MLB Player News

Kirby didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's Cactus League tie with the Giants, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits over 1.1 innings.

The talented right-hander was spotted an early 2-0 lead courtesy of Mitch Garver's home run in the top of the first, but Kirby quickly squandered it by allowing an RBI single to LaMonte Wade and then loading the bases. Kirby was pulled for Jarod Bayless, who promptly surrendered a grand slam to Patrick Bailey, before coming back out for the second inning and tossing a scoreless frame. Per MLB.com, Kirby faced nine hitters and hit 95 mph on his fastball while also working in plenty of breaking pitches.

Stripling (finger) threw a side session Tuesday but remains without a firm timetable for his Cactus League debut, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was scratched from Monday's start against the Diamondbacks because of a cut on his right index finger, which was described as minor by manager Mark Kotsay. Stripling did feel well enough to throw Tuesday's side session, so his delayed spring debut should come at some point in the near future.

Rodon tossed 2.2 innings against Toronto on Sunday, allowing one run on one hit and two walks while striking out five batters.

Rodon's first start of the spring was promising, as he got more than half of his outs via punchout and gave up just one run (on a homer by Alejandro Kirk). Rodon's first season in New York was a disaster, as he posted a 6.85 ERA and 1.45 WHIP while battling injuries and totaling just 64.1 innings, but he appears healthy entering Grapefruit League competition and could be poised for a bounce-back campaign. He's a high-risk, high-reward target in fantasy drafts, as he struck out 237 batters as recently as 2022 but has reached 150 innings just three times over nine major-league seasons.

Urquidy modified the movement of his glove this offseason to avoid tipping his pitches, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Urquidy believed he was tipping his pitches by the way he moved and squeezed his glove in his delivery during the 2023 season. In addition to correcting that issue, he also worked to strengthen his shoulder and lat after suffering an injury to those areas last year. Urquidy is projected to compete with J.P. France (shoulder) for the fifth starter role, and he could have an advantage with France currently sidelined.

Teheran agreed to a minor-league deal with the Orioles on Tuesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Teheran had a surprising run of success with the Brewers in 2023, maintaining a 4.40 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 71.2 innings. He could provide valuable innings for the Orioles early in the season, as both Kyle Bradish (elbow) and John Means (elbow) have been slowed at the start of spring training.

Montgomery recently had an online meeting with the Red Sox, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

The veteran left-hander is the second-best arm left on the market behind reigning Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, but neither pitcher appears on the cusp of a deal. Montgomery put together the best season of his career with the Rangers in 2023, posting a 3.10 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 166:48 K:BB across a career-high 188.2 innings. He followed those numbers up with a 2.90 ERA in six playoff outings, playing a key role in Texas' World Series title.

Abbott is battling with Nick Martinez, and to a lesser extent, Brandon Williamson, for the Reds' fifth starter job, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Abbott is off to a good start this spring, but it's noteworthy that his spot in the rotation isn't a sure thing. The way the job battle has been framed by Goldsmith is that Hunter Greene, Frankie Montas, Nick Lodolo (lower leg) and Graham Ashcraft all have spots provided they are healthy. However, Lodolo, Montas and Ashcraft are all coming back from injury, so this situation is pretty fluid.

Alexander signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Feb. 20.

Alexander made 18 appearances (11 starts) for the Brewers in 2022 and had a 5.40 ERA and 46:28 K:BB over 71.2 innings. He spent last season at the Triple-A level and had a 5.86 ERA in 16 outings, and he'll serve as organizational pitching depth for the Red Sox.

Lugo pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a hit, a walk and a hit batsman while striking out one in his Cactus League debut Monday versus the Cubs.

Lugo admitted to some nerves before the game, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Lugo is embarking on his first season with the Royals after spending his first seven major-league campaigns with the Mets before pitching with the Padres last year. The right-hander projects to be one of the Royals' top starters after pitching to a 3.57 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 140:36 K:BB over 146.1 innings last year, his first as a full-time starter since 2017.

Gray gave up two hits over two scoreless innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets. He struck out five without walking a batter.

It was an impressive start to the exhibition schedule for Gray, who was facing a New York lineup anchored by Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor along with a handful of top prospects like Luisangel Acuna and Drew Gilbert. Gray still needs to demonstrate improved control and command to become a reliable fantasy asset, so the lack of walks Monday might be more important for his 2024 outlook than the Ks.