MLB Player News

Barnes allowed one hit and two walks while striking out two over one inning Tuesday against the Tigers.

Barnes wiggled out of a bases-loaded, two-out jam by striking out Victor Reyes. It was the second straight outing in which Barnes labored; he gave up four hits and three runs in his first appearance. He placed the blame on his curveball. "The curveball command was bad today," Barnes told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "I couldn't throw it for a strike. I thought it was an improvement on last outing. I thought the fastball played better today than it had. Command overall with the fastball didn't miss by much." Barnes is being watched carefully this spring because he has been mentioned -- along with Ryan Brasier -- as a candidate to receive save opportunities.

Manager Alex Cora said Brasier (toe) will see game action "toward the end of the week," Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

The Red Sox have a couple of long bus rides Thursday and Friday, and it would be surprising if they sent Brasier on the road for his spring debut, particularly Friday against the AL East rival Yankees. The Sox are home at Fort Myers on Saturday against the Braves.

Loaisiga gave up six runs (five earned) on five hits and two walks in Tuesday's spring game against the Orioles. He recorded three strikeouts.

Loaisiga allowed one unearned run during the first inning thanks to a throwing error on a stolen base, but ran into significant trouble during the second inning by allowing five hits and a walk. The 24-year-old is expected to begin the season in the starting rotation due to injuries to Luis Severino (shoulder) and CC Sabathia (heart, knee).

Twins manager Rocco Baldeli hasn't indicated his plans at closer and could use a bullpen-by-committee, and Rogers could be part of the mix, MLB.com reports.

It increasingly sounds like the Twins will use a closer-by-committee based on matchups. Trevor May is likely the leading candidate to close games along with Blaker Paker, but Rogers could be in the mix along with Addison Reed, Trevor Hildenberger and Fernando Romero. Rogers may get fewer chances as a lefty in a committee, however.

Harvey was optioned Tuesday, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Harvey has little left to prove at the Triple-A level, recording a 1.66 ERA in 54.1 innings for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season. There's no room for him in the bullpen in the moment, but he could be an injury or two away from making his debut.

Farquhar was sent to minor-league camp Tuesday, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Farquhar allowed six runs in two innings during his time in big-league camp, walking five while striking out none, but the fact that he's pitching at all is remarkable after he suffered a brain hemorrhage in April of last year. He could be a depth option for the Yankees this season if he's able to regain his stuff in the minors.

Twins manager Rocco Baldeli hasn't indicated his plans at closer and could use a bullpen-by-committee, and Hildenberger could be part of the mix after saving seven games last season, MLB.com reports.

Hildenberger has allowed two runs in five spring innings with five strikeouts and one walk. Trevor May is likely the leading candidate to close games along with Blake Paker, but Hildenberger could be in the mix along with Addison Reed, Taylor Rogers and Fernando Romero. However, Hildenberger could also be a candidate to be sent to Triple-A to begin the season since he has a minor-league option remaining.

Dillard was sent to minor-league camp Tuesday.

Dillard was never likely to earn a major-league roster spot, as he's a 35-year-old who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2012. He'll fill an organizational depth role this season.

Burke was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Tuesday.

Burke spent 2018 at the High-A and Double-A levels of the Rays organization before coming over as part of the three-team Jurickson Profar trade in December. He'll return to the Double-A level, but if he can come anywhere close to the 1.95 ERA he posted in nine starts for Montgomery last season, he should earn a promotion soon.

Hearn was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Hearn allowed five runs in four innings during his time in big-league camp. He'll get his first taste of Triple-A action this season after recording a 3.49 ERA in 24 Double-A starts last year.