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  • Jacob Latz RP | TEX

    Rangers' Jacob Latz: Losing velocity

    Latz allowed nine runs (seven earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out five over three innings in Thursday's spring start against the Brewers.

    The southpaw picked an unfortunate time to post this clunker, as it came one day after his competitor for the final rotation spot, Kumar Rocker, threw four scoreless frames. As troublesome as the results were, more concerning might be Latz's inability to hold the velocity on his four-seamer. The pitch sat 94-96 mph in his first two innings before dipping to 90-92 mph in the third and fourth frames. Latz and Rocker are trending in opposite directions, and while no decision has been made, signs point to Rocker securing the final rotation spot, likely leaving Latz in the bullpen.

  • Angel Chivilli RP | NYY

    Yankees' Angel Chivilli: Beginning season at Triple-A

    The Yankees optioned Chivilli to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

    Chivilli was in the mix for one of the final bullpen spots, but he was tagged for 11 earned runs on 11 hits and two walks across 6.2 innings during Grapefruit League action. He served up three home runs and struck out 10. Chivilli will try to right the ship at Triple-A to begin the season.

  • Anthony Kay RP | CHW

    White Sox's Anthony Kay: Penciled in as No. 3 starter

    Kay is expected to begin the season as the White Sox's No. 3 starter, lining him up to make his season debut March 29 at Milwaukee, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

    The left-hander joined Chicago on a two-year, $12 million contract in December after pitching to a 2.53 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 249:94 K:BB over 291.2 frames in Japan the previous two years. Kay was unremarkable across parts of five MLB seasons before heading to Japan, but his return stateside has gone well so far with a 2.16 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in five spring starts.

  • Bennett Sousa RP | HOU

    Astros' Bennett Sousa: Will open season on IL

    Manager Joe Espada announced Thursday that Sousa will begin the regular season on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique injury, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

    Sousa injured his oblique during his last Grapefruit League appearance while playing the field. It's another blow to the Houston bullpen, as Sousa will join closer Josh Hader (biceps) on the injured list to open the season. The 30-year-old Sousa pitched in 44 games out of the Astros bullpen last season, logging a 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 59:15 K:BB across 50.2 innings.

  • Rays' Alexander Alberto: Returned to Rays

    Alberto cleared waivers and was returned to the Rays on Thursday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

    The 24-year-old was selected by the White Sox during the Rule 5 Draft in November, but he didn't make the Opening Day roster and is now back with his previous organization. Alberto spent most of last season at the High-A level and had a 2.91 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 45:17 K:BB across 34 innings.

  • Royals' Carlos Estevez: Velocity still down

    Estevez allowed no hits and three walks with no strikeouts across a scoreless inning in Wednesday's Cactus League loss to the Rangers.

    Estevez made his return to Cactus League play after tossing an inning for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and didn't allow a run, though the outing was far from sharp. The right-hander entered in the sixth inning and promptly walked the first two batters he faced on nine pitches, eventually loading the bases via free passes before inducing a weak groundout from Jake Burger to escape the frame unscathed. As was the case in his earlier spring appearances, Estevez's velocity remained significantly down, with his fastball averaging 89.0 mph after sitting at 95.9 mph last season, while his offspeed offerings were also down several ticks. The veteran is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he recorded a career-high and league-best 42 saves with a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 54:22 K:BB across 67 outings and is in line to handle closing duties for the Royals again in 2026, though his diminished velocity is a key factor to monitor moving forward.

  • Danny Coulombe RP | BOS

    Red Sox's Danny Coulombe: Has contract reworked

    Coulombe's contract was restructured after the Red Sox discovered issues in the pitcher's physical examination, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

    The overall value of the deal remains the same, but the guaranteed portion was reduced to $1 million. Coulombe can achieve another $2 million in performance and active roster bonuses throughout the season. Both parties in the contract renegotiation -- Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and Coulombe's agent -- declined comment when asked about the situation. There have been no signs of limitation thus far. Coulombe threw a live batting practice Monday and is scheduled for his Grapefruit League debut Thursday.

  • Cody Bradford RP | TEX

    Rangers' Cody Bradford: Facing hitters

    Bradford (elbow) began facing live hitters in batting practice and should be ready for a rehab assignment when the 2026 regular season begins, MLB.com reports.

    Bradford had worked his way up to facing live batters, per Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. The lefty was throwing 50- and 55-pitch bullpen sessions before facing hitters. His projection still calls for a return at some point in May.

  • Matt Strahm RP | KC

    Royals' Matt Strahm: Exits with bruised leg

    Strahm was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers with a left leg contusion, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

    Strahm was lifted immediately after taking a comebacker off his leg in the fifth inning of Wednesday's contest. Manager Matt Quatraro said after the game that the left-hander's removal was precautionary, and the team isn't too concerned about his status going forward -- a good sign that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day.

  • Royals' Stephen Kolek: Begins mound work

    Kolek (oblique) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

    Wednesday marked Kolek's first time throwing off a mound since he suffered a left oblique strain in late February. With just nine days remaining until the Royals' regular-season opener, it's unlikely that the 28-year-old righty will have enough time before then to build up to a starter's workload. However, he may be able to work as a multi-inning reliever in the meantime.

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