MLB Player News

Kittredge was credited with a hold in Sunday's Grapefruit League loss to the Braves, allowing an unearned run on two hits and recording a strikeout over one inning.

Kittredge was shut down for the 2020 season in August due to a sprained UCL ligament in his elbow, and after avoiding Tommy John surgery this offseason, he was brought back by the Rays on a minor-league deal in December. The right-hander has filled both starting and relief roles in Tampa over the previous four seasons, and he was in the midst of a solid campaign last year (2.25 ERA across eight innings) before his injury. Given his versatility and the coaching staff's familiarity with him, Kittredge could certainly earn a bullpen spot with a strong enough spring.

Montero, whose arrival at spring training was delayed due to a visa issue, is already throwing bullpens and will face hitters in the coming days, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The hard-throwing right-hander was acquired from the Rangers on Dec. 15 and is expected to have a prominent bullpen role after going 8-for-8 in save chances in Texas during the 2020 campaign. Montero, who logged 18 starts for the Mets back in 2017, proved much more effective as a reliever the last two seasons and enters spring training as the Mariners' presumptive closer, given his recent body of work, demeanor and mid-90s fastball. "That ball comes out hot," manager Scott Servais said. "It's really easy, and he is as advertised -- his level-headed and just cool kind of attitude about him on the mound. He's very confident."

Gallegos pitched a clean ninth inning in Sunday's Grapefruit League tie with the Nationals, recording two strikeouts.

It was notably Gallegos, and not eventual presumptive closer Jordan Hicks, who got the first ninth-inning call of spring, although it came in a non-save situation with the Cardinals actually down 4-2 entering the frame. The presence of Gallegos is a luxury of sorts for manager Mike Shildt; the hard-throwing right-hander proved effective in a closing role last season (4-for-4 in save chances) and certainly could soften the landing for Hicks in his return to game action after nearly two years off due to Tommy John surgery and last season's COVID-19 opt-out.

Reyes' fastball clocked in at 96 mph and above and was effectively mixed with a 79 mph curveball during his perfect inning in Sunday's Grapefruit League tie with the Nationals, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander topped out at 97.8 mph during his efficient nine-pitch frame, making it a highly encouraging spring debut for a pitcher competing for the No. 5 role in the starting rotation. Reyes is competing with a pair of proven veterans in John Gant and Carlos Martinez for the job, but the 26-year-old's stuff is undeniably a cut above both.

Phillips (elbow) is listed among the Orioles' available relievers for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Phillips' inclusion on the Orioles' travel squad implies that he's made a full recovery from his bout with right elbow inflammation that sidelined him late in the 2020 campaign. Baltimore proceeded to outright Phillips off their 40-man roster in the offseason, so he's most likely headed for Triple-A Norfolk to begin the 2021 campaign.

Wells (oblique) is included on the Orioles' travel roster for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Wells' inclusion on the lineup card suggests he'll be available as a relief option for the Orioles' second game of the spring. The lefty pitcher was slowed earlier in spring training by an oblique injury that was apparently minor.

Edwards (forearm) struck out one over a 1-2-3 fourth inning Sunday in Atlanta's 9-7 win over the Rays in Grapefruit League play.

After missing most of the 2020 campaign with a flexor mass strain in his right elbow, Edwards was forced to settle for a minor-league deal with Atlanta this winter. With a 3.54 ERA and 32.9 K% over 199 career appearances in the majors, Edwards has a more impressive track record than most relievers attending camps as non-roster invitees. If he can stay healthy this spring, Edwards will have a good shot at earning a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

Kelly resumed his throwing program at Dodgers camp Sunday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kelly left camp Friday after falling under the weather, but he returned Sunday and was able to resume throwing. He has had a slow start this spring as a result of shoulder soreness, but the right-hander should have ample time to ramp up before Opening Day.

Reyes was diagnosed with right elbow discomfort after leaving Sunday's spring game against the Giants, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Reyes recorded one out against San Francisco during Sunday's Cactus League opener, but he exited the game with an elbow issue. It's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time, but an absence would hinder his chances of making the team's Opening Day roster.

Reyes left Sunday's spring game against the Giants with an apparent injury, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old recorded one out and gave up two runs on two hits and a walk before leaving the field with an athletic trainer. Reyes likely needs a strong showing in spring training to have a chance of cracking the Opening Day roster, so any absence could significantly hurt his opportunities.