MLB Player News

Munoz (ankle) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports reports.

Munoz will throw one more live batting practice session before making an appearance in a Cactus League contest. The right-hander underwent foot surgery in the offseason, and the team is being conservative to make sure there's no setback. Munoz was dominant in 2022, and while he may not see the bulk of the save opportunities this season, he's the rare reliever who can be relevant in fantasy without them because of his ability to miss bats.

Martinez was optioned Friday to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics.

Martinez was competing for a spot in the Oakland starting rotation, but the right-hander will instead open the season with the Aviators in the Pacific Coast League. In 2022, the right-hander struggled to a 6.24 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 57.2 innings pitched. He'll likely be an up-and-down option for the A's again in 2023.

Angels head athletic trainer Mike Frostad indicated Friday that Rodriguez is still having some issues with his surgically repaired shoulder, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

"We sort of listen to Chris and how he's telling us he's feeling every day," said Frostad. "He has great days and there's some days where it's not as great." Rodriguez is continuing to throw on the side in camp, but there's no timetable for when he might begin appearing in games. The 24-year-old right-hander hasn't thrown a pitch at any level since August 2021.

Marte (general soreness) is scheduled for another bullpen session Sunday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

If that workout goes well, the next step could be his Cactus League debut. Marte, 26, has been brought along slowly this spring due to general soreness. He has also surrendered 14 runs -- 13 earned -- in 15 career major-league innings and will probably be ticketed for Triple-A Salt Lake out of camp.

Bachman (general soreness) made it through another successful bullpen session Friday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Bachman has been held out of Cactus League action over the last two weeks due to general soreness, but it sounds like he should now get the go-ahead to return to live competition. The 23-year-old right-hander is likely to begin the 2023 season back at Double-A Rocket City.

Padilla was optioned Friday to Triple-A Charlotte, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Padilla is actually away from White Sox camp as he readies to suit up for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, but this is the time of the spring for procedural cuts. The 26-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut with the Cubs last season, though that stint lasted only one appearance. He was claimed off waivers by the Pale Hose in September.

White (shoulder) threw a successful round of live batting practice Friday, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Longley writes that White looked "strong" during the live BP, which took place at the Blue Jays' player development complex. With his offseason shoulder impingement now in the rearview, the 28-year-old should soon get into Grapefruit League games as he looks to state a case for the final spot in Toronto's season-opening starting rotation. Yusei Kikuchi is the clear leader in that competition as things stand right now.

Campbell was optioned to Double-A Arkansas on Friday, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

Campbell recorded a 1.57 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 46 innings between High-A and Double-A ball last season. He possesses elite strikeout stuff (10.9 career K/9) and could break into Triple-A before the end of the season.

Pilkington has allowed five earned runs, 10 hits and four walks while striking out eight over 6.1 innings across three Cactus League appearances.

The left-hander saw more time than initially expected in the majors last year, as he frequently served as a spot starter when the Guardians had to make up rained-out games. Pilkington did alright with a 3.88 ERA over 58 innings, but his 5.0 BB/9 was far too high to sustain that level of success. He would likely benefit more from starting at Triple-A Columbus to begin 2023, though he logged a 5.88 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 56.2 innings in 2022 at that level. Barring injuries, the Guardians' five-man rotation is pretty much set, so Pilkington would likely be a reliever if he breaks camp with the team.

The Royals optioned Bowlan to Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday.

Bowlan gave up one earned run through three innings during spring training, but a 6.92 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in Double-A last season indicate the 26-year-old righty still needs time to develop in the minors.