Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Hader (biceps) will begin facing hitters by "mid-April," Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Working his way back from left biceps tendinitis, Hader has been throwing off the mound since early March and is slated for another bullpen session Friday. He's still a couple weeks away from facing hitters, though, and will surely need a rehab assignment before being activated, making it unlikely he'll be back before late April. Houston will use Bryan Abreu at closer while Hader is sidelined.

Rogers is expected to begin the season as one of the primary setup men for the Blue Jays ahead of closer Jeff Hoffman, Gregor Chisholm and Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star report.

After signing a three-year, $37 million contract with Toronto in December, it's no surprise that Rogers will have a high-leverage role. The veteran right-hander has recorded at least 30 holds in three straight seasons, posting a 1.98 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 48:7 K:BB over 77.1 innings in 2025 between the Mets and Giants.

Little has won a spot in the Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen, Gregor Chisholm and Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star report.

The 29-year-old will head into the season as the top left-handed option for manager John Schneider. Little dazzled this spring, posting a 0.00 ERA and 11:4 K:BB in six innings, and he racked up a career-high 30 holds in 2025 while producing a 3.03 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 91:45 K:BB in 68.1 innings.

Nance has claimed a spot in the Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen, Gregor Chisholm and Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star report.

The 35-year-old grabbed one of the last spots in the bullpen despite a 6.75 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB in 5.1 spring innings, but his lack of minor-league options likely tipped the scales in his favor. Nance was more impressive in 2025, delivering a 1.99 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB over 31.2 innings for Toronto with two wins and five holds in 30 appearances.

Sands will have a prominent role in high-leverage situations in the Minnesota bullpen, but manager Derek Shelton said he'll figure out who will close games as the season progresses, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. "It's going to be a little bit of a meritocracy. Guys are going to pitch themselves in or out of certain roles. We have to monitor that as the season starts," said Shelton.

The Twins closer situation remains a mystery even after spring training concluded, but Sands may get the first chance to close games as the most prominent right-handed pitcher in the bullpen. However, Taylor Rogers and Justin Topa will likely also figure into the mix.

The Orioles reassigned Suarez to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Suarez wasn't able to secure a starting or long-relief role on the Orioles' Opening Day roster, but the 36-year-old will provide the organization with valuable depth at the Triple-A level. The right-hander made five appearances (one start) at the big-league level in 2025, giving up three earned runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out 10 over 11.2 innings.

The Rangers reassigned Sborz to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Sborz fell short in his bid for a spot in the Texas bullpen after yielding five earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out eight batters across nine innings during the Cactus League. The right-hander will likely to slot into a high-leverage role in the Round Rock bullpen and could merit consideration for a call-up if he's able to recapture the form that he displayed before undergoing shoulder surgery in November 2024.

Bowman agreed Wednesday with the Twins on a minor-league contract, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

After failing to secure a spot in the Twins' Opening Day bullpen, Bowman exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league deal over the weekend. The 34-year-old righty apparently wasn't able to find a more favorable opportunity elsewhere, so he'll return to the Twins organization and serve as relief depth at Triple-A St. Paul. Bowman owns a 4.38 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 240.2 innings career innings in the big leagues across parts of seven seasons.

Pepiot (hip) is set to resume a throwing program this weekend, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Pepiot was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right hip inflammation, an injury that wasn't previously disclosed. He was examined by a doctor Wednesday and got a favorable result. Pepiot is not with the Rays on their season-opening road trip, but he could rejoin their rotation during their first home stand, perhaps as soon as April 6 when he's first eligible to be activated. Joe Boyle is occupying a spot in Tampa Bay's rotation while Pepiot is out.

The Blue Jays optioned Lee to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

Lee put his best foot forward in attempting to win a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen, tossing 6.1 scoreless innings during Grapefruit League play. While it ultimately wasn't enough, he should get a look when the club inevitably requires relief help.