MLB Player News

Detmers threw two innings in the Angels' 7-3 Cactus League win Sunday, allowing one hit while striking out five.

Detmers flashed the big strikeout potential that helped accelerate his path to the majors last season, as he punched out five of the seven batters he faced. The southpaw whiffed 108 batters in only 62 innings in the minors in 2021 but was not quite as effective after being called up by Los Angeles, striking out 19 in 20.2 frames in the majors. Detmers is the leading candidate to fill the final spot in the team's six-man rotation for the coming campaign, and he could emerge as a viable fantasy asset if he's able to come anywhere close to the strikeout prowess he displayed in the minors.

Irvin allowed an earned run on five hits and a walk over two innings in a Cactus League tie with the Guardians on Sunday. He struck out one.

The veteran scuffled to a 10-15 mark last season after a solid start, dropping eight of his last 12 decisions but still posting a serviceable 4.24 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Irvin did pitch to some contact Sunday as his final line indicates, but he was pleased with his use of a cutter he rolled out for the first time in game action after learning it by watching YouTube videos of the Brewers' Corbin Burnes, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. Irvin also adjusted the grip on his slider this offseason and worked on explosiveness, which seemed to pay dividends Sunday when his fastball hit as high as 94 mph after averaging 90.8 mph in 2021.

Flexen started the Mariners' Cactus League loss to the Angels on Sunday and allowed an earned run on two hits over three innings. He struck out four.

Flexen was one of the several pleasant surprises for the Mariners last season, posting a 14-6 record, 3.61 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 31 starts. The right-hander enters 2022 with a solid grip on the No. 4 spot in the rotation, and he made a strong impression on manager Scott Servais in his first spring action while liberally incorporating the cutter he found plenty of success with a year ago, Jesse Borek of MLB.com reports. "All of his pitchers were working, and he had really good command," Servais said.

Ober is expected to be in the Opening Day rotation, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. Ober threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut Saturday.

Ober finished last season on the injured list with a strained hip, but he's fully healthy as spring training begins. Ober looks set to have a rotation spot even if the Twins acquire another veteran starter. Ober doesn't have an overpowering fastball (92.5 mph average), but it's offset by his outstanding control and improving off-speed pitches (slider, curveball). He could improve dramatically if he can limit home runs (1.95 HR/9 last year).

German (shoulder) is playing catch from 60 feet, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

German is on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement but recently started up his throwing program. It's unclear exactly how long he's expected to be sidelined, but he won't be eligible to return until after the designated 60 days.

Glasnow (elbow) underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle Friday and is expected to resume his throwing program in 2-to-3 weeks, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Glasnow is recovering from Tommy John surgery in early August, and the ankle procedure should only push back his throwing program by a few weeks. The 28-year-old officially landed on the 60-day injured list Thursday and could make a return late in the season, though it's not guaranteed he'll pitch in 2022.

Taillon (ankle) will start Monday's spring training game against the Phillies, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Manager Aaron Boone said last week Taillon was on track to be ready by Opening Day, and the right-hander will make his first start of spring training Monday. The 30-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October and had no apparent issues with his rehab and recovery, which should allow him to take a spot in the Yankees' starting rotation to open 2022.

Manager Alex Cora indicated Sunday that Houck is all but guaranteed a spot in Boston's starting rotation to begin the season, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Cora said Houck wasn't a lock for the rotation at the start of spring training last week, but the young right-hander is apparently now a safe bet to open as a starter for Boston. He started in 13 of 18 appearances last season and pitched well with a 3.52 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 87:21 K:BB across 69 innings.

Bundy (shoulder) will start Sunday's spring game against the Rays, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Bundy finished 2021 with a strained shoulder and inked a one-year deal with Minnesota before the start of the lockout, and he'll make his spring debut for the Twins on Sunday. The 29-year-old delivered a strong 3.29 ERA over 65.2 innings during the shortened 2020 campaign, but he struggled for the Angels last season with a 6.06 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 84:34 K:BB across 90.2 frames.

Dunning allowed two runs on one hit and two walks in Saturday's spring game against the Brewers.

Dunning is coming off his first full season since 2017. The Rangers coddled him in 2021, limiting his innings and pitch counts over 27 appearances (25 starts). After throwing 117.2 innings last season, he should take on a larger role in what lines up to be a rotation lacking star power.