MLB Player News

Garcia was removed from Saturday's spring game with left arm tightness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Garcia allowed four earned runs and recorded just one out in Saturday's outing, and the arm issue likely played a factor. The extent of his injury is uncertain, but he figures to go undergo tests in the near future.

Clarke (lower body) is set to throw live batting practice Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Clarke's been slowed early in spring training by lower-body soreness. He's been dealing with the issue for about a week. The right-hander will likely need just one or two live BP sessions before being cleared for game action, so he'll still have enough time make an impression on manager Matt Quatraro over the next few weeks while competing for a bullpen spot.

De Los Santos is dealing with a hamstring injury and may not be ready for Opening Day, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

De Los Santos has yet to make his Cactus League debut this spring, and the severity of his injury is unknown. The right-hander enjoyed the best season of his career in 2022 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 61:17 K:BB across 53.1 innings. If he can return to game action before the end of spring training, he should be considered likely to make the Opening Day roster.

Vespi (abdomen) threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session Friday and appears set to advance to facing hitters next week, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Vespi mixed in all of his pitches during Friday's bullpen session. "I'm right where I need to be," he said. "Everything feels great. My arm feels great, my body feels great. I'm ready to go." Despite the delayed start this year, Vespi is still in contention for a bullpen spot, as he should have at least a couple of Grapefruit League appearances before the regular season begins. It'll likely come down to his performance in those games that determines if he begins the campaign with the Orioles or at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Rockies placed Kinley (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

July 2022 elbow surgery was already expected to sideline Kinley for the start of 2023. With a stellar 0.75 ERA and 10 holds in 24 innings last season, the righty showed he absolutely belongs in the Rockies' bullpen this year once healthy. The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for reliever Brad Hand, whom Colorado signed Saturday.

Mantiply allowed one run and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Friday's spring game against the Mariners.

Mantiply hasn't allowed a run over two Cactus League outings. With Arizona's closer situation described as "fluid" by manager Torey Lovullo, Mantiply is part of crew that could get late-inning work. Mark Melancon is likely the frontrunner, but he was roughed up in his spring debut, which focuses speculation about Mantiply, Kevin Ginkel and Andrew Chafin. Mantiply had a strong season in 2022, sporting a 2.85 ERA and 22 holds; however, he blew six of eight save opportunities, as Lovullo auditioned several arms when Melancon lost control of the job.

The Rockies signed Hand to a one-year, $2 million contract Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Hand, coming off a 45-inning, 2.80-ERA campaign with the Phillies, finally has a home for the 2023 season. The Rockies don't project to win many games, but the left-hander could have some opportunities for holds and/or saves. It's unclear how built-up Hand is, or whether he'll be ready for Opening Day. The contract includes a $7 million club option for 2024.

Yarbrough is nursing a "slight" groin strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander will throw a bullpen Sunday and, if it goes well, he should be back in action shortly. Yarbrough is looking to begin his Royals tenure on a good note after posting a pedestrian 4.50 ERA in 80 innings for the Rays last season.

Smith signed a one-year contract with the Rangers on Saturday.

Houston declined Smith's $13 million club option for 2023 after the lefty posted a 3.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and five saves over 65 appearances last season. Smith surpassed 30 saves in 2019 and 2021 with San Francisco and Atlanta, respectively, and could close in Texas with Jose Leclerc (neck) banged up. Smith is expected to join the team right away Saturday.

Melancon allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two over one inning in Friday's spring game against Seattle.

Melancon made his spring debut in the fourth inning and was immediately tagged for a single and a home run. After a strikeout, the next four hitters reached base before he finished out the inning. Melancon operated as the team's closer to start 2022 before losing the job then reclaiming it again late. He'll be part of the late-game mix in 2023, although manager Torey Lovullo has said the closer role will be fluid.