MLB Player News

Lange did not appear in Thursday's 1-0 win over the White Sox, as Jason Foley recorded the final two outs to earn his first save of the season.

It's unclear whether Lange is injured or if he's fallen in the bullpen hierarchy -- to this point there has been no word of an injury. He last pitched March 24, striking out one batter in a scoreless inning against the Rays in Grapefruit League action. Lange led the team in saves by a good margin last season, recording 26 to Foley's seven, but Foley has the edge in terms of velocity. Shelby Miller and Andrew Chafin bridged the gap from starter Tarik Skubal to Foley in the ninth.

Foley struck out the only two batters he faced Thursday against the White Sox to earn his first save of the season.

Lefty Andrew Chafin, after pitching a scoreless eighth inning, recorded the first out of the ninth before handing things over to Foley. The right-hander struck out Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert to preserve an Opening Day shutout while touching triple digits with his sinker. Alex Lange was the presumptive closer for the Tigers after leading the team in saves with 26 last season, but he did not appear in Thursday's game. There has been nothing yet to indicate Lange is injured, so perhaps Foley has simply leapfrogged Lange for the closer role in the eyes of manager A.J. Hinch.

The Blue Jays placed Romano (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

General manager Ross Atkins indicated recently that he's hopeful Romano will require only a minimum stay on the IL, which would mean an activation April 9. Romano hasn't yet resumed throwing off a mound, however, so he still has some hurdles to clear before Atkins' hopes are realized. Chad Green, Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza are candidates for saves while Romano is out, with Erik Swanson (forearm) also potentially entering the mix if he beats Romano back from the IL.

The Astros placed Ortega (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Ortega is facing a recovery timeline of 3-to-4 months after he underwent surgery last week to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. The 27-year-old reliever could be a candidate to shift to the 60-day IL later in the season when the Astros need to make room on the 40-man roster for another player.

The Athletics placed Newcomb on the 60-day injured list Thursday with left knee inflammation.

Newcomb had knee surgery last September but made four appearances this spring, so he evidently must have suffered a setback if a 60-day IL stint was deemed appropriate. It's not clear whether the Athletics plan to bring the left-hander back as a starter or reliever once he's healthy.

The Astros placed Murfee (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Murfree, whom Houston claimed off waivers from Atlanta earlier this week, isn't expected to be ready to pitch in games until late in the 2024 season -- if at all -- while he completes his recovery from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last July.

The Astros placed Dubin on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm strain, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Dubin didn't pitch in any Grapefruit League games this spring while recovering from what prior reports had described as shoulder inflammation, but the Astros are now labeling his injury as a forearm strain. The right-hander was able to face hitters earlier this week, so he could soon be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment.

The Red Sox selected Rodriguez's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday.

Rodriguez will open the season as the lone lefty in Boston's bullpen. He was limited to just 11 appearances last season due to a hip injury but was healthy and effective this spring.

The Yankees placed Kahnle (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Kahnle wasn't able to pitch in any Grapefruit League games after a bout with right shoulder inflammation delayed his throwing program over the offseason and put him well behind the Yankees' other pitchers at the start of spring training. The veteran righty should be close to facing hitters if he hasn't already, but he'll likely require multiple minor-league rehab appearances before he's ready to make his 2024 debut with the Yankees.

Pearson will begin the season on the Blue Jays' 26-man roster.

The 27-year-old right-hander still has a big fastball, averaging 97.9 mph over 42.2 big-league innings last season, but Pearson only managed a 4.85 ERA and 43:18 K:BB. With Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) on the IL to kick off the campaign, there's a spot in the Opening Day bullpen for Pearson, but he hasn't been mentioned by manager John Schneider as a candidate to fill in for Romano in the ninth inning and will likely work in lower-leverage situations.