MLB Player News

Milner signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers on Thursday that includes and invitation to big-league spring training.

Milner was non-tendered by the Angels in early December after stumbling to a 8.10 ERA across 13.1 innings in 2020. He will now compete for a spot on Milwaukee's roster next spring.

Honeywell (elbow) underwent a minor procedure Thursday that isn't expected to impact his availability for 2021, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Honeywell's most recent procedure was done to relieve some mild discomfort in his right elbow, but he's still expected to be ready for spring training. The 25-year-old has now undergone four procedures since September of 2017, which was the last time that he appeared in game action. Honeywell hasn't pitched above the Triple-A level, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to earn a major-league roster spot in 2021.

Suarez is nearing a one-year deal with the LG Twins of the Korea Baseball Organization, Daniel Kim of MBC Sports+ reports.

The Twins would need to work out a buyout with the Giants since the left-hander remains under contract, but it appears he intends to continue his career in Korea. Suarez covered only 9.2 innings during 2020 and had a 5.79 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 25:14 K:BB over 32.2 frames in 2019.

Munoz (elbow) is throwing off a mound and could join the Mariners' bullpen by June, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Munoz underwent Tommy John surgery in March, but he appears to be progressing well in his recovery. While he won't be ready to debut with his new team by Opening Day, the Mariners hope that he'll be able to return by June as long as he doesn't face any setbacks.

Ortiz signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Wednesday.

The deal doesn't include an invitation to big-league spring training, so Ortiz is likely being viewed as a candidate for the rotation at Triple-A Round Rock or Double-A Frisco. The 2014 first-round pick most recently played in 2019, spending most of that season at Triple-A Norfolk in the Orioles organization and posting a 6.38 ERA over 66.1 innings.

Mayza (elbow) began throwing bullpen sessions last week and isn't expected to face any limitations during spring training, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Mayza is nearing the finish line in his recovery from September 2019 Tommy John surgery, an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020 campaign. While the procedure typically carries a 12-to-14-month recovery timeline, Mayza was recommended to extend his rehab to 16 months after he needed to have his flexor tendon reattached as part of the surgery. The 28-year-old has reportedly experienced no complications in his recovery, so he should be given a fair chance to compete for a spot in the Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen as a non-roster invitee.

The Padres reinstated Castillo (lat) from the 45-day injured list Nov. 2.

According to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres declared Castillo healthy heading into the winter after he was limited to just one appearance with the big club over the past two seasons while missing time with a torn ligament in a finger on his left hand and a strained left flexor tendon. When he was last healthy in 2018, Castillo was a key bullpen piece for San Diego, delivering a 3.29 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 52 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. If he can avoid any further setbacks this spring, Castillo could break camp as one of the Padres' top setup options.

Antone was mentioned as one of the internal alternatives at closer by manager David Bell following the trade of Raisel Iglesias to the Angels, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Antone split time between the rotation and the bullpen in his rookie season, starting four games while relieving in nine others, often pitching multiple innings. He proved to have quite a bit of success in relief and missed plenty of bats along the way. The one statistical red flag is that he gave up 16 walks in 35.1 innings.

Sims is among the internal candidates for the closer's job after Raisel Iglesias was traded to the Angels, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Manager David Bell also mentioned Amir Garrett and Tejay Antone among the possible candidates. Sims built off of a 2019 breakout in the Reds bullpen, posting a 2.45 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 34:11 K:BB over 25.2 IP in 2020 while tallying five holds. Garrett has verbally staked his claim on the role, but we haven't yet seen what else the Reds will do this offseason, let alone how Bell intends to handle the position.

Bard signed a one-year, $2.925 million deal with the Rockies on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The 35-year-old returned to the big leagues from a six-year absence in 2020 and delivered a 3.65 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB over 24.2 innings while converting all six save chances. Bard finished the campaign as Colorado's primary closer and should enter spring training as the favorite for the job in 2021.