MLB Player News

Baumann has struck out two without allowing a baserunner over two innings in Grapefruit League play.

Baumann made the full-time move to the bullpen last season. Ironically, that led to him collecting 10 wins, his most in a single season at any level since he had 13 victories in 2018 between Single-A and High-A. Last season's elevated win count was likely an anomaly -- Baumann's most probable to pitch in middle relief, making favorable decisions hard to forecast. He also had six holds, a 3.76 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 61:33 K:BB over 64.2 innings in 2023, numbers that could suggest regression is on the horizon.

Baker has allowed a hit, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out three over 2.2 scoreless innings in Grapefruit League play.

Baker had 11 holds, a 4-3 record and three blown saves over 46 appearances last season, pitching to a 3.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He can strike out over a batter per inning while usually serving in a middle-innings role as part of a bridge to the closer. The Orioles have a number of high-leverage options available, and Baker could find himself in that mix if he can carry his success from spring into the regular season, assuming he makes the roster.

Brash (elbow) played catch from 60 feet Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Brash made 25 throws and didn't have any issues. He will continue playing catch every other day in order to get built back up as he works his way back from medial right elbow inflammation. Brash will begin the season on the injured list and could miss several weeks as he deliberately rebuilds stamina.

Santos (lat) will long-toss from 150 feet Tuesday and might be cleared to throw off a mound in a few days, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Santos developed right lat soreness early on in camp and resumed throwing a week ago. The reliever should have time to ramp up for Opening Day if he can avoid setbacks, but it's going to be close.

Pirates GM Ben Cherington said Tuesday that Moreta's elbow injury is still being evaluated, but the right-hander is expected to miss some time, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old suffered the elbow injury during Sunday's spring game against the Orioles, and while the specifics of the issue aren't yet know, it appears he'll begin the season on the injured list. Moreta was a reliable bullpen piece for Pittsburgh last season with a 3.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 76:24 K:BB across 58 innings.

Kowar's next Cactus League appearance will be pushed back a few days as he deals with soreness, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Where exactly the soreness is located is not clear, but it doesn't seem like the Mariners have much concern that this could be a long-term injury. Kowar has impressed in the early going this spring with three strikeouts over two scoreless frames.

Matsui (back) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Matsui developed some back spasms following his first appearance of the spring but has progressed since then and is ready to try things from the bump again. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed optimism Tuesday that Matsui will have time to ramp up for Opening Day as long as he continues to trend in the right direction. Matsui fanned the side in his lone Cactus League appearance and is in the mix to close for San Diego.

Beck will be shut down from throwing for eight weeks after undergoing vascular surgery Monday to address the aneurysm in his upper right arm, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

He'll face a long ramp-up period after that, so Beck probably won't be ready at least until around midseason if all goes well. The right-hander has already been placed on the 60-day injured list.

Scott failed to record an out and walked four batters, getting charged with three runs in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

The Marlins closer tossed only nine of 25 pitches for strikes before leaving the mound. It's too early to be worried about Scott, especially after he delivered career-best numbers in 2023, but he has walked a disturbing five of the 10 batters he's faced to begin the spring. If the control issues are a warning sign of a bigger issue, it's not clear who might step into the ninth inning for Miami.

Hjelle will be shut down for a couple weeks after being diagnosed with a right elbow sprain, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hjelle had been in position to win either a long relief job or potentially even a spot in the rotation, but now he has what could be a long-term injury. He'll be re-evaluated following the shutdown period, presumably at which point a decision will be made as to whether he needs surgery.