MLB Player News

The Blue Jays will exercise Bass' $3 million club option for 2023 on Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The veteran right-hander was acquired from the Marlins at the trade deadline and will stick with the Blue Jays in 2023. Bass finished the year with a 1.54 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 73:20 K:BB across 70.1 innings, and he should fill a high-leverage role again for Toronto next year.

Pressly pitched a scoreless ninth inning during Saturday's 4-1 win over the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series, allowing one hit, striking out none and walking none.

Pressly remained spotless for the postseason, finishing with a 0.00 ERA and just one unearned run allowed across 11 innings. He surrendered a one-out single to J.T. Realmuto, but was able to force two flyouts to secure the World Series victory. The 33-year-old ended his 2022 campaign with 18 consecutive saves -- his last blown save was July 30 against the Mariners. Pressly was extended through 2024 at the beginning of the season in what looks like a great decision for the Astros after the closer was dominant to finish the year.

Barlow underwent surgery Friday to separate a pair of fused tendons in his right wrist and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Barlow dealt with blister issues throughout 2022, and the wrist procedure is expected to help curtain those problems. The right-hander served as Texas' closer during the first half of the season and converted 13 of 17 save opportunities, but he landed on the injured list in July shortly after being demoted from the role. He finished the season with a 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB across 35 innings.

Pressly pitched the final five outs and earned the save during Thursday's 3-2 win over the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series, allowing zero hits, walks and runs while striking out two.

Pressly threw a slider that hit Bryce Harper with two outs in the ninth, but he got Nick Castellanos to ground out to secure the save in Game 5. The closer converted his first save of the World Series, and he has now earned the save in 16 consecutive opportunities. After throwing 19 pitches the night prior in Game 4, Pressly needed another 26 to get the final five outs of Game 5. The 33-year-old Texan came into the game with the tying run on third and just one out in the eighth, but he was able to record a strikeout and a groundout to escape the jam. Pressly is having an outstanding postseason for the Astros -- he has allowed just one unearned run over 10 innings while striking out 13.

Pruitt was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Pruitt appeared in 39 games for Oakland in 2022 but won't retain his spot on the 40-man roster through the offseason. He had a 4.23 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 38:9 K:BB across 55.1 innings.

Pressly pitched the final inning of Wednesday night's 5-0 win over the Phillies in Game 4 of the World Series, allowing zero runs, zero hits and one walk while striking out one.

Pressly entered the game in the ninth inning with a chance to complete just the second no-hitter in World Series history, and he got the job done. The 33-year-old got J.T. Realmuto to ground out to third to end the game, evening up the series at 2-2. He has allowed just one unearned run in eight appearances during the postseason while amassing 11 strikeouts. Pressly threw 19 pitches Wednesday night, and he may be called on again Thursday night to close out Game 5 if the Astros can get to the ninth inning with a lead.

Ward (oblique) is expected to make his return to action in the Arizona Fall League later this week, Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com reports.

Ward was removed from his second AFL start on Oct. 10 due to a left oblique strain, but he looks like he'll be able to make a start or an appearance or two as a reliever for the Scottsdale club before the AFL season comes to a close. Whatever the case, the 25-year-old righty looks like he'll be back to full health well in advance of spring training.

Martinez was removed from the Astros' World Series roster Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Martinez failed to pitch in any of the Astros' seven postseason games to this point and will now have to watch the World Series as a spectator. Will Smith will replace him on the roster and provide the Astros with a left-handed option out of the bullpen as the team takes on the Phillies in the Fall Classic.

Smith was added to the Astros' World Series roster Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The left-hander will join the Astros ahead of Game 1 of the World Series against the Phillies, replacing Seth Martinez in the bullpen. Smith has produced an impressive 1.47 ERA over 18.1 career playoff innings and won the World Series with Atlanta in 2021.

Walter (neck) said Tuesday he resumed throwing a couple weeks ago, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The 26-year-old landed on the injured list at Triple-A Worcester in June with a neck strain, and he was able to start a throwing program in early October. Walter plans to return to mound work in December and should be fully recovered for the start of spring training. He could join the big-league club for camp but is likely to open 2023 at Triple-A.