MLB Player News

Sandlin (shoulder) struck out two in a perfect inning in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners.

Sandlin ended 2021 with a shoulder strain that cost him the final seven weeks of the season. Now healthy, the right-hander should be in contention for a high-leverage bullpen role, though he's unlikely to unseat Emmanuel Clase as closer. Sandlin went 1-1 with five holds, a 2.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 48:17 K:BB across 33.2 innings as a rookie last season.

Akin allowed one run on three hits and a walk and struck out two in three innings versus the Pirates on Thursday.

Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports Akin and Tyler Wells could work as a pitching tandem early in the season as both look to get stretched out after a condensed spring training. Wells is already locked in for the rotation, but Akin would likely have more upside via vultured wins in the early going. Of course, the Orioles aren't expected to be that competitive this season, so any upside is minimal. Akin posted a 6.63 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 82:40 K:BB in 95 innings last season, making 17 of his 24 appearances as a starter. Whether as a starter or a reliever, the southpaw would need to make significant strides to draw much fantasy interest.

Pressly's fastball velocity is roughly three mph lower this spring than his average last season (92.4 vs. 95.4), but he is not concerned, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. "Relievers run off adrenaline and there's no adrenaline here," Pressly said earlier this week. "I'm not really worried about velocity. I'd rather be 92, 94 than 97, 98 all over the place."

A lot of pitchers' velocities are down this spring, so this isn't necessarily a major red flag, but it's something to consider when comparing Pressly to other elite closers in drafts. Hector Neris seems like the obvious next man up if Pressly were to suffer an injury or decline in effectiveness.

Crochet is expected to require Tommy John surgery, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Crochet will receive a second opinion before committing to the procedure, but the outlook doesn't look good for the young lefty. If he winds up undergoing the procedure as expected, he'll miss all of this season and a good portion of next year as well. That may also affect his planned transition to a starting role, something the White Sox had been hoping would happen in 2023.

Foster was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

Foster threw 39 innings for the White Sox last season but struggled to a 6.00 ERA. He could return when the team needs bullpen depth, but it's no surprise to see him off the roster to start the year.

Chafin's availability for Opening Day is in question as he continues to receive treatment for groin tightness, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Chafin was scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League appearance Wednesday, and time is getting tight for him to get back on track and avoid a trip to the injured list. The Tigers brought Jacob Barnes back from minor-league camp Friday, which seems to be a clear sign that they're worried Chafin won't break camp with the team.

Barlow allowed a run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Thursday's spring training game against the Dodgers.

Barlow allowed a run for the third time in four Cactus League appearances and sports a 9.82 ERA over 3.2 innings. He had been the presumed closer until Wednesday, when Rangers manager Chris Woodward told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com that he did not want to use the 26-year-old right-hander in that role right away. The manager cited raised expectations following a rookie season in which Barlow converted 11-of-12 save opportunities. Woodward mentioned Spencer Patton, Matt Bush and Greg Holland as candidates to serve in the ninth inning of games.

Crochet exited Thursday's Cactus League contest against the Reds with an apparent injury, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Crochet faced only two batters before suffering the apparent injury and leaving with an athletic trainer. The exact nature of the issue is currently unknown, though he reportedly showed some discomfort in his arm prior to exiting. Crochet was expected to serve as a key part of the team's bullpen in 2022, but his start to the campaign may now be delayed.

Hearn allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out one over four innings in Thursday's spring training start against the Dodgers.

Hearn had traffic on the bases in each inning but limited the damage. Texas manager Chris Woodward talked about the young lefty's maturity with Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. "He's able to deal with adversity much better," the manager said. "He's able to execute better, just in a much better place." In three Cactus League starts. Hearn has allowed two runs on nine hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 8.2 innings. With five spring training games remaining, there's one more potential start for Hearn, or the team could hold him back to follow Opening Day starter Jon Gray in the rotation. If that's the case he'll pitch Saturday, April 8, against the Blue Jays.

Lange appears on track to make the Tigers' Opening Day bullpen, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Lange made his MLB debut last season and pitched in 36 games for Detroit, recording a respectable 4.04 ERA to go with 39 strikeouts across 35.2 innings. The 26-year-old has minor-league options remaining, though it seems like he's secured his spot in the bullpen for now. Lange will probably work in front of the likes of Michael Fulmer and Gregory Soto, with the latter likely to gobble up most of the team's saves.