MLB Player News

Rocker allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over 4.2 innings in Thursday's spring start against the Rockies.

Although not a perfect outing, Thursday's effort was Rocker's best in four Cactus League appearances. He had allowed 11 runs over his first 4.1 innings this spring, but this latest effort represents a second straight encouraging outing. The 25-year-old right-hander threw 76 pitches (47 strikes), as he continued to refine the mechanical issues that were on display in his first two starts. Rocker is poised to slot into the Rangers' rotation after the club lost Cody Bradford (elbow) and Jon Gray (wrist) to injuries last week.

Carlson is batting 8-for-29 (.320) with two home runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases this spring, but Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun doesn't project the outfielder as part of Baltimore's Opening Day Roster.

Meyer instead lists Ramon Laureano, who has gone just 6-for-30 (.200) with one homer and three RBI in spring training, as his expected Orioles' fifth outfielder. Both players were signed to one-year contracts during the offseason. Neither Carlson or Laureano would enter the season with much fantasy relevance while functioning in a weak-side platoon in a lefty-heavy group of outfielders.

Whitley (knee) is not likely to be on the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Whitley suffered the injury in a Grapefruit League game in mid-March and there has been no news of him resuming throwing or other baseball activities. However, general manager Dana Brown did say he expects Whitley to be available at some point in April.

Ort (oblique) is not likely to be on the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Ort first suffered the injury early in spring training and has resumed throwing off a mound. While it's very likely he'll begin the season on the injured list, general manager Dana Brown said he expects Ort to return at some point in April

The Blue Jays optioned Walker to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Walker signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays in December. He entered spring training with a chance to secure a bullpen spot in Toronto, but he will begin his season in Buffalo. The southpaw posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across eight innings in Grapefruit League play before being optioned.

The Blue Jays optioned Tate to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Tate didn't sign with the Jays until March 10 and hasn't appeared in a spring game since then, so he'll head to Triple-A to build up for the season. The 30-year-old reliever finished 2024 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 36.2 innings, but he may be called up a few times over the course of the season to provide Toronto with a fresh bullpen arm.

The Blue Jays optioned Martinez to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Martinez missed a few days of spring training after he was hit by a fastball on the hip Monday. He was able to return to action Thursday and log an at-bat. The infielder has been slashing .320/.393/.480 with a home run across 28 plate appearances in Grapefruit League play. At Triple-A Buffalo, the 23-year-old will play every day and wait for his next chance to prove himself in the big leagues.

The Blue Jays optioned Clase to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Clase reached the big leagues for the first time last season and slashed .246/.303/.328 across 66 plate appearances between the Mariners and Blue Jays. His bat vanished in the Grapefruit League, however, as he only managed one hit in 14 at-bats. He'll attempt to right the ship in Triple-A, and a spot on Toronto's bench may be his down the line if he can rediscover his swing.

The Blue Jays optioned Bloss to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Bloss allowed eight earned runs across eight innings in four appearances during spring training. His best outing came in his most recent appearance March 10, when he pitched three scoreless frames. It was thought the 23-year-old had a chance at cracking the rotation to begin the season depending on the availability of Max Scherzer (thumb), but Bloss will have to wait to make his Blue Jays debut.

Stewart (hamstring) threw a successful bullpen session Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Stewart had to depart his last Grapefruit League appearance Saturday against Atlanta with a left hamstring issue. He plans to appear in a game Saturday, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. If so, he should have a good shot to avoid the injured list if he can avoid a setback.