MLB Player News

Kirby fired three scoreless innings in a Cactus League win over the Athletics on Sunday, allowing three hits and a walk while recording six strikeouts.

The promising right-hander followed one of his main competitors for the No. 5 starter role, Matt Brash, and matched the latter's three scoreless frames and six strikeouts. Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports Kirby was working out of the bullpen for the first time since his stint in the Cape Cod League in 2018, and after escaping some first-inning trouble, he put together an impressive body of work. Kramer notes Kirby is still likelier to open the season in the minors due to the fact his arm is less built up than Brash's, but there's little doubt the 2019 first-round pick's major-league debut will occur at some point in 2022.

Ryu allowed three runs on four hits over three innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers. He struck out two without walking a batter.

Seeing his first game action of the spring, Ryu gave up two extra-base hits, including a solo shot by Akil Baddoo in the first inning. It's not an auspicious start to the spring for the 35-year-old left-hander, who posted a 4.37 ERA in 2021 -- the worst mark of his MLB career over a full season -- but the additions of Kevin Gausman in the offseason and Jose Berrios at last year's trade deadline, as well as the emergence of Alek Manoah, take a lot of pressure off Ryu to carry the pitching load.

Manning allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits across three innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He didn't issue a walk and struck out three.

It wasn't a great outing for Manning, as the righty allowed two home runs in his three innings of work, though a few Detroit errors made a lot of the damage unearned. Manning was better in his spring debut Monday, when he allowed just one hit across two scoreless innings. He should have a spot toward the back of the Tigers' rotation when the regular season begins.

Manoah allowed two hits and two walks over 3.1 scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out three.

Facing most of New York's Opening day lineup, Manoah allowed consistent traffic on the bases but was able to shut down any potential rallies, inducing double plays in the second and third innings and striking out the final two batters he faced in Josh Donaldson and Joey Gallo. Manoah has had a solid start to the spring, posting a 5:3 K:BB through 5.1 innings, and the 24-year-old right-hander is looking to take a step forward after his impressive 2021 big-league debut.

The Tigers have an off day in camp Tuesday, but Mize will pitch in a minor-league game against the Yankees that day, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Mize last pitched in a Grapefruit League game Thursday, so this will keep the righty on his regular schedule of pitching every five days. The 24-year-old has been outstanding through two spring starts, logging five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. He could be in line for a breakout 2022 campaign if he carries over some positive momentum into the regular season.

Whitley (elbow) was optioned to minor-league camp Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Whitley is recovering from Tommy John surgery undergone in March 2021 and never had a chance of breaking camp on the big-league roster. The 24-year-old has been throwing off a mound, though it's unclear where exactly he currently stands in his rehab work, but he could be ready for game action sometime in June.

Lyles (illness) is scheduled to pitch during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The 31-year-old was scratched from his start Friday due to a stomach bug, and he'll return to the mound Sunday and pitch behind starter John Means. The minor delay shouldn't affect Lyles' availability for Opening Day.

Gonzales fired four scoreless innings during his second Cactus League start Friday against the White Sox, allowing two hits and three walks while recording a strikeout.

The left-hander has now logged seven scoreless frames across his first two Cactus League turns, flashing the same consistency that's become his trademark during his last four seasons in Seattle. Gonzales checks in as a clear No. 2 in the rotation in 2022 with Robbie Ray arriving this offseason, but if early returns are any indication, he looks primed for his fourth double-digit win tally in the last five campaigns.

Cole will make his first start of the spring Sunday and is expected to throw around 50 pitches, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

Cole is making his first appearance a bit later than other Yankees starters this spring, but he's not suffering from any injury issues. The veteran fireballer is expected to be fully ramped up by the start of the season and has typically been among the first few starting pitchers picked in fantasy drafts.

Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and struck out one over four innings in Saturday's spring training start against the Rays.

Wacha increased his workload from three to four innings in his second Grapefruit League start, putting him in line to reach five or six by the first week of the regular season. The right-hander has permitted two runs, eight hits and one walk over seven spring innings with just two strikeouts. He's not an elite strikeout guy, but he's better than what he's showed this spring.