MLB Player News

Espino allowed three runs on six hits over four innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The 37-year-old right-hander built up to 65 pitches (47 strikes) as the Blue Jays keep their options open for the rotation with both Kevin Gausman (shoulder) and Alek Manoah (shoulder) expected to miss the start of the season. Espino's posted an impressive 16:2 K:BB through 12 innings this spring, but he's served up three homers, including a two-run shot by Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning Saturday. Bowden Francis seems locked into one of the available rotation spots, leaving Mitch White as Espino's main competition for the other.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Winckowski will begin the season working out of the bullpen, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

The 25-year-old was attempting to secure a spot in Boston's Opening Day rotation and pitched well this spring with just one run allowed over 7.2 innings, but the club apparently feels he's better suited to help the big club as a bullpen piece. Winckowski pitched well in that role last season, as he recorded three saves and 18 holds with a 2.88 ERA in 60 appearances.

Rangers general manager Chris Young said Saturday that Bradford will begin the season in the starting rotation, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 26-year-old lefty entered camp as the favorite to open the season as Texas' No. 5 starter, and his 2.45 ERA and 9:2 K:BB over 11 spring innings likely helped him secure the role. Bradford worked as a swingman as a rookie last season and had a 5.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 51:12 K:BB across 20 outings (eight starts) overall, though he pitched much better in his 12 relief outings with a 2.82 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP in 22.1 frames.

After yielding five earned runs and five walks over his initial 1.1 innings this spring, Joyce has since allowed two earned runs and two walks over his subsequent six frames.

Joyce is expected to be part of the Angels' bullpen on Opening Day, but there may have been some initial doubt about his readiness after he struggled to harness his control in the early portions of Cactus League play. The flamethrower has since settled down, with his most recent outing being a scoreless one-inning appearance against the Cubs on Saturday. Joyce's improved results have coincided with a lowering of his strikeout rate -- over his past five frames, he's struck out a modest three batters. Though he consistently throws a triple-digit fastball, these results may suggest that the key to Joyce's success in the majors may be him learning how to use his impressive heater to generate poor contact rather than always relying on punching batters out.

Thielbar (hamstring) threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session without issue Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Thielbar hasn't been able to run at full speed with his injury, but he hasn't had issues pitching. There's still time for him to be ready for Opening Day, but he may need to show he can pitch in a major-league spring training game in the next week.

Lambert does not need surgery on his right shoulder following a visit with Dr. Neal AlAttrache in Los Angeles on Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lambert said of the condition of his shoulder that "there's something there," but whatever he's dealing with will be treated non-surgically. There's no timetable for when the reliever might be ready to pitch in games, but it seems like it will be a while.

The Orioles optioned Ort to minor-league camp Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Ort was acquired by the Orioles on Feb. 19 after being DFA'd by the Phillies. Ort has given up three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.1 innings in spring training. The right-hander will start the 2024 season in the minors.

The Orioles optioned Krook to minor-league camp Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Krook was acquired by the Orioles on Feb. 18 after being designated for assignment by the Yankees five days prior. Krook has allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out seven over 4.0 innings in spring training. He'll start 2024 in the minors and look to work his way back to the big leagues.

The Yankees optioned Morris to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Morris arrived in New York in December through a trade for Estevan Florial, and Morris will officially begin the season in Triple-A. The 27-year-old righty surrendered eight runs in just 6.2 innings this spring but could still pitch in the majors in 2024 if the Yankees need a fresh arm for their rotation or bullpen.

The Athletics designated Felipe (elbow) for assignment Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Felipe will miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery Friday, and he'll now be without a spot on the 40-man. The newly-signed J.D. Davis will fill Felipe's place on the roster.