MLB Player News

They Royals plan to use Erceg in the highest leverage spots in 2025, whether that be the ninth for a save opportunity or in the seventh inning, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Erceg gave up a run with two hits and two strikeouts in one inning during his spring debut Wednesday and reached 98.1 mph with his fastball.

Erceg racked up 11 of Kansas City's 15 saves last season after the team acquired him from Oakland in July and didn't have much competition for the closer role prior to the signing of Carlos Estevez. It appears Erceg will operate as more of a late-inning fireman that receives some save opportunities while Estevez is likely to work the ninth inning with a bit more consistency.

Rortvedt will not be allowed to throw for 3-to-4 days after receiving an injection Wednesday in his sore right shoulder, MLB.com reports.

The Rays are hopeful Rortvedt will be ready to return to Grapefruit League play shortly after the brief shutdown period. He's slated to open the season as the team's No.2 catcher behind Danny Jansen.

Larnach (hamstring) will start in right field and bat cleanup in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Larnach will be making his second start of the spring after he went 0-for-2 as a designated hitter in last Saturday's 3-1 win over Atlanta. The 28-year-old finished the 2024 season on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, but his ability to play the corner outfield Thursday suggests he's no longer slowed by the injury. Larnach should have the inside track on a regular spot in the lineup versus right-handed pitching after slashing .261/.342/.441 with a 124 wRC+ over 377 plate appearances against righties in 2024.

Varsho (shoulder) could make his Grapefruit League debut as a designated hitter as soon as Friday, MLB.com reports.

Varsho has been facing live pitching and taking batting practice with no issues but has not yet been cleared to throw at full effort as he works his way back from last September's right rotator cuff surgery. The 28-year-old is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, but getting into a spring game before the end of February, even if it's just as a hitter, would be a good sign for his recovery.

Westburg remains out of the Orioles' Grapefruit League lineup Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

It's not yet clear whether Westburg is dealing with some sort of injury, but he has not played since the Baltimore's spring training opener Saturday. The club could offer more information on Westburg's status soon.

Campbell (elbow) is listed as one of Boston's scheduled pitchers for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Detroit, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Campbell finished the 2024 season on Boston's injured list due to right elbow inflammation and was then outrighted off the 40-man roster in November. After a brief free-agency period, Campbell re-signed with Boston on a minor-league deal and received an invitation to big-league spring training. He'll make his first Grapefruit League appearance Thursday, which indicates that his prior elbow injury is no longer a concern.

Barger (hand) is in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

A hit-by-pitch Sunday prompted X-rays, which were negative. Barger is now ready to return to action and continue his bid for a spot on the Opening Day roster as a utility man. He split his time on the major-league roster last season between third base (36 games), right field (27 games) and left field (10 appearances).

Bradley allowed one hit with no walks or strikeouts across 2.1 scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game.

Bradley threw 25 pitches before being pulled and revealed after the game that he tinkered with his cutter this offseason to add a pitch with movement that resembles a slider. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Bradley debuted the pitch in Tuesday's game against the Phillies and is hoping the offering will reduce his homer problem after giving up 1.4 HR/9 in 2024. He also hit 98 mph with his fastball.

Seymour completed two scoreless innings while striking out two and walking one in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game.

Seymour had an impressive spring debut, striking out Jarren Duran and Alex Bregman while also retiring Triston Casas and Trevor Story. Seymour is unlikely to start the season in the Rays' rotation, but he was added to the 40-man roster this offseason. He should be a top option to make spot starts if injuries occur.

Sugano gave up two hits and a walk over two scoreless innings during his Grapefruit League debut against the Pirates on Wednesday.

The Orioles anticipated Sugano throwing 35-to-40 pitches during his first spring outing, but the 35-year-old righty was able to get through his scheduled two innings on just 28 pitches -- 17 of which were strikes. He said after the game that he was primarily focused on getting used to pitching in a new environment and communicating with his catcher, and he'll look to work more on pitch sequencing during his next start, per Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com. Sugano is expected to open the year in Baltimore's starting rotation after turning in a 1.67 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over 156.2 innings in Japan last season.