MLB Player News

Manaea will make his final Cactus League start Sunday against the Padres, leaving him in play for a possible Opening Day assignment next Friday against the Phillies, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The veteran southpaw has been very effective over his last two spring turns, allowing just two earned runs on three hits and two walks across a combined 10.1 innings over that span. The timing of Manaea's final tune-up appearance would also leave him on normal rest if manager Mark Kotsay opts to go with him over Frankie Montas for the first game of the regular season.

Adam threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts in Friday's spring training win over Boston. "(He) continues to impress," manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times. "The fastball, but obviously the off-speed pitches that he's just gaining a lot of confidence with."

Adam is making a strong case to win a bullpen job with six strikeouts, two walks and two runs allowed in four innings this spring. He's competing for a final spot in the bullpen against Colin Poche and Ryan Thompson.

Manager Joe Maddon confirmed Friday that Barria won't begin the regular season in the Angels' starting rotation, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Barria struggled in spring training, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out six in five innings across two Cactus League appearances. As a result, Reid Detmers will begin the 2022 campaign as the team's sixth starter. It's not yet clear whether Barria will report to Triple-A Salt Lake or whether he'll serve as a long reliever in the majors, but he'll be one of the top options to fill in as a starter if needed.

Clase hasn't yet agreed to a contract extension with the Guardians, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

A previous report indicated that Clase had signed an extension with the Guardians on Friday, but the two sides are still in discussions. Regardless of whether the sides reach an agreement prior to the April 7 deadline, Clase is in line to begin the season as Cleveland's closer.

Clase signed a contract extension with the Guardians on Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Clase has been pitching well early in spring training, allowing a run on four hits and no walks while striking out five in four innings across four Cactus League appearances. The right-hander emerged as Cleveland's closer in 2021, making 71 relief appearances and posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 69.2 innings while converting 24 of 29 save chances.

Borucki's exit Friday against the Pirates was due to right hamstring discomfort, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Borucki felt an issue after slipping on the mound. Whether or not he's dealing with a long-term issue should become clear following further tests.

Borucki exited Friday's Grapefruit League game with an apparent injury, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Borucki was visited by the athletic trainer twice and left the field following the second visit. The specifics of the issue remain unclear, though the 28-year-old did appear to stumble on the mound.

Giles (elbow) won't throw for a few weeks due to a tendon issue in his middle finger, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

Giles appeared set to be part of a closer committee in Seattle this season after making his way back from Tommy John surgery. He should still get the chance to do that, but not right away. He'll have to ramp back up once he resumes throwing, so it's hard to envision him making his Mariners debut until at least May.

Brentz has allowed just one hit and one walk with three strikeouts over four innings in four Cactus League games.

Brentz is looking to build off of a solid rookie campaign -- he went 5-2 with two saves, 15 holds, a 3.66 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 76:37 K:BB across 64 innings last season. The southpaw's strong start to the spring should keep him in the mix for high-leverage situations, along with the likes of Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont and Amir Garrett. Brentz isn't likely to see a lot of save chances early on, but he could help in fantasy formats that count holds.

Staumont has allowed five runs on three hits and six walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings in four Cactus League games.

It's too early to worry much about his performance, but it's a little concerning to see him struggle. The right-hander was excellent as part of a closer committee last season, logging five saves, 16 holds, a 2.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 72:27 K:BB in 64 appearances. He only allowed 0.8 HR/9 while flexing a 96.6 mph average on his fastball. Staumont enters the season in the mix for high-leverage innings again, though Scott Barlow is expected to get the majority of the save chances at the start of 2022.