MLB Player News

After tossing two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Hanifee now has a 0.00 ERA and 0.82 WHIP across 7.1 innings this spring along with seven strikeouts.

Hanifee was a pleasant surprise for the Tigers in 2024, posting a 1.84 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 29.1 regular-season innings after getting called up to the majors in early August. The righty often served as an opener and gave Detroit some length out of the bullpen. Based on his strong showing last year and impressive spring so far, Hanifee should have a roster spot locked up, and he may see more high-leverage work as the season progresses.

The Rockies optioned Gilbreath to Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2023, Gilbreath didn't make his 2024 season debut until last August. He then underwent neurogenic thoracic surgery near his left neck/shoulder in the offseason, which limited him to one outing in spring training. The southpaw will begin the 2025 regular season in Triple-A, but he should be in the mix for a promotion when the Rockies need bullpen depth.

Castellano is a candidate to win a spot in the bullpen, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. The Rule 5 pick threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and no walks in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Castellano has a 6.75 ERA with a 12:8 K:BB in eight innings this spring. Walks have been a major issue for the right-hander, so it was a good sign that he didn't issue any free passes Saturday. The Twins may use him in low-leverage spots until injured veterans Michael Tonkin (shoulder), Brock Stewart (knee) and Justin Topa (shoulder) are able to return. Castellano has touched 98 mph with his fastball this spring, and his upside gives Minnesota incentive to find a way to keep him rather than returning him to the Phillies.

The Twins announced Sunday that Canterino underwent season-ending surgery this week to tighten the ligaments in his shoulder, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Canterino missed the past two seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery and a rotator cuff strain, and he'll be sidelined for a third straight campaign. He had a 1.83 ERA across 34.1 innings at the Double-A level in 2022.

Tonkin (right shoulder strain) will begin the season on the 15-day injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Tonkin is apparently making progress but won't be ready in time for Opening Day. He last pitched Feb. 28. The Twins bullpen will be a little thin at the start of the regular season with Tonkin, Brock Stewart (knee) and Justin Topa (shoulder) all dealing with injuries.

Diaz allowed five runs on three hits and three walks while striking out one over a third of an inning in Saturday's Cactus League game against Kansas City.

Diaz, who was delayed getting into Cactus League games after dealing with a hamstring issue early in camp, struggled during his third spring appearance. "It's his third outing. Certainly, we've got to lock it in here. We've got about another week," Reds manager Terry Francona said about Cincinnati's closer to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. At some point during the outing, Francona and a team trainer visited the mound because the right-hander's thumb was bleeding. Diaz remained in the game and walked the next batter before being removed. Francona said the cut on his thumb, which was exacerbated by the pitcher's thumbnail, had nothing to do with Diaz's troubles.

The Reds reassigned Shaw to minor-league camp on Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Shaw signed an NRI deal with the Reds in December after appearing in five games for the White Sox during the 2024 regular season, during which he allowed four earned runs across four frames. He logged a 4.05 ERA in spring training, but he allowed eight walks while striking out seven and will begin the 2025 campaign in Triple-A, though he could return to the majors if the Reds need to bolster their bullpen.

Vasquez may be one of two finalists for San Diego's fifth-starter role, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

For most of spring training, Vasquez, Matt Waldron, Kyle Hart and Stephen Kolek have been battling for the job as the Padres' fifth starter. However, Waldron is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to a recent oblique injury, and Hart may not be built up in time for the start of the regular season after having his progression temporarily paused due to the flu. That may leave Vasquez and Kolek as the final two candidates for the team's final rotation spot. Vasquez has a clear edge in terms of starting experience after starting in all 20 of his outings with the Padres last season, while Kolek came out of the bullpen for all 42 of his appearances. Vasquez also impressed with five scoreless frames in a Triple-A start Friday, but Kolek has opened eyes this spring by allowing just one run over nine frames and averaging a mere 12 pitches per inning.

The Royals optioned Sisk to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Sisk spent the entire 2024 regular season in Triple-A and logged a 6-2 record with 15 saves, a 1.56 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 57.2 innings. Given his impressive numbers last season, Sisk could make his way to the majors in 2025 when the Royals need to bolster their bullpen with a southpaw.

Kolek may be one of two finalists to open the season as San Diego's fifth starter, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Kolek, Kyle Hart, Randy Vasquez and Matt Waldron have been battling for the Padres' final rotation spot for most of spring training, but Waldron recently suffered an oblique injury that will probably prevent him from being ready for Opening Day, and Hart had his throwing progression temporarily stalled due to the flu. That could leave Kolek and Vasquez as the finalists for a rotation role, and Kolek has looked slightly better in Cactus League action this far. Over nine innings spanning three appearances, Kolek has given up just one run while posting a 5:1 K:BB, while Vasquez has surrendered two runs over four frames with a 4:0 K:BB. However, Vasquez has the edge in terms of starting experience -- he started 20 games for San Diego last season, while Kolek came out of the bullpen for all 42 of his appearances.