB Player News

Rainey (collarbone) tossed a live batting practice session Sunday, Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com reports.

After experiencing no issues with his collarbone coming out of his bullpen sessions in recent days, Rainey was cleared to take the next step forward in the recovery process by facing hitters. The Nationals have yet to pinpoint a target date for Rainey to make his Grapefruit League debut, but his activity Sunday is certainly a step in the right direction. Rainey was arguably the Nationals' top reliever in 2020, finishing the abbreviated campaign with a 2.66 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

The Cubs are awaiting word from the league on whether they'll have a fourth minor-league option on Alzolay for the upcoming season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The issue comes down to how the shortened 2020 season will be treated for purposes of options. If the Cubs do have another option year with Alzolay, the righty could be sent to the alternate training site to start the year in an effort to manage his innings. He should still figure into the team's rotation plans for 2021 either way, as he posted a solid 2.95 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across six appearances (four starts) last season.

Cisnero has allowed two runs across 2.1 innings in Grapefruit League action. He's given up one hit and three walks while striking out three.

Cisnero was tagged for two runs in a third of an inning in his most recent outing Friday, but he had pitched two scoreless innings in his previous two outings. The righty is in the mix to close for Detroit, though he's likely behind Gregory Soto and Bryan Garcia at this point. However, no one in the Detroit bullpen has clearly established themselves as a dominant closer, so Cisnero could definitely get some save opportunities this season. He logged a solid 3.03 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 2020, though he blew his only two save chances and has yet to convert a save in the majors in seven tries.

The Twins optioned Gibaut to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The hard-throwing righty was hit hard in his lone appearance in Grapefruit League play -- he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk over one inning March 2 against the Braves. The poor showing was enough to end his long-shot bid for a spot in the Twins' Opening Day bullpen.

Jimenez has allowed one earned run across 2.2 innings so far in Grapefruit League action. He's given up two hits and two walks while striking out two.

Jimenez put zeroes on the board in his first two spring outings but hit a rough patch Saturday, allowing three runs (one earned) on a hit, a hit batter and two walks while recording just two outs. The righty has been known for his inconsistency the past few seasons, so it'd be nice to see him string together a few better outings after Saturday's dud. Jimenez is potentially in the mix to close for Detroit, though Gregory Soto and Bryan Garcia are likely ahead of him in the pecking order at this point. Jimenez led the Tigers with five saves in six opportunities last season, though he also posted a 7.15 ERA across 22.2 innings.

The Twins reassigned Coulombe to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Coulombe, who was attending big-league spring training as a non-roster invitee, is expected to report to Triple-A St. Paul to begin 2021. The 31-year-old lefty boasts 155 games of big-league experience, so he could be on the short list for a promotion if the Twins need a lefty reliever at any point.

The Diamondbacks reassigned Moll to their minor-league camp Sunday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Moll is expected to slot into the Triple-A Reno bullpen to begin the 2021 campaign. The 29-year-old lefty hasn't appeared in the majors since 2017, when he made 11 appearances out of the Oakland bullpen.

Soto has allowed one run across 2.2 innings so far in Grapefruit League action. He's walked three and struck out four.

Soto is walking too many batters in the early going, but he's also exhibiting his overpowering stuff with the four strikeouts. The lefty is likely the top option to close in Detroit, as he has greater strikeout potential than fellow reliever Bryan Garcia. However, no one in the Tigers' bullpen has really established themselves as a dominant closer, so it's possible that new manager A.J. Hinch mixes and matches for a bit, at least until someone stands out. Soto saved two games in three chances last season.

The Twins optioned Duran to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Along with Duran, fellow pitchers Dakota Chalmers, Jordan Balazovic and Bailey Ober were also optioned as Minnesota made its first cuts of spring training. The Twins are expected to send the 23-year-old fireballer to Double-A Wichita or Triple-A St. Paul to continue his development as a starter, though Duran could make his big-league debut as a reliever once he's ultimately called up from the minors.

The Twins optioned Balazovic to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Along with Balazovic, fellow pitchers Dakota Chalmers, Jhoan Duran and Bailey Ober were also optioned as Minnesota made its first cuts of spring training. One of the Twins' top pitching prospects, Balazovic is expected to open the season at either Double-A Wichita or Triple-A St. Paul.