MLB Player News

Cabrera has allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out four and issuing no walks over four innings across four Grapefruit League appearances.

Cabrera also logged 1.1 scoreless innings for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. The southpaw had an up-and-down 2022 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 44.2 innings, but he still managed to pick up 13 holds. He's likely to make the Cardinals out of camp as a lefty reliever with experience in mid-to-high-leverage usage.

Biddle was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday.

Biddle joined the Diamondbacks as a non-roster invitee and allowed two runs over 4.1 innings during spring action. He spent last season playing in Japan and had a 2.83 ERA across 57.1 innings.

Perez has allowed one earned run on six hits and two walks over five innings in five Grapefruit League appearances.

Perez was initially viewed as an option for saves, but with Felix Bautista recovered from his shoulder and knee issues, it looks like that won't be necessary to start the year. What holds true is Perez's status as the Orioles' top lefty reliever, with strong results in spring games coming off of last year's 1.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 55:21 K:BB over 57.2 innings. He had 24 holds a year ago, so he should have every opportunity to remain in a setup role to begin 2023.

Saucedo was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

Saucedo was claimed off waivers by the Mariners in January but won't crack the club's Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old made four big-league appearances for Toronto last season and spent most of the campaign at the Triple-A level, where he had a 2.37 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 28:10 K:BB across 19 innings.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw 25 pitches in a simulated inning Thursday, per MLB.com.

This was Pomeranz's second sim game of the spring, and it's possible that he'll get into a Cactus League contest in the coming week. The right-hander missed all of last season after undergoing flexor tendon surgery in his left elbow, but he's expected to be a big part of San Diego's bullpen in 2023. Pomeranz is tentatively on track to be ready to go for Opening Day.

Hudson (knee) and Brusdar Graterol are the most likely candidates to serve as the Dodgers' closer if the team eventually decides to veer away from a committee approach, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Los Angeles appears set to begin the campaign without a designated closer, and there's no indication that the team is eager to shift that approach. However, if things change at some point in the campaign, Hudson and Graterol currently appear to be the most logical options. Hudson has some experience closing games, having racked up 32 saves throughout his career, including five last season, when he also impressed with a 2.22 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 30:5 K:BB over 24.1 innings. However, the veteran right-hander is currently on the shelf as he recovers from separate knee and ankle injuries, and he's expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the regular season.

The Dodgers don't plan on having a set closer to begin the season, but if they do eventually decide to designate one, Graterol and Daniel Hudson (knee) are the leading candidates, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers have given no indication that they'll designate a primary fireman at any point this season, so they could very well go with a committee approach for the entire campaign. However, if that changes, Graterol figures to be atop the list of potential closers given his ability to throw hard and his success last season. The fireballer posted a 3.26 ERA, 0.99 ERA and 43:10 K:BB over 49.2 innings while picking up 10 holds and four saves, though he also endured two stints on the injured list. With that said, fantasy managers hunting saves may be best served to avoid Los Angeles relievers altogether given the real possibility that closing chances may be split between multiple pitchers throughout the campaign.

Otto will undergo an MRI on his right lat muscle, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Otto told reporters Sunday morning that the muscle was still sore, and the Rangers won't take any risks. The 26-year-old right-hander was scratched from Saturday's start because of tightness in his lat. There should be an update on Otto's status after the results of the imaging are announced.

Across 9.2 innings this spring split between the Cactus League and the World Baseball Classic, Assad has tossed 9.2 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts.

Assad has turned into a valuable weapon for Team Mexico, which faces Japan in the tournament semifinals Monday. The righty is battling for the Cubs' fifth rotation spot as well, though it seems like Hayden Wesneski has the inside track there. That could push Assad into a long-relief role, but he's a candidate to start down the road. The 25-year-old could become a fantasy factor if that happens and he continues to pitch like he has this spring.

Alexander, who allowed three runs across one inning in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, has a 7.04 ERA this spring.

Alexander has been scored upon in only two of his five outings this spring, though he allowed three runs in each of those games, which has bloated his ERA. The lefty should still settle into a familiar swing role for the Tigers in 2023 after logging 101 innings last year. Alexander doesn't have a ton of fantasy value in relief, though he could be an occasional streamer if he makes some starts.