MLB Player News

The Red Sox informed Mata on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

After spending the entire 2024 season on Boston's injured list due to hamstring, lat, shoulder and elbow injuries, Mata was non-tendered in November before re-signing with the Red Sox on a minor-league deal. Though he's seemingly emerged from spring training healthy, Mata didn't make much of a run for a spot in the big-league bullpen after giving up six earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over 4.2 innings across his four Grapefruit League appearances. He'll head to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season.

With the Tigers signing outfielder Manuel Margot on Sunday, Malloy has added competition in his bid for an Opening Day bench spot, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Margot signed with Detroit on a major-league deal, so he will give the team veteran depth in the outfield. Malloy, Spencer Torkelson and Jahmai Jones were previously thought to be battling for two open spots, but the addition of Margot likely means only one bench opening is left. Torkelson, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, has had an impressive spring and recently started seeing some time in the outfield to add versatility, so he might have the inside track at this point given his power potential at the plate. If Malloy starts the season with Triple-A Toledo, he could still be an MLB option later in the year if a need arises.

McClanahan said Monday that he remains without a timeline to make his season debut, but he acknowledged that his left arm is already feeling better after he exited his final Grapefruit League start Saturday due to nerve irritation in his tricep, John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McClanahan noted that he's still waiting for the nerve to calm down before he's re-evaluated, at which point the Rays could have a clearer timeline for the lefty to resume his throwing program. Given that McClanahan previously underwent Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and in August 2023, the Rays will likely proceed deliberately with his recovery from the tricep issue, even though all indications are that the 27-year-old avoided a significant injury. With McClanahan ticketed for a stint on the injured list to begin the season, the Rays should have room at the back end of their Opening Day rotation for both Zack Littell and Drew Rasmussen.

The Twins optioned Martin to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

He lost out on the final outfielder spot to DaShawn Keirsey. Martin had focused primarily on playing the outfield this spring, but he can also play the infield and could return to more of a utility role at St. Paul.

Olson allowed two runs on four hits across 5.1 innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He walked two and struck out three.

Olson wrapped up a solid spring slate in which he recorded a 4.30 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 14.2 innings. The righty is in line to serve as Detroit's No. 3 starter this season behind Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, with his debut likely coming on Saturday against the Dodgers on the road. Olson has posted sub-4.00 ERAs in each of his first two MLB campaigns, though he's a risky play against the loaded Los Angeles lineup.

Barriera (elbow) is targeting a return to game action by late May or early June, Sam Dykstra of MLB.com reports.

A first-round pick in 2022, Barriera underwent a hybrid Tommy John/internal brace procedure on his elbow in April 2024, and arm issues have limited him to just 23.2 innings since he made his pro debut. The 21-year-old southpaw was touching 97 mph with his fastball prior to last year's surgery however, and if he can stay healthy he's still young enough to begin re-establishing his status as a prospect. Barriera's multiple rehabs have also had the side benefit of re-shaping his body. "This is about as good physically as he's looked since we've had him," Blue Jays director of player development Joe Sclafani said toward the end of spring training. "Obviously, he got bigger and then tapered it back. Physically, he's in a really good spot. Mentally, he's in a really good spot. He's trending in a really good direction. We're excited."

The Blue Jays haven't yet decided where Yesavage will begin his pro career, Sam Dykstra of MLB.com reports.

The 20th overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft didn't debut last year after completing his collegiate career at East Carolina, but his stuff is already good enough to potentially handle High-A or even Double-A. Early-season weather concerns in the Northwest and Eastern Leagues may cause the Jays to play it safe with the 21-year-old right-hander and assign him to Single-A Dunedin in the Florida State League instead, to ensure he gets into a rhythm before facing more advanced hitters. Yesavage touched 97 mph with good movement on his fastball during his Spring Breakout game performance March 15 while generating whiffs on all four of the cutters he threw, and his splitter flashed plus as well.

The Twins informed Keirsey on Monday that he has made the Opening Day roster, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Keirsey earned the spot after hitting .275 with one home run and three stolen bases during Grapefruit League play. The 27-year-old can handle all three outfield spots and will operate mostly as a backup, although he could draw some starts in the outfield on days the Twins use Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton or Matt Wallner at designated hitter.

Straw could see action against some right-handed pitching as the Blue Jays prioritize his defense in center field, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old will split duties in center with Nathan Lukes while Daulton Varsho completes his recovery from shoulder surgery, but while Straw hits right-handed and Lukes swings from the left side of the plate, the duo isn't expected to work in a strict platoon. Alan Roden might also see the occasional start in center, further muddying the picture. Varsho could make his 2025 in the first week of April, so Straw and Lukes will essentially be competing for a single bench spot after the Jays' starting center fielder is cleared to return.

Barger may return to the major-league roster once Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is cleared to come off the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old played well enough this spring to earn a place on the 26-man roster, but the Jays needed extra depth in center field with Varsho sidelined, and Barger is mostly limited to the infield and outfield corners defensively. Once Varsho rejoins the roster, which should happen early in April, it could free a spot up for Barger's bat after he went 11-for-30 (.367) in Grapefruit League action with two doubles, three homers and a 4:10 BB:K.