MLB Player News

Okert signed a minor-league deal with the Marlins on Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. The deal does not include an invitation to spring training.

The 29-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched in the majors since 2018 and has a career 4.28 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 48.1 innings, all of which came with the Giants. Okert will provide the Marlins with some organizational bullpen depth.

Castano will get the start in the Marlins' Grapefruit League opener Sunday against the Astros, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The southpaw isn't thought to be a candidate for a rotation job for the beginning of the regular season, but Castano is firmly in the mix for a long-relief or swingman role out of the bullpen. The 26-year-old posted a superficially strong 3.03 ERA over 29.2 innings last year in his big-league debut, but his 12:11 K:BB and 4.80 FIP offer a better reflection of his likely upside.

Betances' fastbabll was sitting in the low 90s during Friday's live batting practice session, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander typically takes a while to ramp up his velocity -- last year at this time he was topping out at 86 mph, before eventually averaging 93.6 mph during the abbreviated regular season -- so this is an encouraging start to the spring for Betances. The 32-year-old has yet to rediscover the heat he flashed in his Yankees heyday prior to an injury-riddled 2019, but a return to something close to that form would provide a big boost to a Mets bullpen that will be missing Seth Lugo (elbow) to begin the campaign.

Naughton underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed a Grade 1 UCL strain, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Naughton was traded from the Reds to the Angels last August and was expected to begin the 2021 season at the Triple-A level. However, he'll now be sidelined due to his left elbow injury. It's not yet clear when the 24-year-old will be cleared to return to action.

Sims (elbow) threw for the first time in camp Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims has had a delayed start to spring training due to some right elbow tightness. Although he was shut down for several days early in camp, he said that he'll be ready for the regular season. His brief absence could hinder his chances to begin the season as the team's closer, but he should still have time to prepare for Opening Day as long as he doesn't face any setbacks.

Fulmer departed spring training following the birth of his second child Saturday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer was expected to start Monday's Grapefruit League game, but he'll no longer do so after leaving spring training. Kyle Funkhouser will start in his place Monday, but Fulmer will presumably rejoin the team in the coming days and should still have plenty of time to prepare for the regular season.

Hernandez will start the Rangers' fourth spring game Wednesday against the Angels, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez is not on the radar as a starter, so the decision to have him open a Cactus League game carries little significance. He's expected to serve a key role at the back end of the bullpen, possibly even as the closer.

Raley has prepared during the offseason to fill an inning-eater role out of Houston's bullpen, Ryan Herrera of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Raley was one of several pitchers to come out of nowhere and serve as bullpen pieces for the Astros last season. Unlike the others, who were young pitchers making their MLB debuts, Raley was in his 30s and spent most of his career pitching in leagues around the world. He became a trusted member of the 'pen and made six relief appearances during the postseason.

Morejon will start San Diego's first Cactus League game Sunday against Seattle, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Though Morejon doesn't currently project to be among San Diego's top five starters, the team has decided to stretch him out to start during camp. There's a decent likelihood the Padres will use a six-man rotation to kick off the campaign, and Morejon would be a top candidate to start games in that scenario. As such, his performance during spring training could set up his opportunities in 2021.

King is slated to take the mound for the Yankees' first spring training game against Toronto on Sunday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

King is among a group of pitchers manager Aaron Boone mentioned as being in competition for the fifth-starter job, and he'll have a chance to showcase his stuff immediately against the Blue Jays. The right-hander struggled mightily in 26.2 big-league innings last season, so he'll likely need to dominate during spring training to claim a spot in the Opening Day rotation.