MLB Player News

Lange (lat) may not make Detroit's Opening Day bullpen, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers have added some pitching depth in the offseason, including Tommy Kahnle, who figures to secure a bullpen spot out of the gates. Kenta Maeda may also shift to the bullpen, with Alex Cobb added to the rotation. These developments could push Lange out, especially because he's recovering from June lat surgery and still has minor-league options remaining. The righty led Detroit with 26 saves just two years ago but has seemingly fallen out of favor. Control has always been an issue for Lange, and he walked 17 batters in only 18.2 MLB innings last season, making him a risky bullpen option.

Matzek agreed to a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Matzek reportedly impressed at a recent showcase, enticing the Yankees to extend him a contract. The veteran southpaw struggled in 2024 while with Atlanta, posting a 9.90 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 10 innings at the big-league level, but he's success in the past in the majors, having turned in sub-4.00 ERAs in three straight seasons from 2020 through 2022. His minor-league deal presumably includes an invitation to MLB spring training that will allow him to compete for a spot in New York's Opening Day bullpen.

Arias will compete during spring training for the Guardians' second base job, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Bell currently projects Juan Brito to win the job but acknowledges it's a coin flip between him and Arias. Tyler Freeman, Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez will also be in the mix. Arias, who turns 25 later this month, has slashed only .212/.274/.350 with a 32.3 percent strikeout rate in parts of three major-league seasons and spent the entirety of the second half last season in the minors. However, he hit well in the Venezuelan Winter League and boasts a career 42.3 percent hard-hit rate.

The Guardians "continue to express their extreme excitement" at getting a look at Brito at second base this spring, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Joe Noga of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported in January that Brito might be a long shot to win the second base job. However, Bell has listed Brito as the starter at the keystone in her first Opening Day roster projection, though she acknowledges the competition will be "back and forth between Brito and Gabriel Arias all spring." The 23-year-old Brito slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 homers and 13 steals in 2024 at Triple-A Columbus and offers the most offensive upside out out Cleveland's second-base candidates. Tyler Freeman, Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez are also in the mix to replace Andres Gimenez, who was traded to the Blue Jays.

Thorpe (elbow) could begin the season on the injured list, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe had surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow and has experienced a couple setbacks since then, which led to him being given a cortisone shot in January. While an MRI showed no structural damage, Thorpe will not be ready for the start of spring training and it seems as though the pitcher "won't be available at the season's outset," per Merkin. If Thorpe does indeed begin the year on the IL, it could mean both Sean Burke and Bryse Wilson beginning the season in the rotation for the White Sox.

The Orioles outrighted Rivera to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Rivera had the option to decline the assignment and elect free agency, but that would have meant forfeiting the $1 million salary he and the Orioles already agreed to earlier this offseason. He will now receive that salary whether he begins the season in the majors or minors, and the 28-year-old is likely ticketed for Triple-A Norfolk.

Whitlock (elbow) will face hitters Tuesday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Whitlock underwent an internal bracing procedure on his right elbow last May, but since he will be used as a full-time reliever this season, he is expected to be ready for a normal spring training and be part of Boston's Opening Day bullpen. The 28-year-old could even find himself in the mix for saves, although he is probably no better than third or fourth in the pecking order as things stand right now.

Carter (back) could be considered for the leadoff spot in the Rangers' lineup, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Marcus Semien has started 309 of the Rangers' 324 regular-season games over the last two seasons in the leadoff spot and is the favorite to be at the top of the batting order again. However, he had just a .308 on-base percentage in 2024 and the Rangers are leaving open the possibility of using him in a different spot. Carter has the skill set for a leadoff hitter with his terrific batting eye, but he's not even a given to be a starter right now and needs to show last season's back issues are behind him. The left-handed hitting Carter has struggled mightily versus southpaws, so if he does bat leadoff it would surely only be against right-handers. Carter had an ablation procedure on his back in October but is expected to enter spring training without restrictions.

The Rangers have had internal discussions about the possibility of using Gray as their closer, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray said in January that he would be open to the idea of closing if the team asked him to, and it appears it is indeed a possibility. However, Grant writes that, as things stand right now, the innings Gray can provide in the rotation "seem the higher priority." Texas' closer job appears wide open, but it's a situation which could gain further clarity during spring training.

Jimenez will enter spring training in a competition with Curtis Mead for the final bench spot on the Rays' roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Jimenez joined the Rays on a minor-league deal in late December and will earn $2 million if he makes the Opening Day roster. He struggled to get going during the 2024 season, but he had at least a .169 ISO in all of his prior campaigns. While Mead would offer Tampa Bay more defensive versatility, Jimenez has a chance to be the more impactful bat.