MLB Player News

Alexander will start for the Tigers in their first Grapefruit League game Sunday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Alexander is one of a handful of pitchers competing for a spot in the back of Detroit's rotation. The lefty made headlines last year when he set a MLB record with nine consecutive strikeouts in a game, and he finished the year with a solid 3.96 ERA across 14 games (two starts). The Tigers may continue to use him in more of a swing role, but Alexander is capable of decent numbers if he gets an extended look in the rotation.

Weathers threw two innings in a simulated game Thursday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Weathers continued his work to stretch out as a starter this spring while pitching against Eric Hosmer, Manny Machado and Tommy Pham. He reportedly generated several swings and misses without allowing any hard contact. Weathers isn't likely to start the season in the Padres' rotation, though it can reasonably be expected that he will make a significant impact with the club during the regular season.

Junis has worked on a cutter and changeup this offseason, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported.

Junis is known for his slider, which has dominated his pitch mix the last few seasons. However, he's struggled with his fastball and had inconsistent overall results, so a new pitch would theoretically help keep opposing batters more off balance. Junis will be competing for a role in the Royals' rotation throughout spring training.

Adams is fully recovered from ACL surgery and healthy for the 2021 season, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Adams was acquired from the Mariners to bolster the Padres' bullpen just prior to the trade deadline last season. He wasn't particularly effective in the short stint with his new club, but disclosed that he was still getting back to full strength after recovering from ACL surgery. Reports to this point in camp suggest that his velocity has returned and his command has been sharp. Though not likely to factor into the saves picture, Adams could occupy a high-leverage role in the Padres' bullpen.

Kelly (shoulder) threw an unspecified number of pitches off a mound Thursday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Kelly had thrown from 90 feet over the past two days, and he progressed to mound work Thursday. The right-hander missed the start of camp due to shoulder soreness, but he is now ramping up his throwing program ahead of Cactus League play. Barring any setbacks, Kelly should have enough time to prepare to pitch by the start of the regular season.

Bummer arrived late to spring training but is not behind other pitchers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Bummer was with his wife for the birth of their first child and missed the beginning of camp, but knowing his daughter's delivery date was scheduled near the start of spring training, he went to Arizona during January and worked out a specific routine with the training staff. "Everything feels good. I feel pretty confident with where I'm at, that I'm not behind and I'm really right where I want to be," said the pitcher. Bummer, who had a biceps injury that limited him to nine games in 2020, is expected to serve as a top setup man in the White Sox's bullpen.

Clarke is stretching out as a starter during spring training, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

Clarke being stretched out gives Arizona manager Torey Lovullo flexibility, but his eventual role could be as a reliever. There are spots to be won in a bullpen that last year had a 4.60 ERA (19th in MLB) while permitting a .250 opponents' batting average (23rd) and .786 opponents' OPS (25th). There's clearly a need to upgrade the bullpen, and Clarke has an opportunity. The right-hander allowed 35 hits and 21 walks while striking out 40 over 43.1 innings in 2020. He posted a 4.36 ERA over five starts and seven relief appearances.

White (shoulder) has not yet picked up a baseball in camp, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

White is suffering from a bout of shoulder soreness, and it is not yet clear how serious the issue is. The right-hander is one of the organization's top pitching prospects but isn't expected to break camp with the club, so there's little reason for the Dodgers to rush him along while the soreness persists.

Kelly (shoulder) has thrown from 90 feet on consecutive days, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Kelly appears to be rounding into shape after being shelved at the start of camp due to shoulder soreness. The veteran suffered from the same issue last season, and it's unclear whether the Dodgers are simply being careful with him or if there remains some carryover into the start of spring. With plenty of time to go until Opening Day, however, there's a strong chance that Kelly will be ready to pitch by the start of the campaign.

Hill is still in the process of recovering from the offseason surgery he required on his right wrist, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Hill went under the knife to address an injury he picked up in a November car accident. While the right-hander is confident that everything is on track with his recovery, he could face an uphill battle to make it back for Opening Day. The reliever made 18 appearances out of the Cleveland bullpen in 2020, posting a 4.91 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.