MLB Player News

Barnes struck out two over a perfect ninth inning in Sunday's spring game against Pittsburgh.

Barnes authored his fourth scoreless outing of the spring and has struck out eight over 4.1 innings. Those numbers appear to be closer worthy, but manager Alex Cora still hasn't named one. Barnes and Adam Ottavino, who has allowed one unearned run in 4.1 innings, are in the mix. Each has pitched the ninth inning of a game, and while the ninth inning of spring contests often are not against a opponent's best hitters, it does give a pitcher a chance to prepare for closing.

Pivetta allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings in Sunday's spring game against the Pirates.

Pivetta lamented his fastball command when speaking with Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "Got behind a lot of guys. It's never fun to pitch behind (in the count). So that was a bit of a negative today but made some good pitches, got some weak contact," said Pivetta. The right-hander had been sharp during his first three Grapefruit League outings before falling victim to wavering command Sunday. Pivetta will get two more spring starts to clean up whatever issues were presented Sunday.

Crochet allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Crochet is locking in a spot in the White Sox's bullpen with a strong spring. The 21-year-old left-hander has allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out six over six Cactus League innings. At this point, he's expected to be used in the last third of games, leading up to closer Liam Hendriks.

Fulmer pitched three scoreless innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

Fulmer had allowed 10 earned runs across four innings in his previous two spring appearances, so Sunday's performance was a welcome change. The righty still has a 10.00 ERA in Grapefruit League play, and he's no lock for the rotation this year, as the Tigers have some decisions to make with players such as Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and non-roster invitee Julio Teheran. Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull should have rotation spots set in stone, though the latter is expected to be out the rest of camp due to COVID-19 protocols and could miss a turn or two early in the season.

Alexander has a 3.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and six strikeouts through nine Grapefruit League innings.

Alexander has looked good this spring, and the lefty will definitely have a spot on the 26-man roster coming out of camp. The bigger question is what exactly his role will look like. Alexander has the flexibility to work as a starter and a reliever, and he did a little of both for the Tigers last season when he registered a 3.96 ERA across 36.1 innings. For now, he looks like more of a long reliever, but he could find himself in the rotation if other pitchers struggle or deal with injuries.

Manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that Scrubb has no structural damage in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for "three or four days," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 26-year-old exited Friday's spring game with soreness in his right shoulder, and it appears he's only dealing with some inflammation. Scrubb could be back on the mound later in the week if he avoids any further issues.

Cordero (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Sunday.

The 29-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday, so it was only a matter of time before he landed on the 60-day IL. Cordero will miss the entirety of the 2021 campaign and also figures to be sidelined for the start of 2022.

Weems was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

The 28-year-old appeared in nine games for the A's last season and had a 3.21 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB over 14 innings, but he'll open 2021 in the minors. Weems should receive a promotion at some point this season as Oakland shuffles its bullpen pieces.

Merryweather (back) threw 34 pitches over two simulated innings Sunday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Merryweather has been dealing with a tight back for most of camp. He's working his way towards game action and is expected to make his next appearance in a Grapefruit League game, but it's not yet clear if he'll have enough time to get up to speed by Opening Day.

Stephan was informed that he's won an Opening Day roster spot Sunday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Stephan was selected in the Rule 5 draft in December and evidently did enough in camp to stick around. He'll have to be kept on the big-league roster all season or be offered back to the Yankees. He's likely ticketed for low-leverage work, as he's yet to advance beyond Double-A and recorded a 5.24 ERA at that level in 12 starts in 2019.