MLB Player News

Vespi (sports hernia) completed a fastball-only bullpen session Tuesday consisting of 20-to-25 pitches, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The bullpen session marked Vespi's first mound work since he underwent surgery Jan. 5 to address a sports hernia. Though the reliever isn't expected to be available for the early part of the Orioles' Grapefruit League schedule while he advances through a throwing progression, both Vespi and manager Brandon Hyde have reiterated that they expect the 27-year-old southpaw will be ready to go for Opening Day.

Boston manager Alex Cora speculated that Mata could make his major-league debut in 2023, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. "The ability is there," Cora said. "At one point, (Mata) is gonna be part of this and he's gonna help us to win a few games."

The 23-year-old Mata was a highly regarded prospect at the lower levels of the minors before the pandemic and Tommy John elbow surgery curtailed his development. He returned to pitching in June of 2022 and was at Triple-A Worcester to finish the season. The right-hander dominated at Double-A Portland (1.85 ERA in 48.2 innings) before a five-start stint with the WooSox (3.47 ERA, 30 strikeouts, 23.1 innings). Mata, who consistently hit 100 MPH last season, will come out of the bullpen in Friday's exhibition against Northeastern University. He projects as a starter or reliver. Either way, Mata needs to hone his command; he posted a career 4.3 BB/9 throughout the minors and 5.8 in 2022.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said the team's closer situation is "somewhat fluid" then mentioned Leclerc's name first, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. "He's got great stuff and he's got a good way about him, when it comes to makeup," Bochy said. "He's got the weapons to finish a game, I know that."

Leclerc has the most end-of-game experience among potential closers, which could also include Joe Barlow, Brock Burke and Jonathan Hernandez. Leclerc was effective over the final stages of 2022, converting seven of nine opportunities with a 1.38 ERA over 26 innings while holding hitters to a .482 OPS. He fanned 36 percent of the batters he faced from Aug. 1 forward. Consistent command remains the one big hurdle. Leclerc posted a 4.0 BB/9 last season, including 3.8 during that final effective stretch.

Brieske may begin the year in Detroit's bullpen after working exclusively as a starter in 2022, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Brieske made 15 starts for the Tigers last year and compiled a decent 4.19 ERA to go with a 1.20 WHIP. However, Detroit was decimated by injuries, and the likes of Eduardo Rodriguez, Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull appear to now be healthy heading into camp. That trio, along with Matt Manning and Michael Lorenzen, seem like favorites for rotation spots. That would push Brieske into a relief role, though he could definitely push to start again at some point during the year.

Hill could be in line to start the year in Detroit's bullpen, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Hill made eight starts and nine relief appearances for the Tigers as a rookie last year, compiling a 4.03 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 60.1 total innings. Detroit's rotation may be full with Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull back in the mix and Michael Lorenzen joining the team, but Hill pitched well enough to earn a look in relief, and starting isn't out of the question at some point.

Davidson will start the Angels' Cactus League opener Saturday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Davidson is completing for the sixth spot in the Angels' rotation, although manager Phil Nevin has indication his sixth starter will serve more of a swingman role this year. The left-hander is out of options, so he seems likely to make the Opening Day roster in some capacity. Davidson's competition this spring includes Jaime Barria, Griffin Canning and Chris Rodriguez.

Bautista (shoulder/knee) threw a bullpen session without issue Tuesday, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner reports.

"I felt really good the entire time, I feel healthy," Bautista said through a translator after the throwing session. The big reliever is being eased into action this spring after ending last season with shoulder and knee issues. The hope remains that Bautista will be ready for Opening Day, although it's not a given.

Zerpa is behind schedule in Royals camp with a mild left shoulder injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Zerpa will continue his throwing program, so this is viewed as only a minor setback for now. The left-hander should be on a starter's schedule this spring but could also wind up in the bullpen.

Bird suffered a left oblique strain while throwing a bullpen session Monday, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Bird will have to bow out of an invitation from Team Israel for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and he's probably also going to be unavailable for the start of the 2023 regular season. The 27-year-old reliever posted a 4.91 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 42:23 K:BB over his first 47.2 major-league innings in 2022.

Martinez will start the Padres' Cactus League opener Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Martinez logged 10 starts and 37 relief appearances last season with San Diego, but he's expected to have more of a permanent rotation spot steering into 2023. The 32-year-old right-hander is coming off an overall 3.47 ERA and 95:41 K:BB across 106.1 innings, and he's probably worthy of a late-round dart throw in most standard fantasy formats.