MLB Player News

Povse has been delayed in camp due to a sore shoulder, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Povse hasn't thrown yet in camp but is expected to do so in a few days. Assuming he's able to hit that timeline, he should still be ready to go by Opening Day, but he's unlikely to spend that day on the big-league roster, though, as he was designated for assignment in late January.

Fulmer is now viewed by the White Sox as a reliever, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Fulmer has made 13 starts and 11 relief appearances thus far in his major-league career but hasn't found much success, posting an ugly 6.68 ERA. He was moved to the pen at Triple-A Charlotte last season but didn't do much of note there either, finishing with an unimpressive 5.32 ERA in 67.2 innings. It may be easier for him to make the majors as a reliever, but he'll need to do considerably better than he has thus far if he's to work his way out of a low-leverage role.

Poche received an invite to major-league spring training and is attempting to earn a spot in the Rays bullpen, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Poche was the player to be named later in last spring's Steven Souza trade with Arizona, and compiled a 0.82 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and absurd 110:19 K:BB across 66 innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2018. The 25-year-old relies on a deceptive low-90s fastball and continued his dominance even after being promoted to Triple-A Durham in May. The left-hander still has a tall task ahead of him to crack the Rays' Opening Day roster, but if he performs remotely close to the level he did at Durham last season he is unlikely to remain in the minors for long.

Betances (personal) is expected to join the Yankees' camp Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Betances remained away from the team at the start of spring training after his wife gave birth Wednesday. He'll wind up being delayed for only a few days, which shouldn't affect his readiness for Opening Day.

Fulmer lost his arbitration case Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Fulmer filed for $3.4 million but will wind up making just $2.8 million. The 25-year-old had been on track for a good deal more than that after two strong years to start his career but stumbled significantly in his third season. Injuries limited him to just 24 starts as he slumped to a 4.69 ERA. After surgery to repair a torn right meniscus in September, he appears to be on track for Opening Day and perhaps a bounceback year.

Wang has a minor leg strain and won't participate in Friday's throwing session, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Wang signed a minor-league deal with the Athletics at the start of February but will have to wait to get his first throws in at spring training. The injury doesn't appear overly concerning as the 26-year-old attempts to earn a roster spot with Oakland.

Alexander agreed to a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old lefty split 2018 between Double-A and Triple-A in the Tigers' organization, producing a 4.44 ERA in 140 combined innings. Alexander will get some exposure to the major-league coaching staff to start camp, though it's unlikely that he breaks camp in the majors given that he has yet to pitch above Double-A in his professional career.

Infante has yet to report to spring training from his native Venezuela, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

There is a lot of political unrest in Venezuela right now, delaying the visa process for a number of major leaguers. However, Infante is also dealing with an illness that doesn't allow him to leave the country just yet, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. This situation is unlikely to cause a lengthy absence, however, though it's unclear when he'll be back in the United States.

Betances has not arrived at spring training due to the birth of his child, George A. King III of the New York Post reports.

The reliever's wife gave birth Wednesday, so it comes as little surprise that he is with her following the momentous life event. The Yankees are unsure when Betances will report, but this delay is unlikely to inhibit him once he does join the team.

Merryweather (elbow) is expected to begin the season at extended spring training, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2018 and still seems to be on track in his recovery program. As a starter, his rehab naturally takes a little longer than that of a reliever, but it doesn't seem like the Blue Jays have any concerns over his progress so far. Once he's healthy, Merryweather will likely head to Triple-A Buffalo after posting a 6.58 ERA in his first 78 frames at the level back in 2017.