MLB Player News

Manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Chapman will begin the season as the Red Sox's closer but could see occasional high-leverage work in an earlier inning if the matchup is right, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Browne used the example of Corey Seager leading off the eighth inning as a situation when Chapman may enter before the ninth, but the veteran left-hander should still see the bulk of the save chances early on for Boston. Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock seem likely to begin the season as the next men up for saves in said situations, or when Chapman is unavailable.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Tuesday that Church has made the Rangers' Opening Day roster, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The skipper mentioned Church as a possible closer candidate earlier in camp, and Church's impressive strikeout stuff certainly warrants him being in that conversation. However, the 23-year-old righty finished Cactus League play with four runs allowed in 8.2 innings, so save opportunities now seem likely be split between Luke Jackson, Chris Martin and Robert Garcia to begin the season.

Manager Alex Cora announced Tuesday that Weissert has made the Opening Day roster, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Weissert allowed six earned runs in one of his eight spring training appearances, but he had scoreless outings in the other seven. The righty had his best season yet in 2024, notching a 3.13 ERA with 58 strikeouts across 63.1 innings.

Manager Alex Cora announced Tuesday that Kelly has made the Opening Day roster, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Kelly allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts across 7.2 innings in his seven appearances during spring training. The righty began the 2024 season well, posting a 1.53 ERA across his first 29.1 innings. However, he had a 6.59 ERA across his next 27.1 innings, which resulted in him being optioned to Triple-A Worcester in September. He will look to use his spring training as jumping point to recapture what he had in the first half of 2024.

Atlanta placed Jimenez on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a left knee articular cartilage injury.

Jimenez underwent knee surgery back in November and will be out at least until the second half and perhaps for the entirety of the 2025 campaign. He is a candidate to be shifted to the 60-day IL if/when Atlanta needs to free up a spot on its 40-man roster.

Wesneski (foot) is starting Tuesday's exhibition game against Triple-A Sugar Land.

Wesneski needed X-rays after being struck on the left foot by a comebacker in an appearance in a minor-league game last week, but those tests were negative and he is fine. The right-hander will open the season as the Astros' fifth starter.

Beeks agreed to a major-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The left-hander was cut loose by the Astros over the weekend after missing out on the Opening Day roster, but it didn't take long for him to find a new team. Beeks had a 4.50 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 55:27 K:BB in 70 innings between the Pirates and Rockies last season. He provides the Diamondbacks with some necessary depth with Kevin Ginkel (shoulder) and Jordan Montgomery (elbow) sidelined by injuries.

The Twins returned Castellano to the Phillies on Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

The Rule 5 pick failed to make the Twins' Opening Day roster and went unclaimed by other clubs, resulting in a move back to his original organization. Castellano will likely open the 2025 season in the rotation at Double-A Reading.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday that Ginkel is likely to begin the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

The right-hander pitched well during camp with one run allowed and an 8:1 K:BB over six frames in the Cactus League, but the shoulder issue surfaced in the last few days and will cost him the start of the campaign. It isn't expected to be a lengthy stay on the injured list, but Ginkel's absence will cement Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk as the primary options at closer to begin the year.

The Reds selected Gibaut's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Gibaut will be part of Cincinnati's Opening Day bullpen after he permitted five runs with a 12:3 K:BB in 11 innings this spring. The 31-year-old will likely operate in middle relief.