MLB Player News

Graveman (elbow), who last pitched in a major-league game back in May 2018 due to Tommy John surgery, has impressed with his form and expanded pitch repertoire early in camp, Jesse Borek of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has naturally been limited to only bullpens thus far, but manager Scott Servais has already expressed how impressed he's been with Graveman, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with a club option for 2021 back in late November. In addition to his trademark sinker, Graveman is expected to also mix in a changeup with much greater frequency, a pitch he had the time to refine during what was essentially a full rehab year with the Cubs organization in 2019. A strong spring should be enough to secure Graveman a back-end rotation spot on a new-look Mariners staff that will also feature fellow reclamation project Taijuan Walker and the emerging Justus Sheffield.

Fulmer (elbow) said he hopes to throw off a mound sometime in mid-March as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer was recently transferred to the 60-day injured list as the team made room for the newly signed Cameron Maybin. Fulmer isn't expected to debut until after midseason, and the Tigers will no doubt be cautious with the 26-year-old righty after he missed the entire 2019 campaign.

Loup (elbow) was scheduled to throw a side session during Monday's workout, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Loup's ability to take part in mound work this early in spring training seemingly hints that he's moved past the strained left elbow April 7 onward last season. The lefty will face an uphill battle to win a spot in the big-league bullpen while attending camp as a non-roster invitee.

Gearrin signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Monday as a non-roster invitee.

After posting a 1.99 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with the Giants in 2017, Gearrin has struggled over the past two seasons, posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 112.2 innings with five clubs over 2018 and 2019. The 33-year-old will get the chance to work with the Twins' major-league coaching staff during spring training, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him appear in the majors at some point in 2020 given his past experience.

Barria lost 14 pounds over the offseason, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Barria shed the weight over the winter following a disastrous 2019 season in which he posted a 4-10 record along with a 6.42 ERA (6.23 FIP). The 23-year-old is hoping to regain the form he showed during a promising rookie campaign that included a 10-9 record and a 3.41 ERA.

Alvarado threw an impressive bullpen session Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Manager Kevin Cash described the opportunity to see Alvarado work as the most exciting part of his day Friday, a remark that underscores the reliever's value to the team's pitching arsenal. Alvarado endured a forgettable 2019, posting a career-high 4.80 ERA and 1.87 WHIP across 30 innings over 35 appearances. He ultimately finished the season on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, but an offseason of rest appears to have addressed that issue. Assuming good health, Alvarado should see heavy late-inning volume in 2020.

Mengden (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Mengden underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Wednesday that will require a recovery timetable of 6-to-10 weeks, and his placement on the 60-day injured list frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Burch Smith, who was acquired from the Giants via trade Saturday. Mengden will likely work as a middle reliever once again for the Athletics once he's healthy.

Swanson is being held back slightly in spring training after feeling some muscle spasms in his right shoulder several weeks ago, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Swanson's spring training is getting off to a slow start, but his lack of usage is likely just a precaution. The right-hander is expected to do some light throwing Saturday, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Mariners ease him back into normal usage as long as he doesn't experience any setbacks. Swanson made his major-league debut last season, posting a 5.74 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 58 innings.

Harvey didn't throw Friday due to an illness, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

There hasn't been any indication that the illness is serious enough to affect Harvey's preparation for the upcoming season. The righty is expected to be a full-time reliever this year and could potentially push for a high-leverage spot if he pitches well early.

Borucki will be shut down for 10 days due to left elbow tightness, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Borucki has a history of elbow troubles, most recently missing the last two months of the 2019 campaign due to surgery to remove bone spurs. The latest issue may put his availability for Opening Day at risk and could take him out of the battle for the Blue Jays' fifth starter spot.