MLB Player News

Ottavino threw a simulated game Monday, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Instead of including Ottavino in the Grapefruit League pitching schedule, the Yankees have had him complete two simulated games to begin the spring. It's likely just part of a plan to open up more innings for some less-established arms rather than out of any concern about the health of Ottavino, who is already guaranteed a key setup role in a deep Yankees bullpen. Ottavino inked a three-year, $27 million pact with the club earlier in the winter after accruing a 2.43 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 13.0 K/9 in 75 appearances with the Rockies in 2018.

Martin entered Sunday's game in the third inning and allowed one run on three hits while striking out one over two innings.

Manager A.J. Hinch challenged the 23-year-old right-hander by having him face the most advanced hitters possible in his first taste of major-league camp. Martin complemented his mid-90s heater with an array of offspeed offerings. One of them was a lazy, elevated changeup that was crushed for a home run -- the only run Martin allowed. He fared well in 122 innings last season, 103 of which came in 18 starts at Double-A Corpus Christi. The 2017 second-round draft pick should see Triple-A Round Rock early in 2019, putting him on the cusp of helping the Astros during the regular season should the need arise.

Duffey threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout in his first spring appearance in Saturday's split squad loss to Baltimore.

Duffey is likely on the outside looking in for a spot in Minnesota's bullpen, especially since he has a minor-league option left. He's likely a candidate to provide depth and be shuttled up and down from Triple-A.

Pop will ease off throwing after his velocity was down in his first spring outing, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Despite the concerning velocity, Pop was able to get through a clean inning against the Twins on Saturday, striking out one and not allowing a baserunner. Velocity dips can sometimes portend serious injuries, but for now the team apparently thinks the problem can be solved by rest.

Hildenberger threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in his first spring appearance in Saturday's split squad win over Tampa Bay.

Hildenberger is in the mix for the closer role in what could be a wide-open competition. It's also possible the Twins could use a committee approach under new manager Rocco Baldelli. Hildenberger, Trevor May, Blake Parker, Addison Reed and even Fernando Romero could be in the mix for saves.

Jurado gave up two runs on four hits in two innings against the Royals on Saturday.

Jurado introduced a four-seam fastball, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, which he hopes will prevent hitters from zeroing in on his sinker. However, the new pitch repeatedly drifted over the middle of the plate during a two-run first inning, when Kansas City batters had four hits, all off the four-seamer. "I liked the intent behind his pitches,'' manager Chris Woodward said. "Obviously, the first inning and lack of execution caused a couple pitches to be hit hard.'' The right-hander came back with a perfect second inning. Jurado is expected to open the season at Triple-A Nashville and will be a depth option as a starter. The Rangers' projected five rotation members all enter the season with questions about health, so there's a chance Jurado gets a significant number of starts in the majors.

Brasier (toe) returned to camp but has not resumed normal activities, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Brasier flew to Boston earlier in the week to have an infected pinkie toe on his right foot examined. On Friday, he was limited to indoor activities, such as work in the pool and conditioning. "Nothing yet as far as going out there and moving around," said manager Alex Cora.

Hill added a changeup to his repertoire over the offseason, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Hill exclusively used his fastball and slider last season. That combination helped him hold lefties to a .572 OPS, but righties managed a .774 mark against him. A changeup is traditionally a strong weapon against opposite-sided hitters, so the pitch could make Hill a more well-rounded reliever, though it of course remains to be seen how successful the pitch will be and how often the southpaw will use it.

Alvarado is unlikely to be used as a traditional closer by the Rays in 2019, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Manager Kevin Cash doesn't plan to officially name a closer this season, but Alvarado is a likely candidate to see ninth-inning opportunities depending on game flow and matchup. Given the Rays' utilization of the opener strategy, it comes as little surprise they plan to eschew traditional late-inning roles as well. Alvarado is expected to see minimal work this spring after a career-high 64 innings during 2018. Regardless of his official title, the 23-year-old lefty's 2.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 11.2 K/9 last season should still provide plenty of fantasy value as Tampa Bay's likeliest option for high-leverage work.

Gibaut will be shut down a few weeks after a specialist determined that he suffered a mild lat strain Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The team is breathing a sigh of relief, as there were some thoughts the injury could've been worse. Gibaut doesn't have a great chance to break camp with the Rays if this issue lingers too deep into camp, but he could find his way to the majors at some point given the 2.09 ERA he posted in 56 innings at Triple-A Durham last season. A firmer return date will likely take shape as he ramps up his activity again.