MLB Player News

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Rodriguez joins a bullpen that was an area of weakness in 2022, particularly in the area of walks. As such, Boston revamped its crew of relievers, and Rodriguez is a virtual lock to make the team. He's had issues with walks in the past, but Rodriguez has excelled in limiting home runs and had a better FIP (3.23) and SIERA (3.54) than the 4.47 ERA he posted in 55 games with the Mets in 2022.

Martin (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Rangers on Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

It's a procedural move for the Rangers, as Martin is going to miss at least the first half of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery on his left shoulder late in January. It clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Robbie Grossman after the veteran outfielder's one-year deal became official.

Bachman (back/biceps) has his fastball velocity up in the mid-to-high 90s this spring, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Bachman was touted as a triple-digits flamethrower when the Angels made him a top-10 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, but he was forced to alter his mechanics last year in the minors due to back and biceps injuries, and his radar-gun readings dipped as low as 91 mph. He's healthier now and beginning to regain the form he showed at Miami of Ohio University. The 23-year-old right-hander could reach the MLB level at some point in 2023 if he continues to make encouraging strides.

The Tigers claimed Holton off waivers from Arizona on Friday

After being DFA'd by Arizona to free a spot for Andrew Chafin, Holton will now compete for a spot in the Tigers' bullpen. The 26-year-old lefty made 10 appearances for the D-backs last season, posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP through nine frames. Casey Mize (elbow/back) was placed on the 60-day IL to make room for Holton on the 40-man roster.

Pivetta had to cut a workout short Friday due to illness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The right-hander walked off the field with a trainer, but it's believed his stamina just isn't where it needs to be yet due to the unspecified illness. It sounds like Pivetta should be back in action in a day or two.

Perez and Bryan Baker might see save chances if Felix Bautista (shoulder/knee) has to miss time, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Bautista is being worked into things slowly in camp and Dillon Tate (elbow) is slated to miss at least the first month of the season, which could open up some late-inning opportunities in the Orioles' bullpen. Perez certainly deserves to be under consideration after holding a 1.40 ERA and 55:21 K:BB over 57.2 innings for the O's last season.

Baker and Cionel Perez could get chances to close games if Felix Bautista (shoulder/knee) needs to miss time, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The O's hope that Bautista will ready in time for Opening Day as he eases into things this spring following last year's shoulder and knee injuries. If he's not, though, it sounds like Baker and Perez would get ninth-inning looks. Baker picked up one save for Baltimore in 2022 while posting a 3.49 ERA and 76:26 K:BB over 69.2 frames.

Kittredge (elbow) being placed on the 60-day injured list has been rescinded, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

It had been the corresponding move to Trevor Kelley having his contract selected, but that transaction isn't allowed until March 15. Kittredge will officially be put on the 60-day IL next month.

Kelley having his contract selected by the Rays has been rescinded, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network.

This was just an error on the Rays' part, as players on non-roster invitee deals aren't eligible to have their contracts selected until March 15. Kelley is expected to be added to the 40-man roster at that time.

Graveman said Thursday that he's open to filling any bullpen role for the White Sox this season, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

"To rack up saves or holds, it doesn't matter to me," Graveman said. "I just want to get this team to the playoffs." The 32-year-old looks to be the frontrunner for the closer role on the South Side of Chicago with Liam Hendriks out indefinitely following a January diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.