MLB Player News

Speier was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Speier threw just 7.1 big-league innings last season, allowing six runs, so he was always a long shot to break camp with the team. He wasn't great at the Triple-A level, either, posting a5.63 ERA in 40 frames.

Pruitt has allowed two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over nine spring innings.

Pruitt is still in the mix for a spot in the rotation, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The Astros were looking at one opening in the rotation, but Justin Verlander's groin injury is estimated to make him unavailable until mid-May, just about the time MLB could be back in business following the coronavirus pandemic. There's way too much uncertainty at this point, but Pruitt is being considered along with Josh James, Framber Valdez and Bryan Abreu.

Abreu emerged as a legitimate candidate for the starting rotation as spring training progressed, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

When training camp kicked off, the Astros were considering three pitchers for their final rotation spot -- Austin Pruitt, Josh James and Framber Valdez -- but now Abreu enters the mix, particularly with the uncertainty created by Justin Verlander's groin procedure that will sideline him for six weeks. The right-handed Abreu made one flawless spring start and three multi-inning appearances as a reliever, allowing three hits and four walks over eight scoreless innings.

Fulmer has made a strong case to become the White Sox's final reliever, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer, the team's top pick in the 2015 MLB draft, has allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out 11 over 9.2 innings. He's also hit three batters, which hints at the issue that's dogged him throughout his career -- an inability to locate and command consistently. The right-hander was drafted as a starter, but Fulmer has failed to live up to the billing of a first-round pick in that role. He's out of options, which gives him an advantage, and appears to be the most logical choice as the team's eighth reliever.

Montero is expected to be part of the Rangers' bullpen when the regular season begins, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

The Rangers came to camp with competition at several bullpen spots, but Montero's job was secure. The right-hander, who was coming off 2018 Tommy John elbow surgery, was promoted to the major-league roster in July 2019 and thrived as a reliever. He posted a 2.48 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 29 innings (22 appearances). He will work in a setup role as a bridge to closer Jose Leclerc, whose shaky command and very low job security, per RotoWire, puts Montero in a position to potentially pick up save opportunities.

Rodriguez (back) has recovered from back surgery and threw a bullpen session in early March, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez has pitched only 9.1 innings since 2017 due to back injuries that resulted in surgery in May of 2019. He looks to be healthy to begin the campaign, however, and will likely start the season with High-A Inland Empire, per Bollinger. The right-hander possesses one of the best arms in the Angels' organization and could be a future ace if he is able to maintain his health moving forward.

Diaz was placed on the 60-day injured list Monday due to a lat strain, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Joe Panik was added to the Blue Jays' 40-man roster in a corresponding move. The severity of Diaz's injury and his expected return date remain to be seen.

The Blue Jays placed Diaz on the 60-day injured list Sunday due to an unspecified injury, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Diaz made a Grapefruit League appearance as recently as March 9, and no reports surfaced in the week that followed indicating that he was dealing with any sort of injury. In any event, he'll be sidelined for at least the next two months while recovering from the unspecified issue, with Diaz's move to the 60-day IL opening up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Joe Panik.

Devenski is expected to be part of the Astros' bullpen when the regular season starts, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. The 29-year-old right-hander has not allowed a run on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 spring innings.

The Astros hope to see the Devenski of 2017, a season in which he struck out 11.1 batters per nine innings and was named an All-Star. Since then, his K/9 dropped in successive seasons along with an increase in HR/9 (1.7). He's slipped behind Ryan Pressly and Joe Smith in terms of high-leverage relief work.

Quijada was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

The Angels claimed Quijada off waivers in February after he posted a troublesome 5.76 ERA and 1.79 WHIP with Miami last season. The southpaw fared well in four Cactus League games, allowing only one earned run and striking out three batters over four innings. Nonetheless, he'll begin the campaign in the minors pending any changes to the club's bullpen needs between now and the start of the regular season.