MLB Player News

The Twins optioned Gibaut to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The hard-throwing righty was hit hard in his lone appearance in Grapefruit League play -- he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk over one inning March 2 against the Braves. The poor showing was enough to end his long-shot bid for a spot in the Twins' Opening Day bullpen.

Jimenez has allowed one earned run across 2.2 innings so far in Grapefruit League action. He's given up two hits and two walks while striking out two.

Jimenez put zeroes on the board in his first two spring outings but hit a rough patch Saturday, allowing three runs (one earned) on a hit, a hit batter and two walks while recording just two outs. The righty has been known for his inconsistency the past few seasons, so it'd be nice to see him string together a few better outings after Saturday's dud. Jimenez is potentially in the mix to close for Detroit, though Gregory Soto and Bryan Garcia are likely ahead of him in the pecking order at this point. Jimenez led the Tigers with five saves in six opportunities last season, though he also posted a 7.15 ERA across 22.2 innings.

The Twins reassigned Coulombe to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Coulombe, who was attending big-league spring training as a non-roster invitee, is expected to report to Triple-A St. Paul to begin 2021. The 31-year-old lefty boasts 155 games of big-league experience, so he could be on the short list for a promotion if the Twins need a lefty reliever at any point.

Soto has allowed one run across 2.2 innings so far in Grapefruit League action. He's walked three and struck out four.

Soto is walking too many batters in the early going, but he's also exhibiting his overpowering stuff with the four strikeouts. The lefty is likely the top option to close in Detroit, as he has greater strikeout potential than fellow reliever Bryan Garcia. However, no one in the Tigers' bullpen has really established themselves as a dominant closer, so it's possible that new manager A.J. Hinch mixes and matches for a bit, at least until someone stands out. Soto saved two games in three chances last season.

The Twins optioned Duran to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Along with Duran, fellow pitchers Dakota Chalmers, Jordan Balazovic and Bailey Ober were also optioned as Minnesota made its first cuts of spring training. The Twins are expected to send the 23-year-old fireballer to Double-A Wichita or Triple-A St. Paul to continue his development as a starter, though Duran could make his big-league debut as a reliever once he's ultimately called up from the minors.

The Twins optioned Balazovic to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Along with Balazovic, fellow pitchers Dakota Chalmers, Jhoan Duran and Bailey Ober were also optioned as Minnesota made its first cuts of spring training. One of the Twins' top pitching prospects, Balazovic is expected to open the season at either Double-A Wichita or Triple-A St. Paul.

Abreu walked two batters and struck out one in a scoreless inning during a "B" game against the Nationals on Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Abreu, who made his first appearance since clearing health and safety protocols, walked the first two batters he faced before getting a strikeout and inducing a double-play grounder. Both he and Luis Garcia pitched in the game, and each may be needed early in the season as Houston's starting depth suddenly became an issue over the last week. Abreu, whose previous appearance was Feb. 28, will need time to be ready as a starter for the first week of the regular season.

Lambert struck out two over a scoreless inning in Saturday's spring game against the Angels.

Lambert made his Cactus League debut when he was the first of nine relievers to pitch Saturday. The 26-year-old right-hander will eventually be stretched out as rotation depth for the White Sox and will be a member of starting staff at Triple-A Charlotte, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Brasier is doubtful to be ready for Boston's April 1 season opener versus Baltimore while he works to catch up with the team's other relievers following his delayed arrival to spring training, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Brasier could still avoid being placed on the injured list to begin the season if he's close to being fully ramped up by the time camp breaks, but at this stage, he should be viewed as unlikely to be available at any point during Boston's three-game series with Baltimore. Cora noted that in addition to reporting late to spring training while tending to a personal matter, Brasier likely would have been behind the team's other pitchers in throwing progression after fracturing the pinkie finger on his right hand during the offseason. Brasier has since made a full recovery from that injury.

Sandlin has thrown 1.2 scoreless innings this spring with four strikeouts and two walks. He's made his first two appearances after not pitching in a game since July 2019 due to forearm surgery.

Sandlin did return to pitch at Cleveland's alternate site last season but did not appear in an official game. The sidewinder will likely need to show he's healthy at Triple-A before getting a shot at the majors. The 67th overall pick in the 2018 draft was dominant when last fully healthy in 2019 with a 1.56 ERA and 14.2 K/9 at Double-A.