MLB Player News

Hildenberger has thrown 4.2 innings and allowed three runs on nine hits and three walks with two strikeouts through five spring training appearances.

Hildenberger doesn't look ready for Opening Day just yet, as he's sitting on a 5.79 ERA for the spring. However, look for the 27-year-old right-hander to round into form as camp progresses. Hildenberger is poised to be one of Minnesota's top arms out of the bullpen for the 2018 season and should see plenty of high-leverage situations.

Mengden allowed six earned runs on seven hits and a walk over four innings while recording four strikeouts in a Saturday Cactus League appearance against the Rangers, and he's having trouble separating from other contenders for one of two potential open starting rotation spots, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander was in trouble early and often, allowing five of his six runs after coming in to open the fifth inning. The spotty performance has been a bit of a running theme for Mengden this spring, as he has now allowed at least two earned runs in four of five appearances. Despite the unsightly final line, there were some positives to glean in the eyes of manager Bob Melvin, who saw his pitcher settle down over his final two frames and hit 95 mph on the gun with his fastball. "This was a little different too, where he's not starting a game," Melvin said. "He's had to come in a little bit later in the game, which is not something he's used to."

Harvey covered three innings Sunday and surrendered two runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk in the Orioles' 7-3 loss to the Red Sox in a split-squad Grapefruit League game. He struck out three batters in the outing.

Considering Harvey has yet to pitch above the Low-A level, his presence at big-league spring training this late into camp is a bit of a surprise. It likely speaks to the Orioles' desire to find meaningful innings for the right-hander, who remains a top pitching prospect in the organization despite coming off three consecutive injury-plagued seasons. According to Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun, manager Buck Showalter indicated following Harvey's outing that the 23-year-old would toss a simulated game later this week before making his final Grapefruit League appearance March 21 against the Yankees. Harvey is still expected to report to a minor-league affiliate after that, but his late stay in camp hints that the Orioles may be eager to accelerate his arrival to the big leagues to some point in the second half of the season.

Trivino was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Trivino could earn a chance to pitch in the majors if he continues to improve from last season's performance at Triple-A Nashville. Over 25 games (35 innings) Trivino recorded a 3.60 ERA and 1.26 WHIP while logging a 31:11 K:BB. He did well during his limited use this spring and gave up one run on one hit and two walks over 4.2 combined innings (four games).

Jimenez, who has not allowed an earned run in five innings of work this spring, is making a good impression on manager Ron Gardenhire, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Jimenez has good stuff, but he struggled mightily last season, posting a 12.32 ERA and 2.11 WHIP in 19 innings. The 23-year-old has made offseason changes to his slider grip, and so far he looks good in camp. "Really good," Gardenhire said of Jimenez's form so far. "The ball is jumping out of his hand. When he's throwing it over the plate like that, attacking the hitter, putting them in a hole, he can be very good." Shane Greene will be Detroit's closer in 2018, but Jimenez could be the closer of the future.

The Mariners optioned Moll to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Moll debuted in the majors with the Athletics as a September callup last season, yielding eight runs on 13 hits and three walks over 6.2 innings. Those poor numbers likely put him on the outside looking in for a bullpen role with the Mariners entering the spring, so it's not surprising that he was an early cut for the team. Expect Moll to spend much of the 2018 campaign as a key member of the Tacoma bullpen.

The Mariners optioned Povse to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Povse's move to the minors likely leaves Erasmo Ramirez (lat), Marco Gonzales, Ariel Miranda and Hisashi Iwakuma (shoulder) to compete for two spots at the back of the Seattle rotation. The 24-year-old Povse will probably have to master the Triple-A level first before earning another look in the big leagues. He was roughed up in 31.2 innings with Tacoma in 2017, posting a 7.39 ERA and 1.70 WHIP.

The Angels optioned Paredes to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

Paredes probably removed himself from consideration for an Opening Day bullpen gig with the Angels after he recorded just two outs and was tagged for three runs on five hits and a walk in his Cactus League appearance Sunday against the Giants. The 23-year-old should get another look in the big leagues at some point in 2018, but he'll need to iron out the command issues he showed this spring before receiving a promotion from Triple-A.

The Astros reassigned Hauschild to their minor-league camp Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old broke camp with the Rangers in 2017 as a Rule 5 selection, but didn't stick around in the big leagues for long after yielding 10 runs on 14 hits and two walks over just eight innings. That showing coupled with his mediocre numbers at Triple-A Fresno upon being returned to the Astros likely prevented Hauschild from gaining serious consideration for an Opening Day bullpen gig with Houston this spring.

The Astros optioned Boshers to their minor-league camp Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old has bounced on and off the Twins' 40-man roster the past two years before landing with Houston via a January waiver claim. Boshers was unable to win an Opening Day spot with the Astros, but could be among the first relief callups from Triple-A Fresno this season when Houston requires another lefty bullpen arm.