MLB Player News

Boston manager Alex Cora speculated that Mata could make his major-league debut in 2023, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. "The ability is there," Cora said. "At one point, (Mata) is gonna be part of this and he's gonna help us to win a few games."

The 23-year-old Mata was a highly regarded prospect at the lower levels of the minors before the pandemic and Tommy John elbow surgery curtailed his development. He returned to pitching in June of 2022 and was at Triple-A Worcester to finish the season. The right-hander dominated at Double-A Portland (1.85 ERA in 48.2 innings) before a five-start stint with the WooSox (3.47 ERA, 30 strikeouts, 23.1 innings). Mata, who consistently hit 100 MPH last season, will come out of the bullpen in Friday's exhibition against Northeastern University. He projects as a starter or reliver. Either way, Mata needs to hone his command; he posted a career 4.3 BB/9 throughout the minors and 5.8 in 2022.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said the team's closer situation is "somewhat fluid" then mentioned Leclerc's name first, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. "He's got great stuff and he's got a good way about him, when it comes to makeup," Bochy said. "He's got the weapons to finish a game, I know that."

Leclerc has the most end-of-game experience among potential closers, which could also include Joe Barlow, Brock Burke and Jonathan Hernandez. Leclerc was effective over the final stages of 2022, converting seven of nine opportunities with a 1.38 ERA over 26 innings while holding hitters to a .482 OPS. He fanned 36 percent of the batters he faced from Aug. 1 forward. Consistent command remains the one big hurdle. Leclerc posted a 4.0 BB/9 last season, including 3.8 during that final effective stretch.

Brieske may begin the year in Detroit's bullpen after working exclusively as a starter in 2022, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Brieske made 15 starts for the Tigers last year and compiled a decent 4.19 ERA to go with a 1.20 WHIP. However, Detroit was decimated by injuries, and the likes of Eduardo Rodriguez, Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull appear to now be healthy heading into camp. That trio, along with Matt Manning and Michael Lorenzen, seem like favorites for rotation spots. That would push Brieske into a relief role, though he could definitely push to start again at some point during the year.

Hill could be in line to start the year in Detroit's bullpen, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Hill made eight starts and nine relief appearances for the Tigers as a rookie last year, compiling a 4.03 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 60.1 total innings. Detroit's rotation may be full with Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull back in the mix and Michael Lorenzen joining the team, but Hill pitched well enough to earn a look in relief, and starting isn't out of the question at some point.

Davidson will start the Angels' Cactus League opener Saturday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Davidson is completing for the sixth spot in the Angels' rotation, although manager Phil Nevin has indication his sixth starter will serve more of a swingman role this year. The left-hander is out of options, so he seems likely to make the Opening Day roster in some capacity. Davidson's competition this spring includes Jaime Barria, Griffin Canning and Chris Rodriguez.

Bautista (shoulder/knee) threw a bullpen session without issue Tuesday, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner reports.

"I felt really good the entire time, I feel healthy," Bautista said through a translator after the throwing session. The big reliever is being eased into action this spring after ending last season with shoulder and knee issues. The hope remains that Bautista will be ready for Opening Day, although it's not a given.

Zerpa is behind schedule in Royals camp with a mild left shoulder injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Zerpa will continue his throwing program, so this is viewed as only a minor setback for now. The left-hander should be on a starter's schedule this spring but could also wind up in the bullpen.

Winder is behind schedule in Twins camp due to right shoulder soreness, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Winder first started feeling soreness in the shoulder back in December, so the Twins are easing him into things. He's only about a week behind schedule, however, and there doesn't seem to be real worry at this point about Winder's availability for the start of the season. The righty is expected to be used as a starter this spring but projects to be on the outside looking in to the Twins' Opening Day rotation.

Santa (undisclosed) was spotted throwing off a mound in mid-January, Kenny Van Doren of the Astros Future Podcast reports.

Santa was forced to miss the majority of the 2022 campaign while dealing with an undisclosed injury, but it appears he's back on track after having time to get healthy over the offseason. The young hurler figures to begin the 2023 season with either Single-A Fayetteville or High-A Asheville.

Barlow (wrist) is working on adding a split-finger fastball, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

The pitch isn't totally new, as Barlow toyed with it in 2018, when the Rangers had former closer Bryan Harvey in camp to teach the pitch to some of the team's young hurlers. Barlow only threw about five back then, but the right-hander's picking it up again to give him a pitch that moves arm side. It's still a work in progress, which will be deployed this spring with a fastball, slider and curveball repertoire. That Barlow is throwing means he's over the November surgery to correct Linburg-Comstock syndrome, a condition that prevents the thumb and index finger from working independently.