-
Matt Andriese RP | MIA
Red Sox's Matt Andriese: Retires all six batters
Andriese struck out one over a scoreless two innings in Thursday's spring game against the Orioles.
Andriese retired all six batters faced during a strike-zone pounding outing. At this point, Andriese is being prepared as a starter and reliever and will likely pitch in both roles, but he could emerge in the rotation if Boston deploys a six-man rotation. Red Sox manager Alex Cora is working with a six-man starting staff during spring training but has not committed to that configuration for the regular season.
-
Deivi Garcia RP | MIL
Yankees' Deivi Garcia: Unsteady in spring debut
Garcia allowed two runs on two hits and struck out three over two innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.
Garcia's start was far from a disaster, especially given the onslaught of runs allowed by the two pitchers who followed him. Nonetheless, the outing was marred by the solo homers he served up to both Scott Kingery and and Odubel Herrera. Garcia did notch three strikeouts in his brief outing, and he remains in the picture for the Yankees' fifth starter role to kick off the campaign.
-
Josh Fleming RP | TOR
Rays' Josh Fleming: Looks good while notching win
Fleming, who was credited with the win in a Grapefruit League victory over the Pirates on Wednesday, was particularly effective during his one clean inning, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. "They were coming out swinging the bat, being ultra-aggressive, but he was able to throw that sinker into lefties and jam them," catcher Mike Zunino said. "He naturally fills the strike zone up but misses barrels. We're right where he left last season, which is a great spot."
Fleming has already been praised by manager Kevin Cash this spring for his competitiveness, and the left-hander impressed with his play last season while managing a 2.78 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over his first 32.1 innings of big-league action. He's seemingly on track to open the season in a bullpen role again, and he flashed his ability to avoid hard contact with his sinker by inducing weak contact on a pop-up and a groundout before getting the same-handed Tony Wolters on a called third strike.
-
Collin McHugh RP | ATL
Rays' Collin McHugh: Getting closer to spring debut
McHugh is slated to throw one more live batting practice before making his Grapefruit League debut, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.
The veteran has been pacing himself in the first couple of weeks in spring camp after sitting out last season with the Red Sox while recovering from an elbow injury. McHugh landed in Tampa Bay in January on a one-year deal and is currently projected for a long-relief bullpen role, but given his extensive, solid body of work as a starter, he serves as quite the fallback rotation option for manager Kevin Cash.
-
Hansel Robles RP | LAD
Twins' Hansel Robles: Reaches 96 mph in spring outing
Robles gave up three runs (two earned) and four hits in one inning in Thursday's spring training loss to Tampa Bay, but reached 96 mph with his fastball, MLB.com reports.
Robles' velocity declined to an average 95.5 mph fastball last season from 97.1 mph in 2019, so this could be a positive sign early in camp. Robles has been mentioned by Rocco Baldelli as a closer option, but he'll likely first need to prove he's back to the form that saw him post a 2.48 ERA and 1.9 BB/9 in 2019; he's coming off a 10.26 ERA and 5.4 BB/9 in 2020.
-
Joe Palumbo RP | TEX
Rangers' Joe Palumbo: Makes spring debut
Palumbo allowed three earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one Thursday against the Padres.
Palumbo's 2020 season was cut short due to ulcerative colitis, though he's entered camp fully healthy. While the results weren't particularly positive in this outing, Palumbo was reportedly working on his changeup -- a pitch he was developing throughout the offseason.
-
Caleb Thielbar RP | CHC
Twins' Caleb Thielbar: Out with back strain
Thielbar could be out "a matter of days or potentially weeks" due to a back strain, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com.
Thielbar was hurt early in training camp. His status for Opening Day looks in doubt as a result. Thielbar's unique curveball (he didn't allow a hit the 94 times he threw it last season) and prowess against left-handed batters (.376 OPS allowed) had him set for a regular role in the bullpen.
-
Bryan Baker RP | TB
Blue Jays' Bryan Baker: Out with elbow sprain
The Blue Jays announced Thursday that Baker is dealing with a Grade 1 right elbow sprain, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.
Baker's injury reportedly includes some ligament damage, but the Blue Jays are confident the right-hander is only dealing with a minor setback. That said, Baker will likely be shut down from throwing for at least a few days before the Blue Jays reassess his condition.
-
Bryan Abreu RP | HOU
Astros' Bryan Abreu: Absent from camp
Abreu will be away from camp for "several days" due to health and safety protocols, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.
Abreu entered spring training in better shape than he was last season and made his spring debut in Sunday's loss to the Marlins. He allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk while failing to strike out any batters across two relief appearances. It's not yet clear when the right-hander will be able to return to the team.
-
Nate Pearson RP | KC
Blue Jays' Nate Pearson: Suffers minor groin strain
Pearson was diagnosed Thursday with a Grade 1 right groin strain, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.
Pearson suffered the injury during his spring debut Monday against the Pirates. The Blue Jays don't sound particularly concerned, but they understandably intend to be cautious with their top pitching prospect. He's been shut down for now. While the team hasn't yet commented on his availability for Opening Day, it was always likely Pearson would have his innings managed in some form this season, so it's possible he's brought along slowly and starts the year on the injured list.