MLB Player News

Patino has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and three walks in three appearances in the Grapefruit League.

Patino is in consideration for a rotation spot with Tyler Glasnow (oblique) sidelined, and he's pitched well early on. He threw 2.2 scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday, an outing highlighted by strikeouts of Francisco Alvarez, Tommy Pham and Danny Mendick. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that manager Kevin Cash voiced concern over Patino consistently falling behind in the count, though he also noted that Patino made several strong pitches to work out of trouble. Josh Fleming and Yonny Chirinos are also in consideration for the fifth starter role.

Fleming is in contention for the fifth spot in the Rays' starting rotation while Tyler Glasnow (oblique) is sidelined, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming struggled in his spring training debut, surrendering six earned runs on six hits across only one inning. Since then, he hasn't allowed an earned run across six innings, maintaining a 3:0 K:BB in that span. Fleming also stretched out to three frames in his last outing, so he should be able to handle a normal starter's workload by the time the regular season begins. Luis Patino and Yonny Chirinos are also in consideration for the rotation while Glasnow remains sidelined.

Mata was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Manager Alex Cora said in February that Mata could make his MLB debut this season, though it's still not a surprise the right-hander won't be on the Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old finished the 2022 campaign with Worcester after he was promoted in August, and he could see the majors before too long if he can replicate the 3.47 ERA he posted at Triple-A last season.

The Mariners optioned Then to Double-A Arkansas on Sunday.

Then is heading into his third season as a member of the Mariners' 40-man roster, but he doesn't appear especially close to making his MLB debut. The 23-year-old right-hander covered just 12 frames in the minors between Arkansas and the Mariners' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate in 2022, making one-inning appearances in each of those outings.

The Mariners reassigned McCaughan to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

After making two appearances (one start) for Seattle in 2021, McCaughan spent the entire 2022 campaign at Triple-A Tacoma, where he logged a 4.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while striking out 141 batters over 154.1 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander is expected to continue serving as organizational starting pitching depth at Tacoma in 2023, and his lack of a 40-man roster spot likely won't make him the Mariners' first choice if a spot starter is needed at the big-league level.

Gillaspie has yet to allow an earned run over five innings across five Grapefruit League games.

The 25-year-old has added a 7:2 K:BB and allowed just two hits so far. Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com isn't projecting Gillaspie for the Opening Day bullpen as of Sunday, but the right-hander can't pitch much better than he has so far in the spring. The Orioles' crowded rotation competition could lead to a couple of potential starters initially working out of the bullpen, which could lead to Gillaspie beginning the year at Triple-A Norfolk despite his strong spring. He was solid in the majors last year, logging a 3.12 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 17.1 innings, but his 5.09 ERA and 1.37 WHIP at Triple-A suggest he could benefit from a bit more time in the minors.

Hall (back) threw a successful session of live batting practice Saturday and is scheduled to throw again Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Manager Brandon Hyde announced previously that Hall won't be stretched out enough to start by Opening Day, but the young left-hander appears to be progressing well as he ramps up his rehab work after he experienced right lower-back discomfort early in camp. The 24-year-old could soon be cleared for game action if his work against live hitters continues to go well.

Schreiber struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings in Saturday's spring game against the Twins.

Schreiber made a second consecutive scoreless appearance in which he was asked to face five batters. The right-hander was a key member of the bullpen in 2022 and will repeat that role this season, pitching anywhere in the final three innings of games.

Houston optioned Dubin to its minor-league camp Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Dubin has been with the big-league club to start spring training but will now shift over to the minor-league side. The right-hander posted a 4.78 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 80:32 K:BB over 58.1 innings at Triple-A Sugar Land last season, and he'll likely need improved results in 2023 if he's going to make his MLB debut.

Vespi (abdomen) said he's scheduled to pitch in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The 27-year-old underwent sports hernia surgery in early January but is now in the final stages of his rehab program. Vespi's spring debut will be a good sign for his potential availability Opening Day, though he'll likely need to show he can pitch on back-to-back days before being fully cleared. He had a 4.10 ERA across 26.1 innings during his first taste of the majors in 2022, so he's hardly guaranteed to make the Opening Day roster even when healthy.