MLB Player News

King hurled 2.1 innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus Philadelphia, allowing seven runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two.

King was knocked around early in the contest, allowing the first four Philadelphia batters to reach base before getting his first out and yielding five runs prior to being pulled for a reliever. He went back out for the second frame and allowed another two runs before pitching a clean third inning. King has given up 12 earned runs across 15.1 innings this spring and may have pitched his way out of a roster spot with Thursday's ugly outing.

Wilson (shoulder) won't throw "for at least a few days," Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports.

This likely puts Wilson out of the running for Opening Day, though an official timeline for his return has yet to be announced. The left-hander is nonetheless believed to have avoided serious injury and isn't expected to miss extensive time.

Armstrong is a candidate for save chances early in the season, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Hunter Harvey (oblique) was expected to open the season in the closer role, but he'll be out until at least late May. That has opened up save opportunities in Baltimore, though manager Brandon Hyde has refused to name an official closer. Armstrong is a candidate based on his strong 2020 season -- he posted a 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with a 14:3 K:BB across 15 innings -- though he had a 2019 campaign and will need to prove his consistency. Tanner Scott and Cesar Valdez are also candidates to see save opportunities.

Valdez is being stretched out and could serve as a multi-inning reliever, but he also remains a possible closing option, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Valdez pitched three innings in his last Grapefruit League appearance, lending some insight into his potential role with the team to begin the season. However, because Hunter Harvey (oblique) will be sidelined until at least May, Valdez could factor into the saves picture for the team as well. He played a valuable role as a reliever for the team in 2020, posting a 1.26 ERA and 0.70 WHIP with a 12:3 K:BB while recording three saves across 14.1 innings.

Scott is a candidate to see save opportunities to begin the season, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The absence of Hunter Harvey (oblique) until at least late May has opened the door for early-season saves in Baltimore. Manager Brandon Hyde has already stated that he won't name a closer, though Scott is seemingly a leading candidate for the role. As a lefty with 96.5 mph velocity, he certainly has the potential to succeed but will need to improve his control to perform at a consistently high level.

Manaea was credited with his third win of spring in Wednesday's Cactus League victory over the White Sox, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, two walks and two hit batsmen across 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

The left-hander worked up to just under 80 pitches while facing a dangerous White Sox lineup that boasted plenty of regulars. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports both Manaea and manager Bob Melvin came away pleased with both the veteran's ability to consistently pound his fastball inside and the movement on his slider. "He was good again," Melvin said. "He used all his pitches. We're just trying to get his pitch count up, and he continues to improve and pitch better."

Anderson (elbow) has a partial tear of his elbow ligament and is likely to remain out beyond the All-Star break, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Anderson has been battling an elbow issue since March 17 and showed decreased velocity in his latest spring training appearance. Surgery has not been recommended, leaving open the possibility that he could return at some point late in the season. The injury removes Anderson from the Rays' closer picture, leaving Diego Castillo and Pete Fairbanks as the most likely pitchers to account for saves.

Yates underwent successful Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

Yates had already been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury, and the 34-year-old officially underwent his second Tommy John surgery of his career Wednesday. Yates will face a lengthy recovery timetable but could be back on the mound at some point in 2022. Jordan Romano and Rafael Dolis are the leading candidates to take over as Toronto's closer in 2021.

The Twins reassigned Hamilton to their minor-league camp Thursday.

Hamilton was attending camp as a non-roster invitee after the Twins outrighted him off the 40-man roster in February. He made four appearances out of the White Sox bullpen in 2020, giving up two earned runs over four innings.

Thornton gave up three hits and a walk over three scoreless innings during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out three.

Making his first start of the spring, Thornton tossed 47 pitches (31 strikes) and shut down a lineup that featured all of the Yankees' big bats aside from Luke Voit. The right-hander's late start to camp has prevented him from factoring into the rotation mix to begin the regular season, but Thornton could provide valuable innings in long relief behind a potentially shaky starting five aside from Hyun Jin Ryu.