MLB Player News

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Sunday that Abreu will be included in the Yankees' Opening Day bullpen, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Abreu turned in uneven results during Grapefruit League play, yielding six runs and striking out just four over 9.1 innings, but he issued just one walk and held opposing batters to a .222 average. Ultimately, that level of performance along with the fact that he doesn't have minor-league options remaining were enough for Abreu to secure his spot on the roster. He'll likely be ticketed for low-leverage work out of the bullpen.

Speier was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

The left-hander was claimed off waivers by the Mariners in November and will debut for the organization at the Triple-A level. Speier had a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB over 19.1 innings with Kansas City last year, so he could certainly work his way into Seattle's bullpen mix at some point in 2023.

Snead (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list Sunday.

Snead was shut down from throwing in early March due to a left shoulder strain, and he'll be sidelined for at least the first two months of the season. The 28-year-old received his first substantial run in the big leagues last year and had a 5.84 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 35:22 K:BB over 44.2 innings.

The Orioles optioned Hall to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Hall is healthy again after he overcame a lower-back injury to make two extended Grapefruit League relief appearances Monday and Saturday, but the Orioles want him to continue building up as a starter in the minors before a return to the majors is considered. Assuming he stays healthy and productive at Norfolk in the early part of the season, Hall should be among the top candidates for a promotion if a spot in the big-league rotation opens up at any point.

The Orioles optioned Cano to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Cano bagged two saves and struck out 10 over seven innings in Grapefruit League play this spring, but the Orioles presumably want him to gain more seasoning at Triple-A before giving him another look in the majors. The 29-year-old right-hander was lit up in his first taste of the big leagues in 2022, logging an 11.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP in 18 innings between Baltimore and Minnesota.

The White Sox informed Shaw on Sunday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Shaw had been attending spring training as a non-roster invitee after signing a minor-league deal with Chicago in February. Given his status as a 35-year-old veteran with 753 career regular-season appearances in the majors along with the fact that he's coming off a respectable showing in Cactus League play (1.08 ERA, 1.32 WHIP in 8.1 innings), Shaw may choose to pursue his options in free agency rather than joining the White Sox's top affiliate at Triple-A Charlotte.

Pruitt will report to Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the 2023 season, Ben Ross of MLB.com reports.

Pruitt re-signed with Oakland in January on a minor-league deal that included an invitation to MLB spring training, but he never made a serious push for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He made just four relief appearances in Cactus League play before experiencing back tightness following his most recent outing March 18. The right-hander checked out fine following a bullpen session Saturday, so he at least looks like he'll be ready to go when Las Vegas begins its season March 31.

The Twins reassigned Coulombe to minor-league camp Sunday.

Coulombe will not be a part of Minnesota's pitching staff to open the 2023 season. The 33-year-old southpaw pitched well in the Grapefruit League with a spotless ERA over seven innings in six appearances, and if he opts to stick in the organization and continues to excel at Triple-A St. Paul early on in the campaign, he may not have to wait long for a promotion to the big-league bullpen.

With Will Vest optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Friday, Wingenter's chances of making Detroit's Opening Day roster have likely improved.

Vest appeared in 59 games for the Tigers last season, but he's out of the mix for now. Wingenter joined the team on a minor-league deal back in January and now stands a decent chance of being a member of the Opening Day bullpen. The righty hasn't appeared in the majors since 2019 and will likely be a low-leverage option if he sticks with Detroit.

With Will Vest optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Friday, Holton seems to stand a better chance of making Detroit's Opening Day roster.

Vest pitched in 59 games for the Tigers last season, but he'll begin the year with the Mud Hens, which could open up a spot in the majors for Holton. The lefty appeared in 10 games with Arizona in 2022, posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across nine innings. He'll likely be a low-leverage option at best, though he could be useful against left-handed hitters.