MLB Player News

Through four Grapefruit League appearances, Holton has allowed one run on two hits and two walks across 3.2 innings while striking out three.

The Tigers haven't used Holton heavily so far this spring after the lefty logged a career-high 94.1 innings during the regular season last year followed by 5.2 more innings in the postseason. Holton was effective in the regular season with a 2.19 ERA and 0.78 WHIP, and he was able to give the Tigers some length out of the bullpen when needed. The 28-year-old also recorded eight saves as a secondary option behind Jason Foley, who led the team with 28 saves. Foley is still likely the top closing candidate in Detroit heading into 2025, but both Holton and newcomer Tommy Kahnle figure to be in the mix as well.

Through five Grapefruit League appearances, Foley has allowed five runs on eight hits across 4.1 innings.

Foley was solid for the Tigers in 2024, posting a 3.15 ERA and 1.18 WHIP during the regular season and leading the team with 28 saves, so the righty should have a little leeway despite his spring struggles. He still looks like the top candidate for saves in Detroit to start the year, though newcomer Tommy Kahnle is expected to be in the mix along with holdover Tyler Holton, and possibly Will Vest and Beau Brieske as well. Foley will likely need a strong start to his season to solidify his grip on the closer role.

The Mariners released Feliz on Friday.

Feliz was in camp as a non-roster invitee and allowed three runs with a 1:0 K:BB over four Cactus League frames. The former All-Star has not seen any action at the big-league level since 2021 and will turn 37 in May.

The Mariners optioned Klein to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Acquired from the Athletics in January, Klein has allowed four runs (two earned) with an 8:3 K:BB over five innings during Cactus League play. He'll represent relief depth at Tacoma and should get an opportunity with the big club eventually.

The Marlins optioned de Geus to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

De Geus landed back in Miami via waivers in late February but will not break camp with the big club after getting roughed up for six runs in 2.2 frames this spring. He could go back-and-forth between Jacksonville and Miami often this season as the club filters through relief options.

Swanson has been diagnosed with a median nerve entrapment in his right forearm, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Swanson has had recurring issues with his forearm/elbow and now there's an explanation as to what's going on. All things considered, the diagnosis could be worse, although it's not clear when he might be ready to pitch in games again. For now, Swanson will be shut down from throwing for at least a couple days. He is expected to begin the season on the 15-day injured list.

Paddack (head) is starting Friday's split-squad game against the Rays.

The right-hander departed his previous start Saturday with a head contusion after a liner deflected off his glove, but he never entered the concussion protocol. Paddack has underwhelmed in his two spring outings with four runs allowed and a 3:0 K:BB over 5.2 innings, but he still appears on track to win a job at the back end of Minnesota's rotation.

Kolek completed four innings in a Cactus League appearance against the Royals on Thursday, allowing one run on three hits while issuing one walk and striking out two batters.

Yu Darvish started the game and tossed four frames for San Diego, and Kolek followed with four innings of his own. The latter held Kansas City to a lone run, which is the only run he's surrendered through nine frames this spring. Kolek's five punchouts over that span isn't impressive, but he's walked just one batter and given up only five hits. The right-hander is among several pitchers competing for the Padres' final rotation spot this spring, and to this point it's unclear who among the group -- which also includes Kyle Hart, Matt Waldron and Randy Vasquez -- has the upper hand.

Bednar allowed five earned runs on three hits and two walks across one-third of an inning during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

This marked Bednar's fifth appearance of the spring, and he had maintained a 5:1 K:BB while allowing only one earned run across his first four innings. However, Thursday's outing was particularly concerning in light of Bednar's struggles in 2024, when he posted a 5.77 ERA and 1.42 WHIP while being removed from the closer role to end the year. The departure of Aroldis Chapman this offseason likely gives Bednar some leeway for save chances to begin the campaign, but he'll need to perform to maintain the role.

Otanez is expected to fill a key setup role alongside Jose Leclerc and Tyler Ferguson ahead of closer Mason Miller, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Otanez has a 3.38 ERA with a 11:6 K:BB ratio in 5.1 innings this spring, which is a continuation of his 36.4 percent strikeout rate last year. Unfortunately, he's also displaying his control issues as well (13.2 percent walk rate in 2024). Otanez has a closer-in-waiting profile if he can improve his control, but even with the high walk rate he's still worth a dart in deep fantasy leagues for his strikeout upside.