MLB Player News

Vargas won the final spot in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reports.

Vargas put his stamp on the job with a sharp 2.61 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings this spring in the Cactus League. Acquired from the Guardians in November, the 23-year-old right-hander could quickly work his way up the patchwork bullpen depth chart in Arizona. He might even be a sleeper for saves.

The Yankees optioned Weissert to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

The 28-year-old was one of the last cuts as he came up just shy of making the Opening Day bullpen. Weissert doesn't have anything left to prove in the minors and could be the first reliever summoned when one is needed.

The Pirates optioned De Los Santos to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

De Los Santos made his MLB debut last year in Pittsburgh and showed some promise before a lat strain shut him down in August. The 25-year-old has posted stellar minor-league numbers when healthy and figures to get another shot with the Pirates in 2023.

Curry is expected to make the Guardians' Opening Day bullpen, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

He'll take the spot of Hunter Gaddis, who is moving into the rotation to replace Triston McKenzie (shoulder). Curry is a starter by trade but will be able to provide some length in Cleveland's bullpen.

Williams tossed a scoreless inning of relief in Monday's spring game.

After a stellar WBC showing in which he allowed just two runners to reach base over 3.1 innings, Williams rejoined the Brewers and made two appearances over the past four days. He will open the regular season as the Brewers' closer and will attempt to build on a 2022 campaign that he finished with a 1.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 96:30 K:BB over 60.2 innings.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday that Rainey (elbow) will continue his rehab at the team's spring training complex, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Rainey is with the Nats in D.C. ahead of Opening Day on Thursday, but he'll head back to Florida on Friday. The 30-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last August and should not be counted on for any sort of fantasy production in 2023, even if he achieves his goal of making it back before September.

Hoffman was released by the Twins on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Hoffman triggered the opt-out in his minor-league contract after failing to make the Opening Day roster. The right-hander pitched well this spring after a rough first outing and should receive interest on the open market, although it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to land a major-league deal.

Harris had his contract selected by the Nationals on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

It's a cool story, as the 29-year-old Harris will be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game following eight years in the minors with four different organization. He earned the bullpen spot by allowing just one run with a 7:2 K:BB over 10 Grapefruit League innings.

Jansen (illness) made a scoreless appearance Monday versus Atlanta during Grapefruit League play during his return to action.

Jansen loaded the bases on a hit and a couple walks but was able to escape unscathed by inducing an inning-ending double-play ball. The closer had exited his previous appearance due to lightheadedness, but he's fine now and will be ready to roll on Opening Day.

Hudson (knee) returning by late April "seems doable," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told MLB.com on Monday.

It looks to be a rough timetable at this point. Hudson's recovery from last June's ACL surgery has gone more slowly than anticipated, and he will remain at extended spring training at the beginning of the season. Eventually, the reliever will go out on a rehab assignment before rejoining the Dodgers' bullpen. Hudson figures to be in the mix for saves at some point, but that could be awhile.