MLB Player News

Jansen performed an individual workout at spring training Wednesday and doesn't appear to have any physical limitations heading into the regular season, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Jansen didn't pitch after Sept. 12 last season following a stint on the COVID-19 injured list, but he had a normal offseason and is preparing to return to his familiar role as the Red Sox's closer. However, with Jansen in the final year of his contract and with the Red Sox not profiling as a major contender in the American League coming off an 84-loss season, Boston is reportedly listening to trade offers for the 36-year-old reliever, per Christopher Smith and Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican. Jansen is no longer one of the game's elite closers, but he was still serviceable enough when healthy in 2023, logging a 3.63 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 52:17 K:BB in 44.2 innings while converting 29 of 33 save chances.

Naughton (elbow) is behind schedule this spring as he completes his rehab from left flexor tendon surgery, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The southpaw had the operation last June. Naughton was removed from the Cardinals' 40-man roster over the offseason but is in camp as a non-roster invitee. He'll likely begin the season at Triple-A Memphis but could eventually be a factor as a lefty option out of the St. Louis bullpen.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak saied Wednesday that Middleton isn't in Cardinals camp due to a stomach bug, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The illness looks to be a minor setback for Middleton, who should be able to get back up to speed quickly. The reliever inked a one-year contract with St. Louis earlier this month and is slated to handle middle-relief work.

Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed Wednesday that Pressly will serve as a setup man when Josh Hader is available to close games, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

When the Astros announced Hader's signing to a five-year, $95 million deal in late January, general manager Dana Brown was initially evasive when asked to define the roles of the team's relievers, though the prevailing assumption was that Hader -- a five-time All-Star -- would take over as Houston's full-time closer. Espada put to rest any thought that the Astros might opt for a two-pronged approach to the ninth inning, despite Pressly's strong track record as Houston's primary closer for the past four seasons. Pressly had already begun to show signs of skills degradation in 2023 -- his 3.58 ERA, 3.61 xERA and 21.6 K-BB% last season were all his worst marks of his five full seasons in Houston -- but the 35-year-old still profiles as a reliable setup man in front of Hader and a capable fill-in closer on the occasions Hader isn't available. Even so, the lack of reliable save opportunities moving forward largely limits Pressly's fantasy appeal to deeper leagues or AL-only leagues.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Hader will be the team's closer this season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

There didn't seem to be much doubt after Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract last month, but Espada made it official after speaking to both Hader and Ryan Pressly on Tuesday. Pressly could net the occasional save on days when Hader is unavailable, but clearly his fantasy outlook takes a major hit. Hader collected a 1.28 ERA and 85:30 K:BB over 56.1 innings while recording 33 saves for the Padres in 2023.

Alexander signed a one-year contract with the Athletics on Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Alexander is coming off a down 2023 campaign, having posted a 4.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB in 48.1 innings for the Giants. He entered last year with a career 3.00 ERA over parts of eight major-league seasons, however, so the A's will be hoping for something closer to that version. The sinkerballer will provide Oakland with a lefty relief option.

Hill was diagnosed Wednesday with a mild right lat strain, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Hill felt discomfort during a bullpen session last week and will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days. The right-hander is in camp as a non-roster invitee, and the injury probably ruins any chance he had of cracking the Opening Day roster.

Staumont (shoulder) will not be under any restrictions at the start of spring training, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Staumont underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in July but told reporters Wednesday that he's been throwing for months. It's an operation that is notoriously difficult to come back from. Staumont has posted a 6.09 ERA over 63 appearances since the start of the 2022 season.

Fleming signed a one-year, split contract with the Pirates on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 27-year-old will earn $850,000 if he's in the majors. Murray writes that the Pirates plan to use Fleming as a long reliever who could occasionally make a spot start. The left-hander holds a career 4.88 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 144:69 K:BB across 223.1 major-league innings covering parts of four seasons.

Patino isn't yet at Padres camp due to an issue with his visa, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Patino rejoined the Padres off waivers in December after spending the past three campaigns in the American League. It's not clear what his role with San Diego will be this season, though his experience as both a starter and middle reliever could be useful for what currently projects to be a thin rotation. The visa issue isn't likely to impact Patino's readiness for the start of the regular season.