MLB Player News

The search was thought to be down to Shelton and Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro. Mark Kotsay was in the running at one point too. Shelton served as the Twins’ bench coach in 2018 and 2019 after spending the 2017 season as the quality control coach of the Blue Jays. He was the hitting coach of the Indians from 2005 until 2009 and operated in that same capacity with the Rays from 2010 to 2016. The 49-year-old Shelton is replacing Clint Hurdle, who was let go on September 29 after nine years on the job.

Yates has been unavailable since the middle of May with his hamstring strain. He will give a bullpen some much-needed help to a unit that has struggled with results and injuries, and Yates could see some save chances upon his return

Not only could Kopech return to the Los Angeles bullpen, but Roberts insinuated that Kirby Yates (hamstring) could be back to help the bullpen as well. Kopech would be making his season debut, and the 29-year-old would be a high-leverage option at some point, even if Los Angeles eases him into that role to begin his 2025 campaign.

This comes after Woodruff was diagnosed with a right elbow contusion. The 32-year-old will need more time before getting back into rehab games, but this pushes his timeline likely past the month of June at this point, and likely around the All-Star break if there are no setbacks.