MLB Player News

Kelly (back) is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game on the back fields of extended spring training Saturday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

If all goes well Saturday, Kelly will then pitch rehab outings for Triple-A Reno on April 3 and April 8 in preparation to rejoin the Diamondbacks for his 2026 debut. He was able to throw 52 pitches and worked into the third inning in his final spring outing Monday and said he still has work to do in terms of timing and mechanics. The right-hander is expected to be placed on the 15-day injured list prior to the Diamondbacks' season opener Thursday in Los Angeles.

Kent will make the Twins' Opening Day roster in the bullpen barring any last-second trades, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He had a 3.52 ERA and 8:1 K:BB in 7.2 innings this spring.

Kent wasn't thought to be a candidate to win a job in the bullpen, but he turned heads this spring with a strong performance. He'll likely be one of the last options in the bullpen, but the relief corps is unsettled, especially for right-handed relievers, so there's an opportunity for Kent to work his way into high-leverage situations.

Paez will be included on the White Sox's Opening Day roster, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Paez joined the White Sox via the Rule 5 Draft, and although he posted a 6.35 ERA in the Cactus League and has never pitched an inning above High-A, he will break camp with the big club. The 22-year-old right-hander has worked primarily as a starter in the minors but will most likely take on a long-relief role with the South Siders. He will need to remain on the active roster all season or else be offered back to the Red Sox.

The Angels placed Manoah (finger) on the 15-day injured list Monday.

Manoah will be shelved to begin the season while he recovers from a right middle finger contusion. The 28-year-old logged a 9.39 ERA over 15.1 innings of Cactus League action, so he may be sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake once he's cleared to return.

The Angels placed Rodriguez on the 15-day injured list Monday due to right shoulder inflammation.

Manager Kurt Suzuki had previously been referring to Rodriguez's injury as being a bout with "dead arm," but the Angels are officially listing him with a shoulder issue. In any case, Suzuki has remained adamant that Rodriguez isn't contending with anything too serious, so the right-hander could be ready to return from the IL around when he's first eligible for activation. Ryan Johnson will fill the open spot in Los Angeles' rotation until Rodriguez is healthy.

Lodolo (finger) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo began playing catch Tuesday -- his first time throwing since leaving his start Sunday with a finger blister -- but the Reds have officially concluded that the 28-year-old is better off beginning the season on the IL. The move will give him all the time he needs to recover fully; meanwhile, Brandon Williamson will step in to fill the void in Cincinnati's rotation.

The Giants optioned Seymour to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Although he finished the Cactus League with a strong 2.92 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over 12.1 innings, Seymour will come up short in the race for a spot in San Francisco's bullpen. The 27-year-old righty may reclaim a middle-relief role with the Giants if he continues to cruise on the mound to begin the Triple-A season.

The Giants optioned McDonald to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

McDonald got off to a fast start this spring and looked to have a real chance at making the Giants' Opening Day bullpen as a long reliever. However, after finishing the Cactus League with a 6.94 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 11.2 frames, he'll head to Sacramento to get back on track. The 25-year-old righty has looked good during his limited MLB opportunities (1.50 ERA, 0.89 WHIP through 18 IP), so the Giants may still be willing to add him to their rotation if injuries begin to arise among their starters.

Lucchesi signed a contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Lucchesi was released by the Giants on Sunday after making three appearances in the Cactus League, during which he allowed one earned run across three innings. He had one of his best seasons last year with San Francisco, finishing with a 3.76 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 38.1 frames, and he's expected to claim a spot in the Angels' bullpen to open the new campaign.

Marquez hurled 4.2 innings in an exhibition start against Seattle on Monday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out eight batters.

Marquez actually worked as a reliever Monday, though he followed opener Kyle Hart after just one inning. Marquez logged a starter's workload with 81 pitches, and he racked up a whopping 22 whiffs -- 18 of which came on his knuckle curve. The veteran pitcher hasn't been a big strikeout guy in recent seasons, averaging less than a punchout per inning every year since 2019, but having Coors Field as your home park can have that kind of impact. Over his final two outings this spring, he's racked up 17 strikeouts across 9.2 frames. It remains to be seen if Marquez has rediscovered something in his arsenal or if he's just thriving in the atmosphere of exhibition games, but he seems to be headed for a role in San Diego's Opening Day rotation, and there's suddenly a reason to at least consider his name at the end of fantasy drafts in deep leagues.