MLB Player News

Manager Will Venable said Friday that Clevinger will be "near the top" of the White Sox's options for the ninth inning, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Venable indicated he may utilize multiple pitchers in the closer role, but naming Clevinger specifically could make him the early favorite for saves in Chicago. The veteran right-hander has recorded three strikeouts while not allowing a baserunner in his two spring appearances. Clevinger is set to work as a full-time reliever for the first time in his career after making just four starts for the White Sox last season while contending with neck and elbow injuries.

The Rays exercised Diaz's $12 million option for 2026 and added a vesting option for 2027 on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Diaz's option for 2027 would vest if he reaches certain performance thresholds in 2026. The 33-year-old's performance in 2024 fell off a bit compared to his 2023 and 2022 seasons, but he still slashed .281/.341/.414 with 14 home runs in 2024 and boasts a career .373 on-base percentage. Diaz is slated to serve as the Rays' primary first baseman again in 2025, and he should also see ample starts at designated hitter.

Through five Grapefruit League appearances, Foley has allowed five runs on eight hits across 4.1 innings.

Foley was solid for the Tigers in 2024, posting a 3.15 ERA and 1.18 WHIP during the regular season and leading the team with 28 saves, so the righty should have a little leeway despite his spring struggles. He still looks like the top candidate for saves in Detroit to start the year, though newcomer Tommy Kahnle is expected to be in the mix along with holdover Tyler Holton, and possibly Will Vest and Beau Brieske as well. Foley will likely need a strong start to his season to solidify his grip on the closer role.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Mateo (elbow) could make his Grapefruit League debut soon but remains doubtful for Opening Day, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Mateo had already essentially been ruled out for the opener, so an injured list stint wouldn't be a surprise. He's making nice progress from UCL reconstruction surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow, though, and will continue his ramp up in games soon.

Manager Will Venable announced Friday that Burke will be in the White Sox's season-opening rotation, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander made his MLB debut down the stretch last season and allowed just three earned runs with a 22:7 K:BB across 19 innings, and he'll retain that rotation spot for the start of 2025. Burke is one of the organization's top prospects, though his performance at Triple-A Charlotte last year was underwhelming, as he finished with a 4.62 ERA in 16 starts.

The Orioles named Eflin their Opening Day starter on Friday.

With Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) injured, Eflin made for a pretty clear choice to take the ball March 27 in Toronto. The veteran right-hander was acquired at the trade deadline last year and held a 2.60 ERA and 47:11 K:BB over 55.1 regular-season innings for the Orioles before adding four frames of one-run ball in a postseason start.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that McCullers (forearm) will make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday against the Nationals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander touched 94 mph during his most recent live batting practice session and felt fine physically, clearing the way for his spring debut. This will be the first time McCullers has pitched in a game since the 2022 World Series, as he's dealt with numerous arm issues since then. He will begin the year on the injured list but could be ready for a spot in the Astros' rotation relatively early on in the season.

Ullola was removed from Friday's Spring Breakout game appearance versus the Nationals with an apparent injury, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Ullola was in his second inning of work when he was visited by a trainer following a strikeout, eventually walking off the mound. The Astros have yet to provide any concrete information about the right-hander's condition.

Moncada was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Athletics due to thumb soreness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It's not clear at this point whether the injury might cause Moncada to miss any additional time. The veteran infielder is 4-for-21 with one home run and a 6:7 K:BB over 10 Cactus League contests. Moncada is projected to open the season as the Angels' primary third baseman.

Abreu (illness) has been cleared by doctors and will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday against the Atlanta, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

Abreu has been held out of games this spring due to a gastrointestinal issue that resulted in some weight loss, but he's progressed enough to play this weekend. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said last week that it was unlikely Abreu would be ready in time for Opening Day, but on Friday he didn't rule out the possibility.