MLB Player News

The Twins optioned Balazovic (jaw) to Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

It's the first cut out of Twins camp, and it comes after Balazovic suffered a broken jaw during an altercation at a Fort Myers bar Feb. 11. The 24-year-old former top prospect struggled to a 7.39 ERA over 70.2 innings at the Triple-A level in 2022, and he had yet to appear in any Grapefruit League games this spring.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez expressed concern Friday about Edwards' dip in velocity, Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reports.

Edwards said he feels fine, but all of his pitches have been down at least a couple of ticks. Maybe that's just part of a routine spring-training buildup, but Martinez told reporters that the situation would be reevaluated Saturday. Edwards was knocked around for four earned runs while recording only one out Friday in a Grapefruit League appearance against the Mets.

Brebbia allowed two runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in one inning versus Arizona on Wednesday.

Per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Brebbia was having trouble with his timing while focusing on the pitch clock, and pitching coach Andrew Bailey suggested Brebbia simply step off the rubber despite the rules limiting pitchers to two disengagements per batter. The right-hander doesn't appear to have an issue with his pace, but adjusting to the new rules is something he'll have to work out in the spring. He was a versatile option for the Giants last season, making 11 of his 76 appearances as an opener while logging a 3.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 54:18 K:BB over 68 innings. He went 6-2 and added 18 holds and four blown saves, so he should be a lock to be in the setup mix ahead of closer Camilo Doval.

Krehbiel has given up eight runs over 1.2 innings across his first two Grapefruit League appearances.

Krehbiel's place in the Orioles' bullpen can't be considered safe, as the team has a high number of candidates for the rotation that could begin the year as relievers. The shaky start to the spring is a concern, but Krehbiel did fairly well in a setup role last season with a 3.90 GAA, 1.23 WHIP, five wins, one save and 10 holds across 57.2 innings. With Dillon Tate (elbow) out for the first month of the season, that could give Krehbiel a chance to make the roster anyway if he can improve over the rest of spring training.

Faucher (oblique) is expected to be cleared to throw off a mound soon, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Faucher has stretched out his flat-ground throwing to 120 feet and is almost ready to take the mound the next time he throws. Assuming the reliever is able to continue progressing with no setbacks, the Rays anticipate him being ready to go for Opening Day.

Cisnero is day-to-day while dealing with a non-COVID illness, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Cisnero should be fine in a day or two, but he's been limited to just one appearance this spring due to a neck injury and now an illness. As a veteran, though, he shouldn't need too many outings to get ready for the regular season. Cisnero could factor into the saves mix this season for the Tigers alongside Alex Lange.

Puk (groin) threw off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been held back a bit by left adductor tightness but has been able to take some steps forward in his recovery. The left-hander should be cleared for games soon if he can avoid setbacks. Acquired from the Athletics last month, Puk is expected to be in the mix for saves as part of Miami's closer committee this season.

Scott (biceps) resumed throwing off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Scott has been slowed by some discomfort in his left biceps but has apparently made some progress of late. He should be cleared for game action soon and could get in enough work to be ready for Opening Day. Scott is expected to be part of the Marlins' closer-by-committee approach in 2023.

White (shoulder) will throw a 40-pitch bullpen session this weekend, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

If that goes well, he'll progress to live batting practice and eventually games. White has been slowed so far in camp due to a right shoulder impingement which has his status for Opening Day up in the air, but he appears to be moving in the right direction.

Pivetta (illness) will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday versus the Astros, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Pivetta contracted COVID-19 shortly before the start of camp and has been eased into things so far. He won't be able to pitch for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic as hoped, but the veteran right-hander is on track to be ready for the start of the regular season.