MLB Player News

Tampa Bay reassigned Heller to minor-league camp Thursday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Heller has previously made 31 relief appearances in the big leagues, but none have come since 2020 and he's pitched just 8.2 innings in total in affiliated ball over the past two seasons while tending to arm-related injuries. He'll need to stay healthy and pitch effectively at Triple-A Durham for an extended period before getting a look in Tampa Bay's bullpen.

Hearn secured a spot in the Rangers' Opening Day bullpen after the team finalized its 26-man active roster Wednesday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Hearn appeared to be on the roster bubble following a poor showing in spring training along with the fact that he had a minor-league option remaining, but Texas ultimately chose to keep him on hand as an extra lefty arm out of the bullpen over fellow southpaw John King, who was dispatched to Triple-A Round Rock. Though he worked as a swingman for Texas in 2022 while making 13 starts over his 31 appearances, Hearn is expected to serve as a full-time reliever in 2023, with most of his opportunities presumably coming in middle-inning or lower-leverage spots.

The Angels placed Marte (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Friday.

Marte has been shut down from throwing for at least another three weeks while he recovers from a right elbow stress reaction. His move to the 60-day IL opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Jake Lamb. Assuming he incurs no further setbacks in his recovery from the injury, Marte could be ready to join the Los Angeles bullpen at the start of June.

The Angels placed Rodriguez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Rodriguez is finally facing hitters again after having shoulder surgery in November 2021, but he still needs time to ramp back up fully. Barring any setbacks while he navigates his throwing program, Rodriguez could be ready to begin a rehab assignment shortly after the minor-league season gets underway this weekend.

The Rangers placed Sborz on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a sprained ankle, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Sborz tweaked his ankle either in his final Cactus League appearance March 22 or in a workout at some point thereafter, so he'll be sidelined for at least the first two weeks of the season while he's on the mend. Once healthy, Sborz will likely work in the middle innings out of the bullpen.

Texas placed Howard (arm) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Howard began experiencing right arm fatigue in early March and still needs to build back up into regular-season form. There's no exact timeframe for when he might be an option in Texas.

The Rangers placed Otto (lat) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Otto injured his right lat toward the end of spring camp and is now going to miss at least the first two months of the 2023 season. The Rangers haven't provided an official timeline for Otto's return, though the right-hander is expected to avoid surgery.

Englert was informed Wednesday that he will be on the Tigers' Opening Day roster, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The Rule 5 Draft pick joins Alex Lange, Jose Cisnero, Jason Foley, Tyler Alexander, Trey Wingenter, Chasen Shreve and Garrett Hill in Detroit's Opening Day bullpen. Englert, 23, registered a 3.64 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 136:31 K:BB over 118.2 innings (24 starts) last season between the High-A and Double-A affiliates of the Rangers.

Winder (shoulder) threw 43 pitches over 2.2 innings Tuesday in Twins camp, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Twins president Derek Falvey told reporters Wednesday that Winder got up to 94 mph with his fastball but then added the 26-year-old right-hander will not be stretched out into a full starter's workload in order to protect his ailing shoulder. Consequently, it sounds like Winder is going to be deployed as a long reliever whenever he's deemed fit for live competition.

The Rays placed Armstrong (neck) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Armstrong didn't pitch in any Grapefruit League games due to the neck issue, so unless he dramatically ramps up his throwing program in the coming days, he'll more than likely be sidelined beyond the minimum 15 days. Once healthy, Armstrong could work as a setup or middle-relief option out of the bullpen.