MLB Player News

Kinley will compete this spring with Justin Lawrence to be the Rockies' closer, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Kinley missed much of the 2023 season following flexor tendon surgery but led the club with five saves in September. He didn't exactly pitch well that month, though, blowing one save opportunity and allowing five runs over 10.2 innings. It's a situation unlikely to bear much fantasy fruit no matter who wins -- Pierce Johnson led the Rockies with 13 saves last season.

Lawrence and Tyler Kinley are competing this spring to become the Rockies' closer, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Manager Bud Black indicated that he plans to name one of the two relievers his closer prior to Opening Day. Lawrence's 11 saves in 2023 leads all returning Rockies relievers, but Kinley notched five saves in September. For fantasy purposes, this is one of the shakiest closer situations in baseball.

Wilson (lat) agreed to a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Wilson was expected to return from Tommy John surgery in the middle of last season but suffered a lat injury just before making his 2023 debut, and he missed the entire campaign. The Brewers wound up declining his $2.5 million club option for 2024. The left-hander last saw significant MLB action with the Reds and Yankees in 2021 with a 5.29 ERA in 42 appearances, and he'll likely fill a lower-leverage role if he earns a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen.

Hudson (knee) is trending toward being on the active roster for the March 20-21 series against the Padres in South Korea, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Friday that Hudson still needs to refine his execution after missing most of the last two seasons with knee issues. However, it does not appear there are any physical limitations for Hudson at this juncture. The veteran reliever is in camp as a non-roster invitee, but it sounds like the Dodgers fully intend to add him to the 26-man roster.

Treinen (shoulder) is trending toward being on the active roster for the team's March 20-21 series versus the Padres in South Korea, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Treinen made just five appearances in 2022 due to right shoulder surgery and had only three rehab outings in 2023. However, he's made progress since then and is evidently throwing without restrictions this spring. Treinen was one of the best relievers in baseball prior to his surgery, but he'll need to show his stuff is all the way back before the Dodgers trust him in high-leverage spots again.

Young (back) is expected to be sidelined for a few days, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Young came out of a throwing session Wednesday with back tightness, but it appears to be a minor issue. The southpaw is expected to open 2024 in Cincinnati's bullpen.

Martinez said Thursday that he prefers starting but is willing to handle a bullpen role, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I haven't been shy in saying that I prefer starting, but I also find a lot of things I am passionate about as a reliever," Martinez said.

Martinez, who has been a swingman the last two seasons for San Diego, is one of 10 arms competing for a spot in Cincinnati's rotation. The Reds signed him to a two-year, $26 million deal during the offseason and expect him to fill a pivotal role. If the right-hander isn't starting, then he'll be called on in high-leverage situations. Martinez's versatility wasn't his only attractive trait; he was in the 98th percentile with an average exit velocity of 84.7 mph and 95th percentile in hard-hit rate (29.9 percent) in 2023.

Brazoban has yet to report to Marlins camp because of a visa issue, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Non-roster invitees Elvis Alvarado and Jhonny Pereda have also been delayed by visa problems. The 34-year-old Brazoban still seems ticketed for a spot in the Marlins' bullpen provided his absence from camp doesn't drag on too long.

Barnes signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Barnes' most recent big-league experience came with the Cardinals last year, as he held a 5.93 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with eight strikeouts over 13.2 innings. The veteran reliever will provide the Nationals with some experienced depth.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that he does not expect Jameson (elbow) to pitch this season, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Jameson had Tommy John surgery in September, so even if he came back as a reliever it always was unlikely he'd pitch in 2024. The 26-year-old right-hander will focus on rehabbing this year with eyes of contributing for Arizona again in 2025.