MLB Player News

Santana could make the Opening Day roster in a bullpen role, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

Santana has looked good so far this spring, hurling four scoreless innings and giving up only one hit while striking out five. The right-hander was primarily a starter in the minors, so he could function as a multi-inning reliever if he breaks camp with the Dodgers. That possibility may depend on the status of Joe Kelly (shoulder), who is currently a question mark to be ready by Opening Day.

Loaisiga pitched three perfect innings and struck out one batter in Thursday's Grapefruit League win over the Phillies.

Loaisiga followed starter Gerrit Cole and needed only 24 pitches (17 strikes) to retire nine Phillies hitters. The right-hander has pitched six scoreless innings thus far this spring, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out five. Loaisiga is slated to begin the campaign in a flexible relief role.

Staumont threw one inning in a simulated game Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Staumont was delayed arriving to camp for undisclosed reasons and has been ramping up his workload slowly since joining the team. He had thrown bullpens and live batting practice prior to Thursday's simulated game, and the next step will be Cactus League action.

Thielbar (back) has thrown several live sessions against hitters and could appear in a spring training game later this month, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com.

Thielbar suffered a back strain early in training camp, but it looks like he has a chance to be ready for Opening Day. Thielbar's unique curveball (he didn't allow a hit the 94 times he threw it last season) and prowess against left-handed batters (.376 OPS allowed) could help him win a high-leverage role in the bullpen.

Lopez believes he may have been tipping his pitches during his appearance Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Lopez was hit hard throughout his appearance, surrendering four extra-base hits in his three innings of work. He allowed a total of five earned runs, three of which came on back-to-back homers in the third frame. Lopez, who's competing for the final rotation spot with Carlos Rodon, pitched two perfect innings in his previous outing.

Abreu has returned to the team after quarantining in accordance with MLB's health and safety protocols, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Abreu had been away from the team for around a week, but he should be set to resume throwing. He drew strong reviews for his conditioning earlier in camp and could make the Opening Day roster as a reliever.

Bolanos was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Bolanos made a few spot starts for the team in 2020, but he threw a total of only 3.2 innings. He struggled in that time, allowing five earned runs while striking out two and walking three. Bolanos will likely serve as rotation and bullpen depth for the team throughout the 2021 campaign.

Fulmer allowed seven runs on five hits across two innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. He walked two and struck out one.

Fulmer allowed three home runs in his two innings of work, seeing his spring ERA climb to 15.75 in the process. The righty returned from Tommy John surgery last season and was eased back into action, as he never went beyond three innings in a start. Fantasy managers are hoping to see Fulmer stretched out more in 2021, though he won't have much fantasy appeal if gets hit as hard as he did Thursday.

Patino logged his first start of Grapefruit League play Wednesday against the Twins and fired a clean first inning.

The promising right-hander now has a pair of scoreless spring frames on his ledger in as many appearances, and he's allowed just one hit while recording a strikeout. Patino has consistently impressed with his location since spring training began, with both his fastball and slider distinguishing themselves early. While the Rays' starting rotation appears set for now, the 21-year-old could be making a case to stick on the Opening Day roster in some form.

Taylor (shoulder) retired all four batters he faced Thursday in the Red Sox's 5-4 win over the Twins in Grapefruit League play.

Taylor finished the 2020 campaign on the injured list due to left shoulder tendinitis, but he looks to be fully healthy so far this spring. After tossing a scoreless inning in his spring debut Sunday, Taylor delivered another clean outing four days later. He's expected to begin the 2021 campaign as the top lefty out of the Boston bullpen.