MLB Player News

Melancon allowed one hit and walked one while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Melancon authored his first scoreless appearance over three Cactus League outings. The reliever's 16.88 ERA this spring has manager Torey Lovullo exploring several options to close games in 2023.

Ginkel retired the two batters he faced in Friday's spring game against the Reds.

Ginkel has not allowed an earned run over five Cactus League outings (4.2 innings). The right-hander could be moving into the pole position to become Arizona's closer, given Mark Melancon's results this spring (16.88 ERA). Andrew Chafin (groin) and Joe Mantiply are also in the mix for saves.

Chafin (groin) is expected to throw a live batting-practice session Saturday.

Chafin was shut down for a couple of days this week with groin tightness. The reliever has allowed four runs, four hits and five walks over 2.2 Cactus League innings.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw live batting practice Friday, per 97.3 The Fan.

Pomeranz has been taking things slowly this spring after missing all of last season while recovering from flexor tendon surgery to his left arm. However, the southpaw tossed a number of bullpen sessions leading up to throwing to live hitters for the first time Friday, and he's aiming to begin pitching in games within the next few weeks. If his recovery remains on that timeline, Pomeranz could avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season.

Cordero has a chance to make the Opening Day roster with both Lou Trivino (elbow) and Tommy Kahnle (biceps) expected to begin the campaign on the injured list, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

Cordero last pitched in the majors in 2020, when he posted an ugly 6.08 ERA and 1.58 ERA over 26.2 innings with the White Sox. However, the right-hander turned things around in the Yankees system with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, recording a 1.67 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 49:12 K:BB across 37.2 frames. The reliever has tossed four scoreless innings so far this spring, and Goodman reports that Cordero hit 99 mph on the radar gun with his sinker in his last outing. Helping his case is that he's on the 40-man roster and doesn't have much to gain by being in the minors as a 30-year-old journeyman. If he does make the Opening Day roster, Cordero would likely begin the season pitching in lower-leverage situations.

Raley was removed from the Team USA roster Friday due to an undisclosed injury, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Raley has been replaced by Aaron Loup for the tournament. The specifics of the injury are unknown at this time.

Loup was named as an injury replacement Friday for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Loup will be a bullpen option for the United States in the mid-to-late innings. The left-hander appeared in 65 games for the Angels in 2022 with a 3.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 52:22 K:BB over 58.2 innings.

Johnson (elbow) was optioned Friday to minor-league camp by the Orioles, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Johnson was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. The right-hander was acquired in a three-way trade between the Orioles, Rays and Astros from Tampa Bay in August and underwent Tommy John surgery a few days later. He likely won't be ready to help the Orioles until the 2024 season.

Munoz (ankle) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports reports.

Munoz will throw one more live batting practice session before making an appearance in a Cactus League contest. The right-hander underwent foot surgery in the offseason, and the team is being conservative to make sure there's no setback. Munoz was dominant in 2022, and while he may not see the bulk of the save opportunities this season, he's the rare reliever who can be relevant in fantasy without them because of his ability to miss bats.

Martinez was optioned Friday to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics.

Martinez was competing for a spot in the Oakland starting rotation, but the right-hander will instead open the season with the Aviators in the Pacific Coast League. In 2022, the right-hander struggled to a 6.24 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 57.2 innings pitched. He'll likely be an up-and-down option for the A's again in 2023.