MLB Player News

McHugh (elbow), who signed a one-year contract with the Red Sox on Thursday, has yet to begin a throwing program this spring and will likely open the season on the 15-day injured list, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

According to Sean McAdam of BostonSportsJournal.com, McHugh's deal includes a $600,000 base salary and is worth up to $3.625 million in incentives. Though he was used primarily out of the bullpen for Houston the past two seasons, McHugh is projected to slot into the rotation for Boston once healthy, as the Red Sox are lacking in established starting depth. Per Jon Heyman of MLB Network, McHugh was only recently given clearance by doctors to throw after requiring a tenex procedure for his right elbow last year, so he'll likely need multiple weeks to get his arm conditioned for starting duty. If McHugh can steer clear of any setbacks along the way, he could be ready to make his Boston debut around mid-April.

McHugh (elbow) signed Thursday with the Red Sox on a one-year contract.

Even before Chris Sale's elbow trouble returned this spring, the Red Sox were sorely lacking in rotation depth. The addition of McHugh at least helps bolster the rotation to some degree, though the 32-year-old might not be ready to go for the start of the season due to his late arrival to spring training along with the fact that he's working back from a right elbow procedure that ended his 2019 campaign early. McHugh primarily worked in relief for Houston the past two seasons, but he was dependable in a full-time starting role from 2014 through 2017, posting a 3.70 ERA (3.60 FIP), 1.25 WHIP and 15.7 K-BB%.

Pressly allowed one walk and struck out one over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's spring game against the Marlins.

This was Pressly's first spring appearance. Both he and closer Roberto Osuna made their debuts, pitching the fourth and fifth innings, respectively. They are the back end of Houston's bullpen. Pressly is one of the best setup men in the league; if your league values holds, then Pressly's your guy. He tied for the MLB lead with 31 holds in 2019 and also picked up three saves.

Swanson, who was previously struggling with a back injury, emerged from his Cactus League debut Monday without any issues, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander allowed an earned run on two hits during his one inning against the Rockies, but he also recorded a pair of strikeouts. The fact Swanson didn't suffer any setbacks is certainly encouraging, as is manager Scott Servais' observation that the reliever improved the more his outing progressed Monday.

The Rangers scratched Palumbo ahead of his scheduled Cactus League start Thursday versus the Cubs due to right heel inflammation, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Jonathan Hernandez is slated to take the hill Thursday in place of Palumbo. Texas doesn't view the issue as a serious one for the young lefty, who could be ready to resume mound work after a few days of rest. Palumbo is technically vying for a spot in the big-league rotation this spring, but Jordan Lyles and Kolby Allard look like far better bets to win the fifth starter's role.

Chapman won't pitch Wednesday against the Phillies as previously reported, but he isn't injured, George A. King III of the New York Post reports.

The news is potentially worrisome, but manager Aaron Boone said there was nothing physically wrong with his closer. Chapman threw a bullpen session Wednesday instead of pitching in the game and could make his Grapefruit League debut Friday against the Orioles.

Lopez allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out three over three innings in Tuesday's spring game against Oakland.

Lopez fell behind hitters and needed 61 pitches (31 strikes) to get through three innings. He was able to battle through wavering command and limit the damage. Lopez's 2019 looks bad in total (5.38 ERA), but he was better in the second half and looks to build off that.

Swanson (back) allowed an earned run on two hits and a walk over an inning in a Cactus League loss to the Rockies on Monday. He struck out two.

Swanson was making his Cactus League debut after an offseason back injury delayed his start to spring training. The 26-year-old could enjoy a steady, multi-inning role in Seattle's bullpen this season, and he's likely to get multiple opportunities to cement his spot over the balance of the exhibition slate.

Puk was diagnosed with a mild left shoulder strain Tuesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old will be shut down from throwing until being reevaluated Thursday or Friday. Puk already underwent an MRI which revealed no structural issues, but it's nonetheless a discouraging spring-training development for the young left-hander. Puk's availability for Opening Day will be in limbo until he receives an official timetable for his return to the mound.

Loaisiga will continue to stretch out this spring but could wind up filling multiple roles this season, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Manager Aaron Boone is reportedly impressed with Loaisiga's stuff, which has led him to a 28.3 percent strikeout rate in 56.1 major-league innings. The 25-year-old hasn't had a ton of success overall, posting a modest 4.79 ERA and an 11.3 percent walk rate, but the Yankees are in desperate need of rotation help early this season. Luis Severino (elbow) is out for the year, while Domingo German (suspension) and James Paxton (back) will miss significant time. Loaisiga threw just 49.1 innings last season across all levels and has never thrown more than 80.2, however, so even if he wins an Opening Day rotation spot, he's unlikely to stay there all year.