MLB Player News

Scott (elbow) is scheduled to make a relief appearance in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Scott may be eased along this spring a little more slowly than the rest of Boston's relief options while he recovers from October arthroscopic elbow surgery, but his availability this early in Grapefruit League play likely means he's in little danger of missing Opening Day. The 28-year-old will have a strong argument for a LOOGY role out of the Red Sox's bullpen after compiling a 3.79 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 35.2 innings with the big club a season ago.

Johnson will start Sunday against the Orioles.

The left-handed Johnson, who is out of minor-league options, was expected to compete for a role in the bullpen but could end up in the rotation to start the season. Manager Alex Cora told Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe that Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) and Steven Wright (knee) are unlikely to open the season on the 25-man roster. That leaves a hole in the starting rotation. Cora cited Johnson along with right-hander Hector Velazquez and left-hander Roenis Elias as potential spot starters to begin the season, according to Boston Herald's Chad Jennings.

Belisle agreed Sunday to a minor-league contract with the Indians, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

Belisle will have to settle for a minor-league deal this season after posting a 4.03 ERA and recording nine saves with the Twins in 2017. Per Heyman, the veteran reliever will earn $1.5 million if he reaches the majors in 2018 and would be eligible for further incentives. In a deep Tribe bullpen, it's difficult to envision Belisle finding fantasy relevance, even in most AL-only settings.

McHugh allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over two innings in Saturday's spring game against Atlanta.

McHugh commanded well, throwing strikes on 22 of his 30 pitches and used his entire repertoire. It was an encouraging start for the right-hander, who's hoping to use a good spring to facilitate a trade. Houston's projected starting rotation does not include McHugh, so if he wants to avoid the bullpen, his best shot would be with another team.

Rumbelow exited Saturday's game against the White Sox with a cut on his right thumb, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The 26-year-old reliever allowed three hits and an earned run in two-thirds of an inning. He is competing for a job in the Mariners bullpen after being dealt from the Yankees in November. The injury seems unlikely to have a major impact on his chances of earning a big-league job.

Layne signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Saturday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Layne is set to rejoin the Red Sox after spending the past season and a half with the Yankees. Across 19 relief appearances (13 innings) for New York last year, Layne compiled a 7.62 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 9:8 K:BB. He's just one season removed from posting a respectable 3.63 ERA across 44.2 innings of work, so he could lock down an Opening Day bullpen role with an impressive spring, though he'll more likely spend the year as organizational bullpen depth for Boston.

Castro (knee) is expected to toss a bullpen session Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Castro was scratched ahead of his scheduled Grapefruit League start Sunday due to tendinitis in both knees. He received treatment on the knees, as well as his lower back, and stated that he wasn't too concerned about either ailment. If all goes well with Tuesday's bullpen, Castro will likely take the mound in a spring game next week.

Boshers struck out one in a scoreless third inning in Friday's exhibition opener against Washington.

Boshers is one of the left-handers battling to impress manager A.J. Hinch. Tony Sipp has held the lefty reliever job the past two seasons, but has not been effective in that role. Hence, guys like Boshers and Reymin Guduan are in the mix.

Coleman signed a minor-league deal with Detroit on Friday, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports.

Coleman spent the entirety of the 2017 season at the Triple-A level split between the Reds and Diamondbacks' organizations. Over 64 innings, he posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 77:32 K:BB. Though he will likely begin the 2018 campaign in Triple-A Toledo, Coleman could find his way into a low-leverage bullpen role with the Tigers by the summer.

Scott (elbow) is expected to take the mound against Baltimore on Sunday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Scott is working his way back to full health after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in mid-October. He was able to begin a throwing program in December but there hasn't been much word on his status heading into spring camp. Scott doesn't seem to have any limitations at this point, and pitching in a live game will clearly be another step forward for the southpaw.