MLB Player News

Rivera, who turns 25 in April, went 9-7 with a 3.73 ERA for Yucatan last season and was 7-6 with a 3.92 ERA in 2005. He’s currently 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA while playing in Mexico this winter. “He reminds you of (Tom) Glavine, Kirk (Rueter),” said Vinny Castilla, who recommended Rivera to the Rockies. “I think he can be a very successful starting pitcher in the big leagues.” Yucatan will get $1.3 million if Rivera is kept by the Rockies out of spring training. He could compete for the fifth spot in the team’s rotation.

With Nolan Gorman optioned to Triple-A, the runway is there for Jordan to get everyday at-bats with the Cardinals to show what he can do. The power potential is legit here, which may make him an intriguing addition in deeper mixed leagues.

The 24-year-old slugger had missed the team’s last two games after tweaking his back. He’s back at shortstop and in the cleanup spot for the White Sox against Dodgers’ right-hander Roki Sasaki on Friday evening in Chicago.

Mayer was held out of action on Wednesday due to neck and back spasms, but he appears to be doing much better after Thursday’s off-day. He’ll start at shortstop and bat eighth against Rangers’ right-hander Jack Leiter on Friday evening at Fenway Park.

The Rangers continue to monitor Seager’s workload as he ramps back up following a stint on the injured list, so expect to continue to see days off mixed in as necessary. Ezequiel Duran will start in his place at shortstop and will bat fifth for the Rangers on Friday evening against the Red Sox.

It appears to be nothing more than a routine night off for the 27-year-old outfielder. Tyler O’Neill will start in his place in right field and will bat eighth for the O’s against Griffin Canning and the Padres.

The 26-year-old backstop was pulled from Wednesday’s game due to left hip discomfort and sat out on Thursday as a precautionary measure. He’s back behind the dish and batting seventh for Friday evening’s battle against Sandy Alcantara and the Marlins.

The 30-year-old right-hander loses his spot on the Nationals’ 40-man roster after the club claimed Jhancarlos Lara off of waivers from the Braves on Friday. Fernández pitched well in three appearances for the Nationals this season, registering a 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and a 3/2 K/BB ratio over four innings. He could attract some interest on waivers.

The 38-year-old had requested his release. Pham was signed to a minor league deal on May 16 and hit .197/.286/.410 with four homers and 11 RBI in 70 plate appearances at Triple-A Norfolk. He’s now free to peddle his wares on the open market once again.

Ohtani was removed from Thursday’s game as a precautionary measure due to inflammation in his left knee. The Dodgers have opted to take a very cautious approach here with their two-way superstar and will give him at least an extra night off to rest. Santiago Espinal will fill in as the Dodgers’ designated hitter on Friday and will bat eighth against Anthony Kay and the White Sox.

The 23-year-old hurler was designated for assignment on Wednesday after posting an 8.22 ERA and 21/29 K/BB ratio over 15 1/3 innings at Double-A Mississippi. The Nationals see something they can work with though and will give him a 40-man roster spot for the time being.