MLB Player News

Yarbrough, who's often served as a bulk reliever behind an opener over the last two seasons, is vying to secure a role as a traditional starter this spring, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old did log starts in half of his 28 appearances last season along the way to an 11-6 record, 4.13 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across 141. 2 innings. Yarbrough made a favorable first impression by throwing 14 of 21 pitches for strikes in a scoreless first inning against the Yankees on Sunday, and he boasts a five-pitch repertoire that includes a trademark cutter that he complements with a sinker, changeup, curveball and four-seam fastball. Manager Kevin Cash has already stated he still plans to split Yarbrough's work between the rotation and bullpen again this season, but that won't stop the right-hander from chasing his goal of full-time starter. "It's one of those things where I just try and show them, I've come in and shown I can compete for that [starter] role and prove to them that I can do that," Yarbrough said. "Obviously, that's in my thought process a little bit."

Peters is developing a slider to use against left-handed hitters, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Though Peters registered a 2.08 ERA against lefties last season, he struck out only 12 of the 92 batters he faced. A more consistent slider could help him generate more swings-and-misses; Peters posted a 28.0 Whiff% on the pitch last season but tossed it only 3.9 percent of the time.

Jimenez pitched a scoreless inning in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros. He allowed a hit and struck out one.

For the first time in his MLB career, Jimenez will enter the season as the closer. He struggled some in the role last year, blowing five of 14 save opportunities, though the 25-year-old did record an impressive 82 strikeouts across 59.2 innings. Like a lot of younger pitchers, the key for Jimenez will be controlling his dynamic arsenal, which is something he'll work on this spring.

Manager Joe Maddon called it a "safe bet" that Robles would be the Angels' closer this season, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

There wasn't too much doubt that Robles would be the team's primary ninth-inning option, but it's still nice to see it confirmed by the manager. Robles broke out in 2019 after a few mediocre seasons to post a 2.48 ERA and save 23 games while slashing his walk rate from 10.3 percent to 5.7 percent. If Robles stumbles this season, Ty Buttrey, Noe Ramirez, Cam Bedrosian and Keynan Middleton are among the options that could take over the job.

Burke will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder Friday and will miss the entire 2020 season.

Burke has been battling shoulder problems since early in the 2019 season. The issue persisted throughout the offseason, and while he was able to throw off flat ground early in camp, the Rangers weren't happy with how his shoulder was responding to treatment. He was diagnosed with fraying and a partial tear of his labrum and will sit out for all of 2020 as a result.

Clase is working through some lat discomfort, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The issue appears to be a minor one, with manager Terry Francona saying that the 21-year-old would pitch through the problem if it occurred during the regular season. Clase has only 23.1 big-league innings under his belt, but his 2.31 ERA in those innings and his 99 mph heat (backed up by a 90.5 mph slider) have him projecting as one of the top alternatives to close in Cleveland should Brad Hand struggle or get injured.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said Monday that Borucki (elbow) is out of the running for the Blue Jays' fifth spot in the starting rotation for Opening Day, Arash Madani of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki was shut down earlier this spring as a result of elbow tightness, and he won't be considered for the fifth rotation spot due to him being behind where other pitchers are at this point. However, Borucki threw on flat ground Monday and reportedly felt good following the workout. The southpaw could serve in the starting rotation at some point in 2020, but he'll presumably begin the campaign at Triple-A Buffalo or occupy a spot on the Jays' 15-day injured list.

Palumbo walked two while striking out two over two scoreless innings in a spring start Sunday against the Mariners.

Palumbo made his spring debut, showing off the 20 pounds he added to his body during the offseason, as reported by T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. "I think it is really going to help him from a stamina standpoint, get through the whole season. That's always been a concern. Now that he has a little more mass, he can handle it better," said manager Chris Woodward. The left-hander made his big-league debut in 2019, posting a 9.18 ERA over seven appearances (four starts). The Rangers didn't want the 25-year-old Palumbo, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in 2018, to be used in the majors last season, but injuries forced the team's hand. The organization will have him build up innings at Triple-A Nashville in 2020, and Palumbo should be on the short list of candidates if the team needs starting help at some point during the season.

Alvarado, who threw another successful bullpen session Sunday, is likely to make his spring debut Wednesday against the Twins, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old southpaw threw approximately 20 pitches during the session and looked impressive doing so. Alvarado has been sharp in his throwing thus far this spring, leaving him poised for his likely debut versus Minnesota.

Loaisiga is working on adding a slider to his pitch mix this spring, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Loaisiga is competing for a role in the Yankees' rotation in spring training and hopes to bolster his case by adding to his arsenal. He made his spring debut Sunday and threw a scoreless inning, striking out Austin Meadows in the process. Afterwards, he threw in the bullpen to reach 25 pitches as the Yankees attempt to stretch him out for a potential starting role.