MLB Player News

Castillo allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in a Cactus League spilt-squad tie with the Brewers on Friday. He struck out nine.

Castillo was tagged for an RBI double by Jake Bauers and a run-scoring single by Joey Wiemer in the fourth inning, but he was otherwise busy overpowering most of the other hitters put in front of him. The right-hander put together a successful spring that saw him post a 2-1 record, 2.95 ERA and 22:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings, and he'll be on the hill for Seattle in an Opening Day matchup against the Red Sox on Thursday.

The Mariners optioned Hancock to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Hancock was never able to get comfortable on the mound this spring, surrendering 11 earned runs over just 9.2 frames. He'll head to Triple-A for the first time in his career, and he likely won't return to the majors until he strings together several successful minor-league outings.

The Marlins informed Meyer on Saturday that he would make the team's Opening Day roster, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Along with winning a roster spot, Meyer is also the favorite to begin the season as the fifth member of Miami's starting rotation. The 25-year-old right-hander fired seven scoreless innings this spring while striking out five batters and walking one. Meyer's time in the majors may be short-lived, however, with Eury Perez (elbow), Braxton Garrett (shoulder) and Edward Cabrera (shoulder) all potentially returning relatively early in the season.

The Pirates released Anderson on Saturday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports.

Anderson entered camp as a non-roster invitee and looked sharp with a 2.45 ERA and 0.73 WHIP across 11 innings, but he will ultimately miss out on the team's Opening Day roster. The 36-year-old righty may receive attention in free agency from teams in search of organizational starter depth.

Ashcraft allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings in Friday's spring start against Oakland.

Ashcraft allowed runs in the first two innings then settled in before escaping a bases-loaded situation in the fifth after he walked three batters. The right-hander finished the Cactus League with a 5.52 ERA, 12 strikeouts and eight walks over 14.2 innings (four starts).

Henry could claim a spot in the rotation after Eduardo Rodriguez (lat) was shut down from throwing, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The Diamondbacks confirmed Rodriguez will begin the season on the injured list, which opens up a second spot in the rotation. Henry had been competing with Ryne Nelson and Bryce Jarvis for the No. 5 job, but Nelson had the clear edge on that based on spring results. Gilbert believes Arizona will keep both Henry and Nelson as starters, while Jarvis could serve as the long man in the bullpen. Henry had a few rough spring starts before throwing 3.1 scoreless innings Wednesday. The left-hander finished the Cactus League with a 6.88 ERA, 12 strikeouts and six walks over 17 innings (six appearances). It's possible he throws in one of the two games scheduled Monday or Tuesday against the Guardians after Arizona breaks camp.

Nelson allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out nine over five innings in Friday's spring start against the Mariners.

Nelson put the finishing touches on a promising spring. The right-hander finished the Cactus League with a 2.66 ERA, 26 strikeouts and seven walks over 20.1 innings (six starts). He led the competition for the final rotation spot and seems assured of one given the news that Eduardo Rodriguez (lat) will open the season on the injured list.

Manoah (shoulder) threw 23 pitches in a live batting practice session Friday, Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun reports.

The right-hander's fastball reportedly touched 97 mph in his first live session since going down with a sore shoulder early in camp. He will begin the season on the injured list, and Manoah said he's uncertain what his next step will be. Bowden Francis was named to the Blue Jays' rotation and another spot could open up if Kevin Gausman (shoulder) does not gain clearance for the start of the season.

Brown will start the third game of the regular season against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Brown will slot into the rotation behind Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. He's worked on a traditional slider while also aiming to improve his stamina this spring and has posted an impressive 12:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings in the exhibition season.

The Rangers informed Duffy on Friday that he will not make the Opening Day roster, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Duffy has an opt-out clause in his contract with the Rangers, and he will likely explore his options in free agency. The 35-year-old spent most of last season in Double-A, recording a 2.30 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 31.1 innings, but he's unlikely to contribute in the majors in 2024.