With the Corridor of Fame season now comfortably within the rearview mirror and spring coaching simply across the nook, we’re in one of many longer useless spots on the calendar by way of MLB information. Nevertheless, the rosters proceed to be settled earlier than pitchers and catches are reported, so let’s try the newest information and rumors.
Hamels throws, appears to be like like he is impressing
Cole Hamels was final in a rotation with the Cubs in 2019. He made one begin in 2020, however most baseball followers most likely assumed he was retired. As a substitute, he seems to be on the comeback path. He pitched for groups and scouts on Friday, according to Jon Heymanand appeared “loopy good”.
Hamels is now 39 years outdated. In 27 begins in 2019, he was 7-7 with a three.81 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 143 strikeouts in 141 2/three innings. He had a shoulder damage in 2020 after which had arm issues once more in 2021, hampering his comeback.
Rays “lengthen” Fairbanks
The Rays and reliever Pete Fairbanks have agreed to a three-year, $14 million contract extension, based on ESPN. The contract comprises a $7 million fourth-year possibility or a $1 million buyout. Whereas it is technically worded as an “extension,” it does not purchase the Rays further years of management. As a substitute, the contract merely covers Fairbanks’ last three years in arbitration and offers either side value certainty along with the flexibility to keep away from the vexing arbitration course of.
Fairbanks returned late final season from a partially torn again muscle and confirmed no indicators of lingering points. In 24 innings, he pitched to a 1.13 ERA and zero.67 WHIP with 38 strikeouts in opposition to three walks.
Kennedy again with the Rangers
Proper-handed reliever Ian Kennedy was the Rangers’ nearer in 2021 earlier than being traded to the Phillies. He served out of the Diamondbacks quarterback in 2022, however introduced by way of Instagram Thursday that he was again with Texas.
Kennedy, 38, had a 5.36 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 50 1/three innings final season. Earlier than his commerce in 2021, nevertheless, he pitched to a 2.51 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 35 strikeouts in 32 1/three innings for the Rangers.
The Nats have signed right-hander Alex Colomé to a minor league contract, the membership introduced.
Colomé, 34, was an All-Star in 2016 and led the majors with 47 saves in 2017, each for the Rays. He was nice for the White Sox in 2020 as effectively, however had a mediocre season in 2021 with the Twins. Final season with the Rockies, he had a 5.74 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 47 innings.
Infielder Matt Duffy has signed a minor league contract with the Royals, based on a group announcement. In 77 video games for the Angels final season, Duffy hit .250/.308/.311 (77 OPS+).
Cubs signal Duffey
Cubs agreed to signal right-hander Tyler Duffey, reports The Athletic.
Duffey, 32, spent all of his earlier eight MLB seasons with the Twins. In 40 outings final season, he posted a four.91 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Nevertheless, he was fairly productive in 2019-21.