MLB Player News

The Pirates reassigned Heller to minor-league camp Sunday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The 32-year-old holds a 3.06 ERA over 50 career relief appearances at the big-league level over parts of five seasons, but his resume wasn't enough to win him a spot in the Pirates' Opening Day bullpen. After missing much of the 2021 and 2022 seasons while recovering from arm injuries, Heller enjoyed good health in 2023, but control proved to be a concern for him at both the major-league and Triple-A levels. He'll likely need to string together some quality outings at Triple-A Indianapolis early on in the season to garner a look in Pittsburgh.

Thielbar (hamstring) threw a live batting practice session Saturday, MLB.com reports. "I don't know exact timeline, but I anticipate being just fine for the second half of March at least to get into some games and be ready to go," Thielbar said afterward.

The Twins could have Thielbar throw one more live BP session before turning him loose in a game setting for his Grapefruit League debut, but the reliever still looks on pace to be ready for Opening Day. Thielbar, who is recovering from a left hamstring strain, turned in a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 36:6 K:BB while collecting 14 holds and three wins in 30.2 innings out of the Minnesota bullpen in 2023.

The Angels optioned Mederos to Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday.

Mederos got his feet wet in the majors last season and pitched well this spring, allowing three runs with a 12:3 K:BB over 8.2 frames. The 22-year-old was used in relief in his three big-league appearances but should be part of Salt Lake's rotation.

Marsh has allowed one run on five hits and four walks while striking out 12 over 10 innings across four Cactus League appearances.

Marsh doesn't have a clear path to the Royals' rotation, and that's been reflected in his usage -- only one of his four spring outings has been a start. The 25-year-old started eight of his 17 appearances last season, posting a 5.69 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 85:39 K:BB over 74.1 innings overall. Marsh may still be stretched out in the minors at Triple-A Omaha if he doesn't earn a spot in the Royals' bullpen, but he's pitched well enough this spring to earn a spot in the majors. The one knock against Marsh is that he still walks too many batters.

Hernandez (shoulder) played catch over the weekend and will do so again Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez was shut down from throwing after a cortisone injection in late February. He's now beginning to ramp up again, though it still seems likely he'll have to miss part of the regular season. Hernandez is likely to join the Royals' bullpen once he's up to speed.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento by the Giants on Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 24-year-old was wild this spring in issuing eight walks over four relief innings. Control problems are nothing new for Rodriguez, who walked 57 across 70 frames in the minors in 2023.

Miller was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento by the Giants on Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Miller had a shot at a bullpen job with the Giants but is being sent out after permitting one run over just three innings this spring. The 26-year-old has a good chance to debut at some point with the big club in 2024.

Curry has allowed four runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking none over eight innings across three Cactus League appearances.

Curry has started two of his three outings. The 25-year-old appears set for a swingman role in 2024, though a lot could hinge on the status of Gavin Williams (elbow) and his availability to begin the campaign. Curry started nine of his 41 appearances last season and stayed in the majors for the whole season since the Guardians' rotation was plagued by injuries. He was solid with a 4.07 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 67:30 K:BB over 95 innings. Curry won't be much of a fantasy option out of the bullpen given his low strikeout numbers, but there's no clear path to the rotation for now.

Tate has allowed one hit and hit one batsman while striking out three over four scoreless innings across four Grapefruit League appearances.

Tate didn't pitch in the majors in 2023 while rehabbing a forearm injury. While he's not the favorite for saves in the Orioles' bullpen, he's put in good work in the spring to push his way into the setup mix. Tate was strong in that role in 2022, logging 16 holds, five saves, a 3.05 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 60:16 K:BB over 73.2 innings in 2022. Tate figures to compete with Yennier Cano and Danny Coulombe for late-inning work.

Floro (shoulder) recently pitched to hitters in live batting practice, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Floro is expected to throw at least one more live batting practice session before making his Grapefruit League debut. The veteran reliever has been slowed all spring due to right shoulder soreness, but he's still expected to be ready to go for Opening Day.