MLB Player News

Herget could begin the season as the Angels' closer with offseason signee Carlos Estevez struggling in Cactus League play, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Estevez signed with the Angels in December and was tabbed as the team's potential closer by general manager Perry Minasian early in camp, but the veteran reliever has struggled with a 19.64 ERA and 10 walks over 3.2 innings this spring. Estevez and the Angels have indicated a lack of concern about his Cactus League struggles, but if the team ultimately decides to go in a different direction for ninth-inning work to start the season, Herget would be the logical choice to assume the role. The right-hander was effective as part of a closer committee after Raisel Iglesias was traded last season, tallying eight saves, a 1.10 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP over 32.2 innings. However, Herget hadn't saved any MLB games prior to 2022, so his sample size of success as a closer is relatively small.

Fairbanks has not given up a run in his two Grapefruit League appearances.

Fairbanks has allowed just one hit so far in his two games, and he's struck out two while not issuing a walk, although he did put a runner on via a hit-by-pitch. The right-hander signed a three-year extension with the Rays in January after registering a 1.13 ERA and 38:3 K:BB over 24 innings, and he has a chance to see a good share of the save opportunities for Tampa Bay during the 2023 season.

Duran has thrown five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and two walks this spring. He reached 101.1 mph with his fastball in his last outing Thursday.

Duran has already been in mid-season form with his velocity and looks ready for the regular season. He'll be a primary weapon in the Minnesota bullpen, but manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't tipped his hand about his plan for the closer role this spring. While Duran may be the best reliever, Baldelli usually runs his bullpen with disregard to the save statistic. Duran may be used in high-leverage matchups with Jorge Lopez pitching the ninth inning, for example. However, Duran's elite velocity and prior success are traits that could lead Baldelli to break with tradition and use him as the primary closer if he opts to abandon the committee approach.

Otto was scratched from Saturday's scheduled start in the Cactus League with right lat tightness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

With Otto out, the Rangers will have Chase Lee start in the right-hander's place. Otto will likely need to undergo testing to make sure there's no structural damage. There should be an update on his status in the coming days.

May has registered a 9.64 ERA in five Cactus League appearances so far in spring training.

May has allowed five runs in 4.2 innings of work, but he has struck out nine while only issuing one walk. Signed to a one-year deal by Oakland in December 2022, the right-hander has a chance for saves in 2023 -- albeit for one of the projected worst teams in baseball. His role in the Athletics' bullpen has yet to be defined, so he probably won't be appealing in fantasy drafts.

Rodriguez left Saturday's Grapefruit League appearance with right torso pain, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez looked to be in significant pain when he left the outing, and was grabbing at his side. The left-hander will likely need to undergo testing to determine the severity of the injury. If healthy, Rodriguez is expected to be a middle-relief option for Boston in 2023.

Rodriguez left Saturday's Grapefruit League appearance while grabbing his hip, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez walked off the mound on his own accord, but appeared to be favoring his right hip. There should be an update on his status shortly.

Lopez is set to serve as a high-leverage arm for the White Sox this season, Jack Magruder of MLB.com reports. "He's a special talent, and he's also a special kid," said manager Pedro Grifol. "He likes the moment. He likes the stage."

Grifol swooned about how special he thinks Lopez is, having strategized against him for the past several years as the Royals' bench coach from 2020-22. The skipper indicated that bullpen usage will be determined by game situations, not a particular inning designation, so it sounds like Lopez will enter the season as part of a saves committee along with Kendall Graveman.

Lawrence was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence was signed to a minor-league contract in January with an invite to major-league camp. The right-hander gave up four runs in eight innings over four Grapefruit League appearances, and he'll be a bullpen depth option in 2023. It's unclear if he'll work as a reliever or starter with Triple-A Buffalo after starting 37 of his 48 minor-league appearances over the last two years.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Saturday that Kahnle (biceps) has been unable to resume throwing, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Kahnle is dealing with tendinitis in his right biceps, and because of soreness, the right-hander isn't able to start his throwing program. He's a lock to start the year on the injured list, and unfortunately for the Yankees' bullpen, it looks like he may not be able to join the group until the end of April at the earliest.