MLB Player News

May remains in Minnesota's closer mix, but manager Rocco Baldeli has not indicated who may be his closer or if he'll use a bullpen by committee, MLB.com reports. "You might not ever get to the point where you're giving firm answers on those sort of things," Baldelli said.

May is having a strong spring with one run allowed in five innings with six strikeouts and two walks. He returned last year after missing a season due to Tommy John surgery and showed increased velocity on his fastball (94.1 mph average) and an improved strikeout rate (12.8 K/9). He converted all three save chances when used in the closer role the final week of the season. He looks like the leading candidate for saves, but it sounds increasingly likely the Twins will use a committee approach at closer based on matchups. May would be in the mix with Blake Parker and possibly Trevor Hildenberger, Addison Reed, Taylor Rogers and Fernando Romero.

Gonsalves was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Gonsalves wasn't a strong candidate for a roster spot after struggling to a 6.57 ERA with a 16:22 K:BB in 24.2 innings last season. He'll head back to the level at which he recorded a 2.96 ERA last season and wait for his next chance. A positive note was that he reached 93 mph with his fastball during one spring outing after averaging just 89.8 mph last season, according to MLB.com.

Bukauskas headed to minor-league camp Tuesday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Bukauskas got to throw seven innings on the big-league side, allowing just a single run on three hits while posting an 8:5 K:BB. That high walk rate will be his main challenge as he looks to climb multiple levels this season.

Martin was sent to minor-league camp Tuesday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Martin got to open camp with the big leaguers but was never expected to open the regular season with the team. After posting a 2.97 ERA at the Double-A level last year, he'll likely head to Triple-A Round Rock and could earn a callup at some point later in the year.

The Red Sox assigned Smith (shoulder) to minor-league camp Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Smith didn't see any action in Grapefruit League play while he continues to recover from the shoulder surgery he required last June. Once viewed as a cornerstone piece for the Boston bullpen, Smith was dumped from the 40-man roster during the offseason and will need to prove his health in the high minors before getting another look from the big club. He'll likely open the season on the injured list at Triple-A Pawtucket.

The Red Sox optioned Reyes to Double-A Portland on Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

With no experience above the High-A level, Reyes was never a serious threat to break camp with the Red Sox. The 21-year-old displayed impeccable control while covering 155.2 innings between High-A Salem and Low-A Greenville in 2018, posting a 145:19 K:BB. The move to the Eastern League will represent a significant step up in competition and should offer more insight into Reyes' potential of becoming an eventual rotation candidate for the big club.

Lopez allowed one run on five hits while striking out five over 4.1 innings against the Padres on Sunday.

All five strikeouts came via swinging third strikes, Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star reports. Lopez, acquired from Milwaukee in last year's Mike Moustakas trade, is making a strong case for the starting rotation with just two earned runs allowed and a 7:1 K:BB through 9.1 Cactus League innings. There are no real locks in the Kansas City rotation; Ian Kennedy, Danny Duffy (shoulder), Brad Keller, Jakob Junis, Homer Bailey and Heath Fillmyer are all candidates along with Lopez.

De Leon (elbow) threw 15 pitches in a live batting practice session Tuesday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

He and Brent Honeywell are on a very similar progression, and both could be ready to pitch in minor-league games sometime in May. Given De Leon's struggles prior to needing Tommy John surgery, he may be given a long run in the minors before joining the big-league club in an unspecified role.

The Red Sox optioned Lakins to Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The 2015 sixth-round pick will head back to Pawtucket after finishing the past season there following a successful stint at Double-A Portland to begin the campaign. Over his 10 appearances at Triple-A, the right-handed reliever surrendered only three runs over 16.1 innings while posting a 15:5 K:BB.

Honeywell (elbow) threw 15 pitches in a live batting practice session Tuesday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

He continues to make progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Honeywell could come off the injured list in May, but will likely make at least a handful of starts at Triple-A before joining the big-league rotation in June or July.