As the 2014 MLB regular season approaches, teams begin to make calculated decisions regarding their rosters. Whether it’s deciding which pitchers will earn the right to make the rotation or which players will make the Opening Day roster, each are equally as difficult.
The news that surrounds teams at this point in the year is not always positive. Devastating injuries, unexpected trades and baffling roster moves plague the league.
Let’s take a look at the latest rumors—both good and bad—and news circulating around the majors.
Bad News for Diamondbacks
According to a tweet from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Arizona pitcher David Hernandez tore his UCL, via a statement from his agent:
Even though Hernandez is set to get a second opinion, things don’t look good.
This devastating news comes just days after fellow Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin was diagnosed with the same injury and was shelved for the season.
Arizona figures to lose two big cogs on the mound—a left-handed ace and a right-handed reliever.
Hernandez struggled early last season; however, when he was called back up in September, he looked sharp. This will be a major setback in his continued development.
These two are part of a laundry list of recent injuries suffered by the Diamondbacks.
Orioles Dump Aceves
Alfredo Aceves was brought to Baltimore in effort to build strength in the team’s bullpen. It appears he did not show enough over spring training, and the team has decided to cut him, according to a tweet from Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com:
Aceves will exercise his opt-out clause in his contract, effectively leaving the team. Ghiroli predicted which pitchers would make the bullpen this season on MLBlogs.com:
The move makes it likely Evan Meek will get the final bullpen spot, assuming there aren’t any other trades or waiver wire pickups. The Orioles came close to acquiring an unknown player on waivers on Wednesday. Zach Britton and Josh Stinson, who are both out of options, figure to make the bullpen as well. Meek has allowed one run on two hits over eight innings this spring.
After pitching 37 innings for the Red Sox in 2013, Aceves allowed 42 hits and 21 runs while walking 22 and striking out 24 batters for a 4.86 ERA. He could still provide some bullpen depth for any interested teams.
Schoop Makes Orioles’ Roster
The Orioles continued their roster moves on Friday. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted that 22-year-old Jonathan Schoop will make Baltimore’s Opening Day roster:
It appears as though the Orioles plan to use the youngster as a rotational piece on defense. This could be a great move considering what Schoop brought to the table in a small sample size last season.
In 2013, Schoop only had 14 at-bats with the club but managed to record four hits, including one home run, one RBI and five runs while only striking out twice. He finished with a .283 batting average.
If Schoop can continue to display his budding skill set this season, Baltimore will reap the benefits.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com