MLB Player News

Pivetta allowed one run on one hit while striking out one over two innings in Wednesday's spring game against the Twins.

Pivetta allowed a wind-blown home run to Mitch Garver in the first inning but was sharp otherwise. He retired six of eight batters, which included an error behind him, as he took the first step toward winning a spot in the rotation. The right-hander prepared for this opportunity during the offseason and could end up as Boston's fourth or fifth starter.

The Angels are waiting to find out whether Barria will be granted an extra year of minor-league options before determining whether he'll open the season on the big-league roster or in the minors, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Barria made five starts during the abbreviated 2020 campaign, and the organization could elect to have him stretch out in the minors to begin the 2021 season to increase its rotation depth. However, that scenario is dependent on the right-hander having another year of options. If Barria is determined to be out of options, he'll need to be placed on the active roster and would likely come out of the bullpen to start the campaign.

Nelson is viewed by the Yankees as an option for both long and short relief, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. "I'm quite certain he can impact our bullpen in a short situation but also have the ability to give us innings as well," manager Aaron Boone stated Monday.

Nelson was primarily a starter in the minor leagues, but he came out of the bullpen for all 11 of his appearances with New York last season. The 25-year-old isn't seen as a contender for a starting role but has a shot to break camp as a member of the team's bullpen, which would offer the Yankees situational flexibility.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli says both Alex Colome and Rogers are line to finish "a lot of games" this season and he is unlikely to give any pitcher the title of closer, MLB.com reports. Rogers threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts in his spring debut Sunday.

Rogers has led the Twins in saves the past two seasons, but he could be the secondary option to finish the ninth inning after the Twins signed Alex Colome in free agency. Rogers could still share save chances as Baldelli has ignored traditional closer patterns. However, Rogers may be used more frequently earlier in games to face key lefties.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli says both Colome and Taylor Rogers are in line to finish "a lot of games" this season and he is unlikely to give any pitcher the title of closer, MLB.com reports. Colome struggled in his spring debut for the Twins on Thursday, giving up four runs and a home run in one inning.

We wouldn't be worried about Thursday's performance as Colome is a veteran just getting in work early in the spring. The bigger issue for fantasy managers is trying to discern the bullpen pattern and Baldelli didn't give any hints. It would seem likely Colome will be the primary option in the ninth inning, especially with Rogers likely to face key lefties before the final outs, but Baldelli has mostly managed his bullpen in his career without regard for the save statistic.

Antone struck out five of the seven batters he faced in his spring training debut Wednesday, throwing between 97-to-99 mph on his fastball while mixing in a sharp slider, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "(In the minors) he was a sinker ball pitcher, but 90 miles an hour with good command," Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said. "Tonight, he was 97 to 99 consistently, just (an) electric fastball and (his) slider was as good as it's ever been."

Antone is in a battle for the Reds' fifth starter job, with Wade Miley presumably the favorite to slot into the No. 4 role. It would behoove the Reds to find as many innings for both Antone and Michael Lorenzen, even if one of them doesn't make the starting rotation to begin the season.

Lawrence pitched one scoreless inning as he earned the win during Wednesday's spring game against the Athletics. He allowed one hit and no walks with no strikeouts.

Lawrence made his spring debut in relief Wednesday after being cleared to play following his 80-game suspension last year. The right-hander allowed a two-out single to Logan Davidson, who was later caught stealing to end the inning. Lawrence advanced through the minors quickly prior to his suspension and could make his major-league debut at some point this year.

Rodriguez struck out both batters he faced Tuesday versus Cincinnati.

According to Kyle Glaser of Baseball America, Rodriguez hit 98 mph on the radar gun and also used his breaking ball effectively. Not only did the Angels' top pitching prospect whiff both batters he faced, he did so on only six pitches -- five of which were swinging strikes. Perhaps most impressively, one of those batters was Joey Votto, who owns a career 17.8 strikeout rate. Rodriguez was recently named a candidate for a call-up in 2021, and it's easy to see why the Angels are so high on him given the results of his spring debut.

Ponce de Leon, a candidate for the No. 5 role in the starting rotation, fired two scoreless innings in relief during a Grapefruit League tie with the Marlins on Tuesday, allowing one hit and two walks while recording two strikeouts.

The versatile right-hander got his spring off to a solid start with his scoreless outing, coming on in relief of starter Adam Wainwright after the veteran worked the first pair of frames. Ponce de Leon is likely to get at least one opportunity to start during spring training, but Tuesday's performance showcased his well-established ability to work effectively in long relief.

Mata (triceps) will undergo an MRI on Thursday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Mata was scratched from relief work Wednesday due to right triceps soreness, and he'll undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury. The right-hander isn't expected to make the team's Opening Day roster, but he could make his major-league debut at some point this season if he's fully healthy.