MLB Player News

The Red Sox reassigned Fulmer to minor-league camp Friday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Fulmer pitched well this spring after missing the entire 2024 season following UCL revision surgery, posting a 0.79 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 11.1 innings, but it wasn't enough to make Boston's Opening Day roster. His minor-league contract does not contain an opt-out clause, so Fulmer will begin the season at Triple-A Worcester.

Kirby (shoulder) played catch with a trainer for a few minutes Friday, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

It's not much, but it's the first time Kirby's done any throwing since he was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation March 7. The right-hander is hoping to be ready for his season debut around mid-April, but a clear timeline for the right-hander has not yet been established.

The Guardians optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Rodriguez entered camp with a chance to win the starting job in right field but had an up-and-down spring, managing a .200/.379/.400 slash line in 12 games. The 25-year-old made his big-league debut with 13 appearances for Cleveland last year, and he's likely to receive another look in the majors at some point in 2025.

Sandlin walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

The former Guardian was dealt to the Blue Jays in January and appears locked into a bullpen spot, albeit likely only in middle relief to begin the season. Sandlin has posted an 8:3 K:BB through five spring innings with a 3.60 ERA, but he's behind Yimi Garcia and Chad Green in the pecking order for setup work in front of closer Jeff Hoffman.

The Guardians optioned Martinez to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Martinez was competing for a utility job but managed just a .553 OPS this spring. He still figures to see plenty of action in the majors this season but will head to Columbus for now.

Wagner went 2-for-2 with a double, two walks and two runs scored in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

The 26-year-old doesn't have a clear defensive home on the diamond, but his bat could earn him semi-regular playing time on a Blue Jays squad that loves to mix and match. Wagner is batting .273 (9-for-33) this spring with five doubles and a 4:6 BB:K, and he handled himself capably in his big-league debut in 2024, delivering a .305/.337/.451 slash line over 86 plate appearances after being acquired from the Astros. Most of his action in the majors last year came at second base, but with Andres Gimenez now calling the keystone home for the Jays, Wagner will have to battle for playing time at third base and DH while also occasionally spelling Vladimir Guerrero at first base.

The Guardians optioned Brito to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

The 23-year-old posted a .177/.222/.529 slash line with four homers over 13 games in spring training and was unable to earn a place on the Opening Day roster. Brito still has a strong chance to make his MLB debut at some point in 2025, especially if he can replicate or improve upon the .808 OPS he produced at Triple-A last year.

Bichette went 3-for-4 in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

While all three hits were singles, it was still another strong effort at the plate from the shortstop as he looks to put his shaky 2024 behind him. Bichette is batting a cool .400 (18-for-45) this spring with three doubles, four homers and a 4:6 BB:K, and the only blemish on his Grapefruit League performance has been a 1-for-3 showing on the basepaths.

Francis gave up one run on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. He struck out four.

Facing a mix of big-league regulars, bench players and minor leaguers, Francis cruised through five innings before serving up a solo shot to Jonathan Aranda. The right-hander built up to 83 pitches (56 strikes) as he gets ready for Opening Day and tries to prove his big finish to 2024 was no fluke -- Francis posted a 1.53 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 56:7 K:BB over 59 innings after rejoining the Blue Jays' rotation in early August last season. Keeping the ball in the park has been an issue for Francis this spring, however. While he does have a 16:8 K:BB through 15.2 Grapefruit League innings, he's also been tagged for five homers.

Volpe went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's Grapefruit League win over the Orioles.

Volpe went deep to left-center field in the sixth inning. The 23-year-old is tied for third on the Yankees with three long balls this spring and is tied for the team lead with three stolen bases. Volpe is batting just .200 in spring play, but he's locked in as New York's primary shortstop and appears slated to hit in the middle of the order on a near-everyday basis.