MLB Player News

Treinen (shoulder) has been cleared to begin a throwing program Monday.

He'll play catch for the first time since undergoing right shoulder surgery in November. Treinen is hoping to make it back at some point late this season, but he could very well be out until 2024.

Vest was optioned to Triple-A Toledo by the Tigers on Friday.

Vest has struggled mightily this spring while fighting mechanical issues. He will try to get those ironed out at Toledo and could still be a key piece in the Tigers' bullpen later this season.

The Padres optioned Kerr to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Kerr spent most of last season in El Paso as well, logging a 5.08 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 44.1 innings. He was able to limit runs a bit better during the spring, but allowing seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings indicates there is plenty of work yet to be done for the 28-year-old lefty.

The Diamondbacks optioned Nelson to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Nelson had an outstanding season in 2022, logging a 2.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 37 innings out of the bullpen. Unfortunately, he got hit around a bit more in the spring, giving up four earned runs over 8.2 frames. The 26-year-old southpaw will begin the season in Triple-A, but he figures to be one of the top choices to be called up should Arizona need more bullpen depth.

The Diamondbacks optioned Frias to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Frias didn't fare well in the majors last season with a 10.59 ERA and 2.35 WHIP over 17 innings, and his spring wasn't much better. The 24-year-old reliever will need to re-establish himself in the minors before he can return to the D-backs' bullpen.

Milner has allowed five hits over 5.1 scoreless innings and has posted a 3:0 K:BB through six spring appearances in March.

Milner was tagged for three earned runs in his Feb. 27 spring debut, but he has not allowed one since and has allowed only a handful of hitters to even reach base. He will not open the season in a particularly fantasy-friendly role, but he is on track to be the top southpaw in Milwaukee's bullpen.

Varland has allowed one hit in 3.1 innings with a 9:0 K:BB over his last three spring appearances.

Varland allowed at least one earned run in three of his first four exhibition outings, but per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, his pitches were being tipped because his PitchCom was set too loud. Since turning down the volume, the right-hander has been almost perfect. Varland was selected by the Brewers in the Rule 5 draft from the Dodgers' organization and has never pitched above the Double-A level, but he might end up proving to be a steal. Through 7.1 spring innings in total, he's posted a 15:1 K:BB.

Leclerc struck out two over a scoreless inning in a Double-A game Thursday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc threw on back-to-back days for the first time this spring then dismissed any concerns over his decrease in velocity. "It's the same thing every year in spring training for me," the right-hander said. "But during the season, it picks up. It will be alright." Leclerc's fastball is living in the 92-93 mph range this spring after averaging over 96 mph in 2022. He remains the leading candidate to close games for the Rangers.

Jameson allowed four runs on four hits and four walks while striking out seven over 4.1 innings in Thursday's split-squad start against the Dodgers.

Jameson gave up three runs in the first inning, then got a ton of run support -- 10, in fact -- during the bottom half of the inning. He settled in after that, although he dealt with base runners in four of the five innings he worked. Jameson's competition for the No. 5 starter job, Ryne Nelson, pitched in the other split-squad game and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks over 4.2 innings against the Cubs. Neither pitcher has a statistical advantage in the job battle, which looks like it will go down to the wire.

Duran threw a scoreless inning in Thursday's spring training loss to Toronto. Duran was hit by a line drive in his leg Sunday during a minor league game.

Duran only suffered a bruise and his leg shouldn't be an issue for Opening Day. He'll be a primary weapon in the Minnesota bullpen again in 2023, but manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't tipped his hand about his plan for the closer role this spring. While Duran may be Minnesota's best reliever, Baldelli usually runs his bullpen with disregard to the save statistic. Duran had eight saves and 18 holds with a 1.86 ERA over 67.2 innings as a rookie last year.