MLB Player News

Boxberger retired one of the four hitters he faced in his relief appearance Monday in the Royals' 6-2 loss to the Rangers. He gave up two hits and one walk and struck out a batter.

Per Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star, Boxberger was making his first appearance since Feb. 26 after a minor leg injury prompted the Royals to hold him out of action. The right-hander is seemingly healthy again, but his outing Monday didn't help his case for emerging from spring training as the Royals' closer. The Royals are unlikely to name a ninth-inning man until the conclusion of camp -- if at all -- but Wily Peralta may have the early edge on the gig.

Yarbrough (groin) struck out two in a perfect inning Monday against Philadelphia.

Yarbrough missed a good chunk of spring training while nursing a groin issue, but he managed to return to action Monday and looked strong. The 27-year-old should still have plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day and will likely serve as a primary hurler when the Rays implement an opener.

Putnam continues to nurse a hamstring injury and isn't close to pitching in a game, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Putnam suffered the injury while participating in a drill at the beginning of March, although it's unclear as to when he might return to the mound. "He's feeling better," manager Alex Cora stated. "He's playing catch. He hasn't been able to get back on the mound." While Putnam wasn't expected to win a roster spot entering camp, this injury will make doing so nearly impossible. He should begin the 2019 campaign with Triple-A Pawtucket when healthy.

Armstrong will open Monday night's spring game against Kansas City, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Wade LeBlanc has been scratched from his scheduled outing Monday due to the possibility of rain. In his stead, Armstrong will pitch at least the first inning and will be followed by other Seattle relievers.

Swanson was sent to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Swanson received an invite to major-league camp after finishing his 2018 season in Triple-A. He posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a 78:14 K:BB over 72.1 frames. After picking up some valuable experience in big-league camp, he'll head to Triple-A in preparation for the upcoming season.

Staumont was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Staumont recorded a 3.51 ERA for Omaha last season, striking out an impressive 31.3 percent of batters but walking far too many at 15.8 percent. He'll need to improve his control if he's to make an impact at the big-league level.

Mengden was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

The move is something of a surprise, as Mengden seemed to have a good shot at the Athletics' fifth starter job. He could still win that job, as Oakland's unusual start to the season (an early two-game series against the Mariners in Japan on March 20-21 followed by six days off) means the team may simply want an extra hitter or reliever on the roster until a fifth starter is needed.

Yarbrough (groin) didn't pitch in Sunday's spring game against Boston as expected.

It's unclear if Yarbrough isn't ready to return to game action or if he simply didn't fit into the game plan, but he hasn't gotten into a contest since exiting with groin tightness Feb. 28. The Rays have yet to update his status, but his next opportunity to take the mound will come Monday against the Phillies.

Perez tossed a live batting practice session Sunday and is expected to get into a Grapefruit League game this week, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Perez, who is a candidate for the final bullpen spot, began his throwing program later than other pitchers and said he's "100 percent ready" to pitch in a game.

Colome allowed three runs on five hits while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning Sunday against the Athletics.

Colome had been a bright spot in a bullpen that's been beat up in the Cactus League. He went unscathed over his first three spring outings before his troubles Sunday when he fell behind batters and missed on a few pitches. He's still expected to be the closer, although manager Rick Renteria has not made that official.