MLB Player News

Manaea is already looking more confident and efficient with his pre-delivery movement during early bullpen sessions after some targeted offseason training, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The veteran southpaw went into the offseason with some momentum after going 4-1 with a 2.77 ERA over his final seven regular-season starts, and he got right to improving certain physical and mental aspects of his game. Manaea worked with a trainer on improving mobility and durability that strengthened his internal abductors, leading to what appears to be improved mechanics. The 29-year-old also put in time with mental performance coach and former college teammate Tyler Pazik to sharpen his confidence and killer instinct on the mound, a resource he plans to continue availing himself of during the regular season.

Fulmer will start Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer will be making his first spring training start since 2019, as he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery this time last year. The Tigers handled the 27-year-old very cautiously in his return from the surgery, but perhaps he's allowed to take on an increased workload in 2021.

Alexander will start for the Tigers in their first Grapefruit League game Sunday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Alexander is one of a handful of pitchers competing for a spot in the back of Detroit's rotation. The lefty made headlines last year when he set a MLB record with nine consecutive strikeouts in a game, and he finished the year with a solid 3.96 ERA across 14 games (two starts). The Tigers may continue to use him in more of a swing role, but Alexander is capable of decent numbers if he gets an extended look in the rotation.

Junis has worked on a cutter and changeup this offseason, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported.

Junis is known for his slider, which has dominated his pitch mix the last few seasons. However, he's struggled with his fastball and had inconsistent overall results, so a new pitch would theoretically help keep opposing batters more off balance. Junis will be competing for a role in the Royals' rotation throughout spring training.

Bummer arrived late to spring training but is not behind other pitchers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Bummer was with his wife for the birth of their first child and missed the beginning of camp, but knowing his daughter's delivery date was scheduled near the start of spring training, he went to Arizona during January and worked out a specific routine with the training staff. "Everything feels good. I feel pretty confident with where I'm at, that I'm not behind and I'm really right where I want to be," said the pitcher. Bummer, who had a biceps injury that limited him to nine games in 2020, is expected to serve as a top setup man in the White Sox's bullpen.

Hill is still in the process of recovering from the offseason surgery he required on his right wrist, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Hill went under the knife to address an injury he picked up in a November car accident. While the right-hander is confident that everything is on track with his recovery, he could face an uphill battle to make it back for Opening Day. The reliever made 18 appearances out of the Cleveland bullpen in 2020, posting a 4.91 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.

Soto resumed training with the Tigers on Wednesday after clearing COVID-19 intake protocols, Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports.

Soto is among a slew of international Tigers players who was delayed by visa issues to begin spring training, but he's officially in the fold now. He missed about a week of workouts, but that shouldn't put him too far behind his fellow relievers leading up to Opening Day. After posting a 4.30 ERA and a 29:13 K:BB while notching two saves over his 27 appearances during the abbreviated 2020 campaign, Soto is one of multiple relievers competing for the Tigers' closing gig this spring.

Boston manager Alex Cora said Andriese is being targeted for a swingman role, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. "We're going to stretch him as a starter and see where we go throughout spring training," Cora said. "He'll be ready to do anything. He'll be our utility guy in the pitching staff.

Cora mentioned Brian Johnson, who served in a similar role for the 2018 champion Red Sox, when discussing Andriese's likely role in 2021. Johnson threw 99.1 innings in 2018, making 13 starts and 25 appearances out of the bullpen. It should be a familiar role for Andriese, who has made 50 starts and 123 relief appearances during a six-year MLB career.

Pivetta threw an inning against teammates Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Pivetta, who is battling for a rotation spot, featured a wicked slider that fooled Rafael Devers. "He did a good job toward the end of last season. He did a good job at the alternate [training] site and he just wants to keep improving. And this is a guy we trust," said manager Alex Cora. Pivetta had a nice two-start run at the end of 2020, allowing two runs and striking out 13 over 10 innings, and the Red Sox are excited about the right-hander they acquired from Philadelphia in 2020.

Chapman (suspension) will try out his splitter during spring training and plans to incorporate the pitch into his arsenal more frequently this season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman threw the splitter only three times last season, but he believes that he can effectively make it a more consistent part of his arsenal moving forward. "I believe it's definitely a pitch for me; I feel that I've incorporated that into my pitch mix," Chapman said through an interpreter. "I believe I'm going to use it more, unlike the changeup where I used it just a couple of times here and there. I feel really good with it." If he's able to find success with the pitch, Chapman could be even more dominant than he has already proven to be as one of MLB's top closers.