MLB Player News

Duran threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his spring debut Saturday against the Red Sox. He reached 100.4 mph with his fastball, according to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com.

Duran is one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects, but he threw just 16 innings last season due to elbow issues. He could contend for the major-league rotation later this season, but his workload may be managed as he works his way back to form, Park also reports.

Robles has yet to report to camp due to a visa issue, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Robles signed with the Red Sox as a non-roster invitee Saturday but won't get the chance to push for a roster spot right away. Whether or not he arrives in time to claim one remains to be seen.

Robles' deal with the Red Sox is a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

It's a bit surprising that Robles had to settle for a minor-league deal, but he may have liked his time with Boston last season and been eager to return. Robles has saved 41 games in his career and he saved 14 games last season, so even though it's a minor-league deal, it's possible he earns high-leverage work at some point this season.

With the Tigers adding Michael Pineda on Friday, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Alexander will likely head to the bullpen to begin the season.

Alexander was slotted in as the team's No. 5 starter, but the addition of Pineda should change that. The new addition figures to join Eduardo Rodriguez, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning in the rotation. Alexander has proven capable of both starting and pitching in relief during his career, and he could rejoin the rotation if anyone gets bumped due to injury or ineffectiveness. For now, the lefty's fantasy value takes a hit in a long relief role.

Robles has agreed to a contract with the Red Sox, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The 31-year-old righty had a 4.43 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 69 innings last season between Minnesota and Boston. He was significantly better (3.60 ERA, 30.3 K%) with the Red Sox, as he saved four games in 27 appearances for Boston. With Garrett Whitlock getting stretched out, it's possible that Robles could enter the mix for saves again this season -- he has 41 in his career, 23 of which came with the Angels in 2019.

Beeks (elbow) had his fastball clocked at 93-94 mph during a recent bullpen session, MLB.com reports.

Beeks missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in September 2020. He's said to be throwing well in early workouts, so it's possible he could contend for a bullpen spot to begin the season. However, it seems more likely the Rays would want him to get back up to speed in the minors first.

Hernandez (elbow) is trending toward a return in mid-to-late June, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

Hernandez was thought to have a chance to close last season before a preseason elbow injury wound up requiring Tommy John surgery in April. He's said to be slightly behind teammate Jose Leclerc, who underwent the same procedure in late March. Either pitcher could push for the closer role in the second half, as presumptive favorite Joe Barlow is hardly an inner-circle option for the spot, though that would require them pitching at close to full strength immediately after returning to action.

Leclerc (elbow) is trending towards a return in mid-to-late June, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

Leclerc underwent Tommy John surgery in late March of last year. He remains on a fairly standard timeline and should have the chance to be available for just over half the season. Once he returns, it's possible he pushes for the closer job, given that preseason favorite Joe Barlow doesn't seem to be anything special. Jonathan Hernandez will also return from Tommy John surgery around that time and could also challenge for the role.

Naughton was designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Naughton made his MLB debut last season but failed to impress. In 22.2 innings, he struggled to a 6.35 ERA, walking 14 batters while striking out just 12.

Honeywell is expected to start Friday's Cactus League opener against the Angels and pitch two innings, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander arrived in Oakland via trade with the Rays in November, and the organization will waste no time in seeing what they have in the talented, yet oft-injured, acquisition. Once one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, Honeywell missed three full seasons due to various injuries before impressing at Triple-A Durham in 2021 and subsequently logging the first three big-league appearances of his career. His exact role to open the 2022 season is expected to be fleshed out during spring training.