MLB Player News
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Shohei Ohtani DH | LAD
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani: Posts 11 punchouts in final tuneup
Ohtani completed four innings in an exhibition start against the Angels on Tuesday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 11 batters. He also went 1-for-2 as a hitter.
Ohtani looked dominant for most of the outing, racking up 17 whiffs among his 86 pitches and getting 11 of his 12 outs via strikeout. The only negative about his punchout spree is that it drove up his pitch count -- per Jack Harris of the California Post, the Dodgers intended for the two-way star to get into the sixth inning, but he ended up completing only four frames. Ohtani may have run out of steam a bit in the fifth, as he gave up three straight hits -- all of which were singles -- before being lifted, and all three runners eventually came around to score. Regardless, Ohtani showcased his overpowering arsenal in the outing, and it's a great sign for his readiness as a pitcher for the start of the season that he was able to approach 90 pitches. He's slated to make his first start as a pitcher Tuesday against the Guardians at Dodger Stadium.
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Sawyer Gipson-Long SP | DET
Tigers' Sawyer Gipson-Long: Lands on injured list
The Tigers placed Gipson-Long (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.
The right-hander sustained the injury during the offseason and was working through his rehab program during spring training. Gipson-Long was throwing bullpen sessions late in camp and will likely need a rehab assignment before being cleared for his season debut with Detroit.
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Michael Massey 2B | KC
Royals' Michael Massey: Sent to IL with strained calf
The Royals placed Massey (calf) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.
Massey has been ramping things back up, and because the IL move is backdated to Sunday, he will be eligible for activation April 1. It's unclear whether he'll be ready to return from his calf strain by that time, but his absence is projected to be brief.
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Stephen Kolek SP | KC
Royals' Stephen Kolek: Out with strained oblique
The Royals placed Kolek (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.
Kolek strained his left oblique in late February. He's been throwing off a mound and appears close to returning to game action, though the righty could be assigned to Triple-A Omaha rather than the major-league club once he's healthy.
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Dylan Smith RP | SF
Tigers' Dylan Smith: DFA'd by Detroit
The Tigers designated Smith for assignment Wednesday.
The right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in early March and is now losing his place on the 40-man roster. Smith made his MLB debut with seven relief appearances for the Tigers last year and pitched well, posting a 1.38 ERA and 0.85 WHIP despite a 4:5 K:BB.
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Alex Jackson C | MIN
Twins' Alex Jackson: Designated for assignment
The Twins designated Jackson for assignment Wednesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.
Jackson was acquired via trade from the Orioles in November and signed to a one-year, $1.35 million contract. However, the Twins later signed Victor Caratini to serve as the backup catcher, making Jackson expendable. If he's not traded, Jackson will likely pass through waivers due to his contract and could accept an assignment to Triple-A St. Paul.
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Drew Waters CF | KC
Royals' Drew Waters: Booted from 40-man roster
The Royals designated Waters for assignment Wednesday.
Waters failed to crack the Opening Day roster and doesn't have minor-league options remaining, so he's headed to waivers. The 27-year-old outfielder sports a career .234/.300/.369 batting line and 31.1 percent strikeout rate over parts of four major-league seasons.
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Sean Murphy C | ATL
Braves' Sean Murphy: Officially heads to IL
Atlanta placed Murphy (hip) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.
Murphy's move to the IL was merely a formality after Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported at the onset of spring training that the veteran backstop would likely be out until sometime in May while completing his recovery from September surgery to address a right hip labral tear. Per MLB.com, Murphy was able to take on-field batting practice March 9, but it's not clear if he's taking part in defensive work or full baserunning yet. Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim will open the season as Atlanta's two catchers.