MLB Player News

Moore has decided not to opt out of his contract and will begin the campaign at Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

As a veteran on a minor-league contract with over six years of service time, Moore had the option to opt out of his deal and look for an opportunity elsewhere. However, the lefty reliever appears set to accept a spot on Boston's Triple-A roster to begin the 2025 campaign. Moore suffered a forearm injury last August that ended a rough campaign with the Angels during which he posted a 5.03 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 48.1 innings. Moore didn't allow an earned run and posted a 2:2 K:BB over three innings this spring, and he'll be an option for a call-up when the Red Sox need reinforcements in their bullpen.

Diaz had command issues in an outing against White Sox minor leaguers Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. In a subsequent report from Wittenmyer, Reds manager Terry Francona was not ready to endorse Diaz as the Reds' closer.

"I think we still have some work to do," Francona said. "We want to make sure he's got his legs under him, with his delivery and everything. We know what he can do. We just want to make sure he's ready to do it." Diaz pitched a scoreless inning Friday but only 10 of 20 pitches were deemed strikes. He hadn't pitched a clean inning all spring before a poor outing March 15 prompted he and pitching coach Derek Johnson to work on his delivery. Wittenmyer named Graham Ashcraft as a potential candidate to replace Diaz in the ninth inning. Francona expects Diaz to throw one more inning Sunday in the team's final Cactus League game before camp breaks.

Chavez agreed to a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Sunday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The 41-year-old was released by Texas on Friday, and it didn't take long for him to rejoin Atlanta. Chavez has now signed four one-year contracts with the club since 2021 and posted a 2.91 ERA in 172 appearances during that span. He could be included on the Opening Day roster if he showcases himself well in the next couple days, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

Bednar has thrown two scoreless innings with a 3:0 K:BB across his last two Grapefruit League outings.

The Pirates still haven't named a closer and Bednar had a pair of rocky outings -- one heavily influenced by poor defense -- in mid-March. However, he's managed to get on the right track as the regular season nears by not allowing a baserunner in his last two appearances.

Hernandez will not make the Kansas City bullpen and is set to be put on outright waivers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

He's out of minor-league options and is likely to be claimed by another team. While he had a 6.97 ERA this spring with a 8:5 K:BB ratio in 10.1 innings, another team may take a chance on his near 100-mph fastball.

Marsh (shoulder) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Marsh experienced tightness in his right shoulder during his offseason throwing program and has been eased back into action this spring. He recently threw in a minor league game, so he is making progress. However, there's no clear timetable for his return.

McArthur (elbow) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

McArthur underwent surgery in the offseason to address an olecranon fracture in his right elbow. He's been throwing this spring, but there's no timetable for his return. It may take several months before he's ready to pitch in a game.

Stewart (hamstring) will begin the season on the injured list as he builds up to be ready for the regular season, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He threw 20 pitches in a minor-league game Saturday.

Stewart departed his last Grapefruit League appearance March 15 with a left hamstring issue, but he's since returned to action, most recently throwing 20 pitches in a minor-league game Saturday. Due to the time he missed in camp, however, the Twins will proceed slowly with Stewart, who could be activated to make his 2025 debut at some point in the first half of April.

Benjamin was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday.

Benjamin has pitched in the KBO for the last two seasons but returned stateside on a minor-league deal this winter. He walked seven across six innings this spring, so it's not particularly surprising that he missed out on a roster spot.

The Pirates selected Stratton's (knee) contract Saturday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Stratton ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee in late August, but he has ramped up this spring. He ultimately made his spring training debut Saturday, when he threw a scoreless inning while striking out two. Stratton could occupy a high-leverage role after maintaining a 3.58 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with a 33:7 K:BB across 37.2 innings in 2024.