MLB Player News

The Orioles optioned Gibson to minor-league camp Monday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Gibson signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Orioles on Friday to bring depth to a rotation that has Grayson Rodriguez, Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish all missing the start of the season due to elbow injuries. Despite not being with a team during most of spring training, the 37-year-old Gibson has pitched in simulated games against college hitters and has built up to 70 pitches, and the plan is for the veteran right-hander to join Baltimore's rotation "somewhere around" May 1, per Weyrich. Gibson went 8-8 across 30 regular-season starts with the Cardinals in 2024 and logged a 4.24 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 151:68 K:BB over 169.2 innings.

Amaya is among those in the mix for starts at shortstop for the White Sox, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Manager Will Venable said that he will "probably be mix and matching" at shortstop, adding that Amaya is "obviously a great defender." Amaya has slashed only .182/.222/.195 in limited chances at the big-league level. Brooks Baldwin and non-roster invitees Nick Maton and Tristan Gray are also in the mix for starts at shortstop.

Latz was spotted at Globe Life Field on Monday and could win a spot in the Rangers' Opening Day bullpen, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Latz was sent to minor-league camp in early March, but he remains under consideration for a multi-inning relief role and could be the favorite to nab the last spot in the Texas bullpen. The 28-year-old made 46 appearances in relief for the Rangers in 2024, posting a 3.71 ERA and 40:27 K:BB over 43.2 frames.

Jones is expected to see the bulk of his playing time in right field against right-handed pitching, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The Guardians acquired Jones via trade Saturday and sent Will Brennan down Monday, effectively replacing the latter with the former as the strong side of a platoon in right field. Jhonkensy Noel is likely to start in right field versus left-handers. Jones exiting Coors Field isn't ideal on the surface, but Progressive Field ranked fourth in baseball for home runs for left-handed batters last season, per Baseball Savant's Park Factors.

Cantillo will open the season in the Guardians' bullpen, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Cantillo lost out on the fifth spot in Cleveland's rotation but will be included on its Opening Day roster as a reliever. The left-hander made eight starts and one relief appearance last season, collecting a 4.89 ERA and 44:15 K:BB over 38.2 frames. Cantillo could still be considered for starts at some point later this season.

The Guardians optioned Walters (shoulder) to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

After retiring just one batter and giving up three earned runs in his Cactus League debut Feb. 24, Walters was shut down for a brief period of time due to right shoulder stiffness. Walters was cleared to return to action March 15 and gave up one earned run on three hits and two walks over 2.2 innings across his final three appearances of the spring, but the missed time along with the fact that he had minor-league options remaining likely worked against him in his bid for the Opening Day roster. If he's able to get off to good start to the season at Triple-A, Walters should be in the mix for an early call-up, as he excelled in his first taste of the majors in 2024. The young righty allowed just six baserunners over 8.2 innings during the regular season and then held opposing batters to a .111 average over three postseason appearances.

The Guardians optioned Brennan to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Brennan seemed to be in good position to open the season in the strong side of a platoon in right field, but the Guardians' acquisition of Nolan Jones over the weekend ended Brennan's hopes of breaking camp with the big club. The 27-year-old should be in line for steady at-bats with Columbus while he awaits another opportunity with the big club.

Astros manager Joe Espada said that Walker (oblique) played six innings on defense and hit a home run during a simulated game Monday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Espada added that Walker remains on track to be ready to roll for Opening Day on Thursday against the Mets. Walker played only four Grapefruit League contests due to left oblique soreness but has been getting in some at-bats in minor-league games to prep for the start of the regular season.

Pasquantino (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Monday's Cactus League contest versus the Rangers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pasquantino strained his right hamstring during Saturday's Cactus League game. While the first baseman has downplayed the injury, he might need to show he can play in the Royals' final exhibition tilt Tuesday before being cleared to play Opening Day. If Pasquantino isn't ready to play at the start of the season, the Royals could use Salvador Perez and/or Mark Canha at first base.

Seager is out of the lineup for Monday's exhibition game against the Royals due to a sore calf, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Manager Bruce Bochy said the calf issue is nothing serious, but Seager's absence from a lineup that includes most of the Rangers' projected starters nonetheless raises some concern. Seager could be back in action for Tuesday's exhibition finale against the Royals, but if not, his status will need to monitored leading up to Thursday's season opener versus the Red Sox.