MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Kerr to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

The 29-year-old was acquired from San Diego for Matt Carpenter and cash in December but won't make Atlanta's Opening Day roster. Kerr had a 4.33 ERA in 22 relief outings for the Padres last season, and he allowed three runs with an 8:1 K:BB over 4.2 innings during Grapefruit League play this spring.

Boston manager Alex Cora said Pivetta is one of two choices to start Opening Day, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. The other pitcher in consideration is Brayan Bello.

Pivetta, who was relegated from the rotation to the bullpen last May, re-established himself as a starter after adding a sweeper midseason. Over the final two months, the right-hander appeared in 12 games (seven starts) and compiled a 3.98 ERA while striking out 73 over 54.1 innings. "Nick is a workhorse. He's a strong kid," Cora said. "He has his goals, and we all know what he wants to accomplish. He worked hard in the offseason to keep getting better repertoire-wise and body-wise, and he's in a good spot." Pivetta made his second spring start Thursday, giving up two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out four over three innings in a loss to Atlanta.

Knebel (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready to pitch to begin the season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Knebel entered spring training behind schedule as he recovers from shoulder surgery, and he has yet to throw live batting practice or appear in a game. He reports feeling good in his recovery but does not have a clear timeline to return. Knebel hasn't pitched at any level of pro ball since 2022, so his ability to contribute with the big-league club remains murky.

Yates allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over one inning in Thursday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Yates made his third Cactus League appearance and has allowed a run, three hits and one walk while striking out six over three innings. Last year, when Yates posted a 3.28 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 60.1 innings, was the right-hander's first fully healthy year since 2019. He has closing experience and will be part of a late-inning crew that includes Jose Leclerc, David Robertson and Josh Sborz.

Foley tossed a scoreless inning Thursday in Grapefruit League action against the Blue Jays and now has a 10.13 ERA this spring.

Foley has allowed three runs across 2.2 innings this spring, so it's a very small sample size. The righty was effective for the Tigers last season, posting a 2.61 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 69 innings, and he should be able to shake off this relatively slow start. Foley figures to slot in as a setup option ahead of Alex Lange, though he could see save opportunities if Lange struggles with command like he did in 2023.

Lange tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in a Thursday Grapefruit League contest against the Blue Jays, lowering his spring ERA to 12.00.

Lange has pitched in three Grapefruit League games and this was his first time not allowing a run. It's not a great start to spring training for the righty, though he figures to have a fairly firm hold on Detroit's closer role heading into the regular season. Lange recorded 26 saves last year and had 79 strikeouts across 66 innings, though he struggled with command at times, walking a whopping 45 batters.

Brebbia (calf) threw a successful bullpen session Thursday and is on track to be on the roster for Opening Day, Kyle Williams of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Brebbia strained his calf Feb. 22 and Thursday's activity was his first intensive throwing session since. He felt good afterward and is expected to be ready to contribute to start the regular season. The hierarchy of the White Sox's bullpen is currently unclear, though Brebbia is a potential candidate for saves.

The Giants signed Garza to a minor-league deal Thursday, which includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC2 reports.

Garza has thrown 47 innings in the majors throughout his career, though he's managed only a 5.74 ERA in that span. He's likely to serve as organizational depth and could contribute sparingly out of the big-league bullpen.

Fulmer was reassigned to minor league camp Thursday.

In February, Fulmer signed a minor-league contract with the Angels that included an invitation to spring training. The pitcher re-upped with the Angels after making three appearances for them in 2023, yielding three runs over 10 innings. The 30-year-old has put up an unsightly 6.14 ERA over 77 appearances (14 starts) over parts of seven seasons at the big-league level. The righty will now likely start the season in Triple-A Salt Lake.

The Angels optioned Herget to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Herget had allowed one run in four innings while striking out six batters during spring training, but the Angels will send him back down to Triple-A for Opening Day. Herget posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 29 frames in the majors last season, and he could very well be one of the first arms promoted when the Angels' bullpen depth is tested during the season.