MLB Player News

Diaz has posted a 4:3 K:BB through 2.1 innings over three Grapefruit League innings this spring, allowing two runs on three hits.

While the small-sample ratios aren't pretty, the fact that four of Diaz's seven outs this spring have come via strikeout should be reassuring to potential fantasy investors. The veteran closer had an erratic 2024 as well -- his seven blown saves tied his career high -- but being one year further removed from the ACL surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2023 campaign should help him regain his elite form.

Bender has a spot secure on the Marlins' Opening Day roster but will likely begin the season in a setup role, with Calvin Faucher and Jesus Tinoco getting the first closing opportunities.

Neither Faucher nor Tinoco are proven commodities in the ninth inning, so if they both struggle, Bender could get a look as the closer later in the year. The right-hander has posted an 8:2 K:BB through 7.2 Grapefruit League innings this spring as he looks to build on a 2024 campaign that saw his record a career-high 15 holds along with a 4.08 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 59:18 K:BB through 53 innings.

Lopez hasn't pitched since March 10 due to a left hip issue but will throw a light bullpen session Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The hope is that Lopez will be ready to pitch in games in a few days, and if that happens, he should have time to get ready for Opening Day. If healthy, Lopez will serve in a setup role ahead of closer Kyle Finnegan.

Strahm (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Strahm's last Grapefruit League appearance was back on March 5, as he's been working his way back from a left shoulder impingement. The southpaw could still have time to get ready for Opening Day if things break right, but it's not a guarantee.

Hendriks has fallen behind Aroldis Chapman in the battle to come Boston's closer, Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com report.

Hendriks had location issues during his first few Cactus League appearances but most recently threw a scoreless inning last Saturday. Per the report, the reliever corrected the command issues, but the quality of Chapman's stuff has put him over the top in the competition. Justin Slaten is also in the mix but appears destined for a setup role.

The Red Sox optioned Winckowski to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Winckowski has had a rough spring, permitting 12 runs with a 4:6 K:BB over seven innings. He should still spend plenty of time in the majors in 2025, but for now he'll try to get straightened out at Worcester.

Vesia struck out one and allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Cubs in Tokyo.

Tanner Scott secured the save in Tuesday's season opener, and it was Vesia that received the call Wednesday after Kirby Yates worked the eighth inning. Vesia was one of the best relievers in baseball last season with a 1.76 ERA and 0.99 WHIP across 67 appearances while recording five saves and 14 holds, but he's unlikely to be a consistent source of saves in 2025 given the offseason additions of Scott and Yates.

The Phillies optioned Sweet to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sweet -- who was acquired via trade over the offseason -- yielded three runs with a 5:3 K:BB in six innings this spring. The 28-year-old will provide bullpen depth at Lehigh Valley.

The Red Sox optioned Guerrero to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Guerrero struck out 10 over 5.2 innings this spring but also walked nine and surrendered six runs. The 24-year-old was terrific during a cup of coffee in the majors last season -- allowing just one unearned run over 10 innings -- and should get another opportunity in the big leagues sooner rather than later.

Romero is away from the Giants due to personal reasons, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Romero was a non-roster invitee to spring training, but he hasn't made an appearance since March 9. The 34-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched in the big leagues since the 2018 campaign, during which he posted a 12.60 ERA, 2.90 WHIP and 10 strikeouts across 10 innings with three different teams. Romero is competing for a spot in the bullpen, though he appears to be a long shot to make the Giants' Opening Day roster.