MLB Player News

Palumbo was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Palumbo had spent the start of spring in big-league camp. The 24-year-old made 11 starts last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, reaching Double-A for the first time for a pair of appearances.

Hernandez was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Hernandez had been in big-league camp for the first few weeks of spring, though he was never likely to break camp with the team. He'll need to conquer the upper levels of the minors first before being given his chance, as he finished 2018 with a mediocre 4.92 ERA in 12 starts for Double-A Frisco.

Yarbrough (groin) is expected to pitch in Sunday's spring game against the Red Sox, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Yarbrough exited a game Feb. 28 with left groin tightness but a successful bullpen session Thursday put him on track for a quick return. Assuming the 27-year-old is able to pitch with no issues Sunday, he should have plenty of time to be prepped for the start of the regular season.

Brasier (toe) threw a bullpen session Thursday and is in line to play in a game next week, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Brasier is working his way back from a toe infection, and the Red Sox hope he can be ready for the start of the regular season. He and Matt Barnes are the primary candidates to replace closer Craig Kimbrel this season.

Perez threw live batting practice Thursday for the first time this spring, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Perez was placed on an individualized throwing program, one that scrapped the team's plan to stretch him out as a starter. He could compete for the final spot in the bullpen once he gets into a game, which is expected to happen by the middle of next week.

Colome allowed one hit over one scoreless inning Thursday against the Brewers.

Colome has been unscathed in three spring outings with Thursday's hit being the first demerit on his record. Everything points to the 30-year-old right-hander closing out games for the White Sox.

VerHagen is being evaluated Thursday for what the team is calling dead arm, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

He had a rough outing Wednesday, and it is being attributed to whatever is going on with him physically. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Honeywell (elbow) could be activated from the injured list in May, but likely wouldn't make his big-league debut until June or later, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This makes sense for a pitcher who has never reached the big leagues. Once Honeywell is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, the Rays will likely have him make a handful of starts in the minors to prove he's back to form before summoning him to the majors. This timetable also lines up well for Tampa Bay avoiding a fourth year of arbitration with Honeywell.

Yarbrough (groin) threw a successful bullpen session Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It is unclear when Yarbrough will return to game action, but this was a positive step. Topkin reported Thursday that the Rays will have three starting pitchers and two spots for openers at the outset of the season. Yarbrough would figure to be one of the primary pitchers on the days when an opener starts if he can get up to speed by the start of the season.

Johnson (illness) has been confirmed as the starting pitcher for Thursday's spring game against the Twins, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Johnson was sidelined a few days by his illness, but he is ready to get back on the bump. Barring any setbacks the rest of the way, he has a chance to make an early-season start for the Red Sox with the team playing 11 straight days to kick off the regular season, but it is expected that he will primarily be used as a reliever.