MLB Player News

Williams said Wednesday in an interview with Will Sammon of The Athletic that he expects to be fully healthy for the start of spring training after undergoing right hand surgery in early October.

Williams' interview marked the first time he spoke to the media since he fractured his hand Sept. 26 after punching a wall while celebrating the Brewers' division title. The untimely incident kept Williams from pitching in the second straight postseason, after he was sidelined late in 2020 due to a shoulder injury. The shoulder issue lingered into this past spring and had a hand in Williams' early-season struggles, but before fracturing his hand, the right-handed setup man looked to have rediscovered the form that made him the National League's Rookie of the Year. Over his final 25.2 innings, Williams posted a 1.40 ERA and 41 strikeouts, offering hope that he'll be able to enter 2022 with some confidence, provided he continues to progress well in his recovery from hand surgery. Williams resumed throwing and lifting weights just before Thanksgiving, and he should gradually ramp up the intensity of his workouts as spring training approaches.

Blach signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blach pitched in the majors from 2016 to 2019, recording a 4.99 ERA while striking out just 12.7 percent of opposing batters. He missed most of the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery, returning last in the year to throw 22 rehab innings in the lower minors. His past major-league experience gives him a shot at claiming a roster spot, but he's unlikely to provide much fantasy value even when pitching away from Coors Field.

Gonsalves signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs in early December.

Gonsalves threw just 4.1 MLB innings in 2021, giving up two runs. His previous experience at the highest level saw him struggle to a 6.57 ERA and a 16:22 K:BB over 24.2 frames for the Twins back in 2018. He wasn't particularly impressive for Triple-A Worcester in the Red Sox's system last season, either, though his 4.68 ERA did at least come with a 31.2 percent strikeout rate.

Leiter signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Wednesday.

Leiter owns an unimpressive 5.53 ERA in 114 major-league innings, the last of which came back in 2018. The 30-year-old spent the 2021 season in the Tigers' system, where he cruised to a 3.34 ERA and an impressive 30.5 percent strikeout rate in 15 starts and two relief appearances for Triple-A Toledo.

Kelly signed with the Phillies as a non-roster invitee Tuesday.

Kelly, a 29-year-old righty, has yet to make his major-league debut. He threw 44.2 innings for Triple-A Sugar Land in 2021, cruising to a 2.82 ERA, but a player his age looking good against minor-league hitters isn't something to get too excited about.

Cyr joined the Phillies as a non-roster invitee Tuesday.

Cyr is a 28-year-old reliever who's yet to make his big-league debut. His 4.91 ERA with Triple-A Sacramento in the Giants' system last season is unimpressive, though it did at least come with a 31.6 percent strikeout rate.

Bellatti joined the Phillies as a non-roster invitee Tuesday.

Bellatti tossed 3.1 innings for the Marlins last season, giving up five earned runs. His numbers in 29.2 innings at the Triple-A level were far more encouraging, as he cruised to a 1.52 ERA while striking out 33.0 percent of opposing batters, but it's tough to get too excited about a 29-year-old dominating minor-league bats.

Fulmer has been selected by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2021 Rule 5 draft, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.

Fulmer was a first-round pick by the White Sox in 2015, and he's spent parts of the last six seasons in the big leagues. However, he's failed to generate much success at the top level. The right-hander posted a 6.66 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 25.2 innings across 20 relief appearances with the Reds last year. However, he should be in the mix for a low-leverage relief role with the Dodgers at some point in 2022.

Menez was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2021 Rule 5 draft Wednesday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.

Menez made eight appearances (one start) in the majors for the Giants last year and recorded a 3.86 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 14 innings. However, he wasn't added to San Francisco's 40-man roster during the offseason and will likely compete for a spot in the Cubs' major-league bullpen this spring.

Llovera signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Friday.

Llovera spent most of the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2021 and logged a 3.46 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 52 innings across 32 appearances (four starts). He'll now attempt to carve out a role with the Giants, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him serve as a non-roster invitee this spring.