MLB Player News

Soriano allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out two batters over 5.1 innings in an exhibition start against the Dodgers on Sunday.

Soriano held the Dodgers scoreless until Max Muncy tagged him for a solo home run in the fifth inning. That was the only run the right-hander allowed in the outing, and he worked up to 85 pitches (including 51 strikes) in his final spring tune-up. Soriano finished the exhibition slate with a 3.60 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB over 20 innings, and he's slated to next take the mound in the Angels' third game of the regular season, which will take place Sunday in Chicago against the White Sox.

Thomas (knee) played in Cactus League games Saturday and Sunday and went a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, an additional run and two RBI while playing 13 innings in left field.

Thomas' pair of appearances were his first since March 15, when he exited a game against the Rangers after taking a line drive off his right knee. The outfielder had already been reassigned to minor-league camp March 10, so the injury wasn't a factor in him not making the Opening Day roster. Thomas is expected to begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Sacramento.

Bigge is now set to make the Rays' Opening Day roster with Shane McClanahan (triceps) slated for the 15-day injured list, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Bigge was optioned to Triple-A Durham last week but will be recalled to take McClanahan's spot. The hard-throwing reliever boasted a 2.57 ERA and 19:3 K:BB over 14 innings for the Rays last season after being acquired from the Cubs in a trade.

Fried completed 5.1 innings in a Grapefruit League game against Tampa Bay on Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters.

Fried fell behind early when he served up a two-run home run to Junior Caminero in the first inning, but the star hurler allowed just one more run (and no additional extra-base hits) during the remainder of his outing. Fried pitched well during his first spring with the Yankees, compiling a 3.38 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB over 16 innings. The next time he takes the mound in a game, the lefty will be making his regular-season debut for New York. That start is expected to take place Saturday versus Milwaukee.

The Red Sox informed Mata on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

After spending the entire 2024 season on Boston's injured list due to hamstring, lat, shoulder and elbow injuries, Mata was non-tendered in November before re-signing with the Red Sox on a minor-league deal. Though he's seemingly emerged from spring training healthy, Mata didn't make much of a run for a spot in the big-league bullpen after giving up six earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over 4.2 innings across his four Grapefruit League appearances. He'll head to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season.

With the Tigers signing outfielder Manuel Margot on Sunday, Malloy has added competition in his bid for an Opening Day bench spot, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Margot signed with Detroit on a major-league deal, so he will give the team veteran depth in the outfield. Malloy, Spencer Torkelson and Jahmai Jones were previously thought to be battling for two open spots, but the addition of Margot likely means only one bench opening is left. Torkelson, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, has had an impressive spring and recently started seeing some time in the outfield to add versatility, so he might have the inside track at this point given his power potential at the plate. If Malloy starts the season with Triple-A Toledo, he could still be an MLB option later in the year if a need arises.

McClanahan said Monday that he remains without a timeline to make his season debut, but he acknowledged that his left arm is already feeling better after he exited his final Grapefruit League start Saturday due to nerve irritation in his tricep, John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McClanahan noted that he's still waiting for the nerve to calm down before he's re-evaluated, at which point the Rays could have a clearer timeline for the lefty to resume his throwing program. Given that McClanahan previously underwent Tommy John surgeries in 2016 and in August 2023, the Rays will likely proceed deliberately with his recovery from the tricep issue, even though all indications are that the 27-year-old avoided a significant injury. With McClanahan ticketed for a stint on the injured list to begin the season, the Rays should have room at the back end of their Opening Day rotation for both Zack Littell and Drew Rasmussen.

The Twins optioned Martin to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

He lost out on the final outfielder spot to DaShawn Keirsey. Martin had focused primarily on playing the outfield this spring, but he can also play the infield and could return to more of a utility role at St. Paul.

Olson allowed two runs on four hits across 5.1 innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He walked two and struck out three.

Olson wrapped up a solid spring slate in which he recorded a 4.30 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 14.2 innings. The righty is in line to serve as Detroit's No. 3 starter this season behind Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, with his debut likely coming on Saturday against the Dodgers on the road. Olson has posted sub-4.00 ERAs in each of his first two MLB campaigns, though he's a risky play against the loaded Los Angeles lineup.

Barriera (elbow) is targeting a return to game action by late May or early June, Sam Dykstra of MLB.com reports.

A first-round pick in 2022, Barriera underwent a hybrid Tommy John/internal brace procedure on his elbow in April 2024, and arm issues have limited him to just 23.2 innings since he made his pro debut. The 21-year-old southpaw was touching 97 mph with his fastball prior to last year's surgery however, and if he can stay healthy he's still young enough to begin re-establishing his status as a prospect. Barriera's multiple rehabs have also had the side benefit of re-shaping his body. "This is about as good physically as he's looked since we've had him," Blue Jays director of player development Joe Sclafani said toward the end of spring training. "Obviously, he got bigger and then tapered it back. Physically, he's in a really good spot. Mentally, he's in a really good spot. He's trending in a really good direction. We're excited."