MLB Player News

Loaisiga tossed five scoreless innings in Grapefruit League play, allowing three hits and posting a 4:2 K:BB.

Loaisiga also pitched in two games for Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic, allowing three runs on three hits over two frames. The right-hander collected two saves and 10 holds for New York in 2022 and is expected to compete for setup duties ahead of closer Clay Holmes during the coming campaign.

The Tigers will option Holton to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Holton appeared to be in decent standing for a bullpen spot throughout most of camp, but he'll end up beginning the season in the minors with the Tigers opting to include non-roster invitees Trey Wingenter and Chasen Shreve in the Opening Day bullpen. The 26-year-old southpaw should be Detroit's top choice for a call-up if the team requires an extra lefty arm out of the bullpen at any point this season.

Tampa Bay reassigned Heller to minor-league camp Thursday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Heller has previously made 31 relief appearances in the big leagues, but none have come since 2020 and he's pitched just 8.2 innings in total in affiliated ball over the past two seasons while tending to arm-related injuries. He'll need to stay healthy and pitch effectively at Triple-A Durham for an extended period before getting a look in Tampa Bay's bullpen.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said Wednesday that he will not name a closer going into the start of the 2023 season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Showalter did specifically mention Robertson as having the "strongest background" for the job, but Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith are also expected to receive ninth-inning looks as the Mets sort out their bullpen blueprint in the absence of Edwin Diaz (knee). Robertson, who boasts 157 career major-league saves, pitched to a 2.40 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 63.2 innings last year between the Cubs and Phillies. He's probably the best option to bet on from an early-season fantasy perspective.

Hearn secured a spot in the Rangers' Opening Day bullpen after the team finalized its 26-man active roster Wednesday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Hearn appeared to be on the roster bubble following a poor showing in spring training along with the fact that he had a minor-league option remaining, but Texas ultimately chose to keep him on hand as an extra lefty arm out of the bullpen over fellow southpaw John King, who was dispatched to Triple-A Round Rock. Though he worked as a swingman for Texas in 2022 while making 13 starts over his 31 appearances, Hearn is expected to serve as a full-time reliever in 2023, with most of his opportunities presumably coming in middle-inning or lower-leverage spots.

The Angels placed Marte (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Friday.

Marte has been shut down from throwing for at least another three weeks while he recovers from a right elbow stress reaction. His move to the 60-day IL opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Jake Lamb. Assuming he incurs no further setbacks in his recovery from the injury, Marte could be ready to join the Los Angeles bullpen at the start of June.

The Angels placed Rodriguez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Rodriguez is finally facing hitters again after having shoulder surgery in November 2021, but he still needs time to ramp back up fully. Barring any setbacks while he navigates his throwing program, Rodriguez could be ready to begin a rehab assignment shortly after the minor-league season gets underway this weekend.

The Brewers placed Wilson (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Wilson required Tommy John surgery last June and won't be an option for the Milwaukee bullpen until the second half of the 2023 regular season. He signed with Milwaukee in February on a one-year, $1 million contract with a $2.5 million club option for 2024.

Hernandez is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a right shoulder strain, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets haven't confirmed the move, but expect Hernandez to be formally placed on the IL shortly before Thursday's season opener in Miami. Hernandez is already back to playing catch, per DiComo, but he has a lot of building up to do before he can become an option for the Mets. The 27-year-old is expected to spend some time in the rotation at Triple-A Syracuse whenever he returns to full health.

The Rangers placed Sborz on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a sprained ankle, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Sborz tweaked his ankle either in his final Cactus League appearance March 22 or in a workout at some point thereafter, so he'll be sidelined for at least the first two weeks of the season while he's on the mend. Once healthy, Sborz will likely work in the middle innings out of the bullpen.