MLB Player News

Vesia pitched in eight games for the Dodgers during Cactus League play, allowing five runs over six innings. He posted a 10:3 K:BB.

Vesia racked up plenty of strikeouts this spring, but his ERA took a hit as a result of him serving up two homers. The lefty didn't have that problem last season, as he gave up only two long balls across 54.1 frames. Vesia was a major weapon for the Dodgers in 2022 with a 2.15 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 79:24 K:BB while recording 16 holds and two saves. He could see high-leverage work again this season and may even get a few save chances given the team's decision to go with a closer committee, at least in the early part of the campaign.

Stephan signed a four-year contract extension with the Guardians on Wednesday, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The financial details of the deal have yet to be released, but the signing locks down a key piece of Cleveland's bullpen for the next four seasons. Stephan logged a 2.69 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 82 strikeouts through 63.2 innings last season, alongside three saves and 20 holds. He remains unlikely to get many save opportunities in 2023 behind Emmanuel Clase, but the 27-year-old reliever figures to remain one of the Guardians' premier setup men.

Bickford will begin the season on the Dodgers' 26-man roster, per Chad Moriyama of Dodgers Digest.

Bickford had mixed results this spring, giving up only five hits over 6.2 innings but also allowing four earned runs and posting a mediocre 3:2 K:BB. However, his roster spot was never in much question since he's out of minor-league options. Bickford will likely take on a middle-relief role for Los Angeles to begin the campaign.

Dahl was told he'd made the Padres on Wednesday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The Padres have yet to release their official roster for Opening Day, but the 28-year-old lefty will featured among their outfielders when they do. Dahl had himself a solid spring, slashing .288/.311/.458 and driving in 10 RBI through 61 plate appearances. He will likely come off the bench to face primarily right-handed pitching.

Barnes went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in Tuesday's exhibition contest against the Angels.

Barnes slashed just .182/.250/.227 for the Dodgers this spring, though he hit much better for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, posting a .278/.409/.389 slash line over five games. Barnes isn't regarded as a major offensive threat, but he should provide stability behind the plate as the backup to Will Smith for the Dodgers again this season.

Detmers' average velocity on his slider in Tuesday's exhibition contest against the Dodgers was 90.3 mph, per Jared Tims of Talkin' Halos.

Detmers' average slider was thrown at 85.8 mph last season, so the increased velocity this spring is notable. The southpaw also has shown marked gains on his fastball during the exhibition slate, throwing it about five mph faster than he did last season. Detmers had an up-and-down campaign as a rookie in 2022, but he finished with a respectable 3.77 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 22.6 percent strikeout rate. If his velocity jump this spring proves to be sustainable, Detmers could take another leap forward this season.

Pepiot tossed 3.2 innings in an exhibition game against the Angels on Tuesday, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five batters.

Pepiot was announced as the winner of the battle for the Dodgers' fifth starter spot Friday, and this poor outing isn't likely to affect that decision. Still, it wasn't a good way for the rookie right-hander to end the spring, as he put too many hitters on base and served up a pair of solo homers. Pepiot is expected to start Los Angeles' fifth game of the regular season, but he may not remain in the rotation once Tony Gonsolin (ankle) returns to action.

Hill tossed 8.2 innings in Cactus League play, allowing three runs on six hits while posting an 11:3 K:BB.

Despite his results this spring, Hill has never been much of a strikeout pitcher, and he posted a career-worst 4.7 K/9 last season. The southpaw is locked into a role in the Padres' bullpen, however, and he'll open the campaign as the team's lone lefty reliever not named Josh Hader since Drew Pomeranz (elbow) and Jose Castillo (shoulder) are expected to begin the season on the injured list.

Crismatt got into three Cactus League contests this spring, allowing three runs on eight hits and posting a 5:2 K:BB over seven innings.

Crismatt also started a game for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic, and he allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out four batters in that contest. The righty reliever is expected to fill a long-relief role for the Padres this season. He could also work as a spot starter if the need arises.

The Angels placed Stassi (hip) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

As anticipated, Stassi will begin the season on the IL while he recovers from the left hip strain he suffered while appearing in a minor-league spring training game last weekend. The Angels will have room for both Logan O'Hoppe and Matt Thaiss as the catching options on their Opening Day roster, though manager Phil Nevin hasn't specified whether the team will have the two work in a timeshare or have one serve as the primary option in Stassi's stead.