MLB Player News

Pomeranz (elbow) agreed to a minor-league contract with the Angels on Tuesday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Pomeranz has been sidelined the past two seasons with elbow issues, so he'll have to settle for a minor-league deal in 2024. The left-hander could provide some solid bullpen depth if he can stay healthy, given the 1.75 ERA he posted the last time he pitched in the majors during 2021.

Duarte cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Duarte was designated for assignment by Minnesota last week but will stick around the organization and also attend big-league spring training. The right-hander appeared in 31 games for the Reds last season and had a 3.69 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 23:20 K:BB over 31.2 innings.

Brigham signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Brigham, 32, collected a 5.26 ERA and 42:18 K:BB over 37.2 frames with the Mets last season. The veteran right-hander has managed a 4.76 ERA over 117.1 innings at the big-league level but has also fanned 121 batters.

Bard (forearm) will undergo arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Bard finished 2023 on the IL with a flexor strain in his right forearm and will begin 2024 in the same fashion after he suffered a torn meniscus in a throwing session just over a week ago. The 38-year-old had a 4.56 ERA and 47:49 K:BB in 49.1 innings last season and was expected to compete for the closer role during spring training. A projected 5-to-7-week recovery timeline from surgery means Bard likely won't be game ready until April.

Balazovic cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul by the Twins on Tuesday, Darren Wolfson of Channel 5 Saint Paul reports.

While no longer on the 40-man roster, Balazovic will remain in the organization and join the Twins in camp this spring as a non-roster invitee. The right-hander posted a 4.44 ERA and 17:14 K:BB over 24.1 relief innings with Minnesota in 2023.

Cleavinger (knee) will not have any restrictions during spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cleavinger had ACL and meniscus surgery on his right knee last May but has made a full recovery. The left-hander boasts a 2.64 ERA and 39:10 K:BB over 30.2 innings during his time with the Rays and should work his way back into a high-leverage bullpen role.

Cisnero didn't report to Angels' spring training Tuesday and will be at least a week late to arrive due to visa issues, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

The veteran right-hander joined the Halos on a one-year, $1.75 million contract in early February but won't be with the team for the start of camp. Cisnero posted a 5.31 ERA in 63 outings for the Tigers last season, though his 70:25 K:BB is more palatable. He still has plenty of time to report before his availability for Opening Day is jeopardized.

Lamet has yet to report to Dodgers camp because of a visa issue, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Pitchers and catchers reported last week for the Dodgers since they begin their season early. While Lamet still has time to get up to speed, a late start won't help his chances at winning a job as a non-roster invitee. The right-hander held an 11.71 ERA across 27.2 innings with the Rockies and Red Sox last season.

Leone signed a minor-league contract with White Sox on Tuesday which includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The veteran right-hander made 51 appearances between the Mariners, Angels and Mets last season but scuffled to a 4.67 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 54:28 K:BB over 54 innings. Leone posted a 1.51 ERA with three saves and 15 holds in 57 outings for the Giants in 2021, but his 1.51 WHIP across the past two seasons is likely to be more indicative of his 2024 performance, if he makes Chicago's roster.

Knebel signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Knebel hasn't pitched anywhere since suffering a right shoulder capsule tear in August of 2022. He's apparently healthy now, though, so the White Sox will see what he has in spring training. When we last saw the 32-year-old, he collected a 3.43 ERA and 41:28 K:BB over 44.2 innings while notching 12 saves with the Phillies in 2022. Given the state of Chicago's bullpen, it wouldn't be that shocking if Knebel makes the team and pitches in high-leverage situations, provided he is able to rediscover his pre-surgery form.