MLB Player News

Krehbiel agreed Wednesday with the Rays on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Aside from a brief cup of coffee in the majors with the Diamondbacks in 2018, Krehbiel has spent much of the last five seasons in the upper levels of the minors. The right-hander most recently saw action with Arizona's Triple-A affiliate in Reno in 2019, compiling a 7.69 ERA over 51 relief appearances. Though he'll get a chance to compete for spot in Tampa Bay's Opening Day bullpen, Krehbiel is most likely bound for Triple-A Durham to begin 2021.

Pruitt (elbow) is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, Brian McTaggart of the Astros' official site reports.

Pruitt underwent surgery last September for a hairline fracture in his right elbow after missing the abbreviated 2020 season. He had been in the mix for a spot in the rotation during the first training camp prior to the pandemic, but the elbow put the kibosh on any chances to start when the season opened in July. Once healthy, the right-hander is expected to serve in a swing role with multiple innings as a reliever or starter/opener.

Chargois signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Chargois left affiliated ball last winter to join the Rakuten Eagles in Japan. He didn't exactly cover himself in glory overseas, struggling to a 5.81 ERA and a 19:14 K:BB in 26.1 innings. Between those struggles and his 6.33 ERA in 21.1 innings for the Dodgers in his latest big-league action in 2019, it's no surprise he had to settle for a minor-league deal.

Peters was designated for assignment by the Angels on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Peters was booted from the 40-man roster to make room for the acquisition of Aaron Slegers, who was sent to the Angels earlier in the evening in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. The lefty had a rough showing in his lone big-league appearance of the 2020 season, surrendering three runs on three hits and two walks while fanning two over one inning.

White Sox assistant general manager Chris Getz said Crochet (forearm) is being considered for a bullpen role with the major-league team, Scott Merkin of the White Sox's official site reports.

The organization's long-term plans are to use him as a starter, but Getz feels Crochet could be a fit in a multi-inning role on the White Sox in 2021. The left-hander was effective in limited exposure to MLB last season when he fanned eight, walked none and allowed three hits over six scoreless innings. He also appeared in the postseason. While Getz did not bring up Crochet's forearm strain, that he's being considered for the bullpen suggests he'll start training camp on time.

Hamilton was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Friday, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hamilton joins his fourth organization in the span of six months, having been designated for assignment by the White Sox late in the 2020 season and then passing through the Mariners' and Phillies' rosters before landing with the Twins. Nothing on his resume suggests he'll finally be able to settle down in Minnesota, as he's thrown just 12 innings at the highest level. His 4.50 ERA in those innings is unremarkable but acceptable, though his 9:7 K:BB isn't particularly encouraging.

Kowar will join the Royals' major-league squad for spring training.

Were it not for the minor-league season being canceled last year, Kowar could be knocking on the door of the big leagues already or could potentially have already debuted. He closed 2019 with 13 starts for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, recording a 3.51 ERA. He may not be given serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot, but he stands a good chance of debuting this year if he looks good in the minors.

Cox received an invitation Friday to join the Royals' big-league camp.

Cox got to stay close to the major-league team as part of the Royals' 60-man player pool last season and will now get to work with the organization's big-league coaches this spring. He's impressed so far in his professional career, riding a 26.6 percent strikeout rate and 7.8 percent walk rate to a 2.96 ERA in 164 innings, though none of those innings have come above High-A. He'll likely need some time in the upper minors before pushing for his MLB debut.

Bowland was invited to the Royals' major-league spring training Friday.

Bowlan has yet to pitch above High-A, so he'll probably need some more time in the minors before being seriously considered for a roster spot. He looked quite good at that level for Wilmington in 2019, posting a 2.95 ERA and a 76:13 K:BB in 76.1 innings of work.

Shaw signed a minor-league deal with the Indians on Tuesday that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

The right-hander had a strong five-year career in Cleveland before departing after the 2017 season, but he has a 6.17 ERA in 137 games over the past three years. Shaw will need a strong showing in spring training to have a chance of cracking the Opening Day roster.