MLB Player News

Boxberger (back) has been cleared to throw and is working toward starting a throwing program, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The veteran reliever is on the disabled list to start a season for the second consecutive year, and he's yet to take the mound in any type of official game action in 2017 after missing all of spring training. The latest news is naturally another step in the right direction for Boxberger, who figures to be relied on heavily as a setup man to closer Alex Colome in 2017.

Giles closed out Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Seattle, earning his second save in as many games by working around a hit with two strikeouts.

Giles posted a subpar ERA (4.11) and WHIP (1.29) last season, but he has been terrific to start out 2017, striking out five of eight batters faced while allowing just two baserunners through two innings. Four of his five strikeouts came via his wipeout slider.

Manaea gave up four runs on five hits and two walks over six innings against the Angels on Tuesday. He struck out four and avoided a decision.

A second-inning rally -- mostly a parade of singles -- accounted for the majority of the damage against him, leading to a disappointing season debut. Nonetheless, Manaea remains a key part of the Oakland rotation who ought to put up good numbers for fantasy owners, as he has strikeout stuff and does a decent job keeping the ball on the ground. If he can make strides in both those departments this year, he'll turn into a top-tier pitcher; if he can't, he'll still be usable roster filler.

Green will pitch at High-A Tampa on Thursday, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports.

This measure is just temporary, as it's expected that poor weather will prevent Green from pitching an upcoming game at Double-A Trenton. At the moment, the big club is able to get by using a four-man rotation, however the Yankees will need a fifth starter April 16. If Green can string together a series of solid outings, the possibility exists that he could earn said spot. During the 2016 season, Green pitched in 12 major-league games (eight of which were starts) and allowed 24 runs over 45.2 innings.

Strahm coughed up four runs on two hits and two walks while recording just one out in a 7-1 loss to the Twins on Monday.

Called into the game in the seventh inning with the game tied at 1-1, Strahm surrendered two singles and loaded the bases with an intentional walk before walking Robbie Grossman to hand the Twins the lead. Strahm then received the hook from manager Ned Yost, and Travis Wood was unable to clean up Strahm's mess, as he allowed all three of his inherited runners to score. While it was a disappointing start to the season for Strahm, it appears he'll still be earmarked for a vital role in the Royals bullpen as part of the bridge to closer Kelvin Herrera following a successful debut season.

De Leon was placed on the minor-league DL after experiencing minor discomfort in the flexor mass muscle in his forearm last week, the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin reports.

He has been prescribed rest for the ailment, but this is still somewhat concerning. De Leon's innings were going to be limited anyway, after he logged just 103.1 innings in 2016, so this simply alters when he gets his 2017 innings, assuming rest is all he needs to overcome the issue. He will be held back in extended spring training while he builds up strength and will then be activated at Durham.

De Leon will open the year on the 7-day DL at Triple-A Durham with an undisclosed injury, the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin reports.

Minor-league rosters are starting to surface, and De Leon was notably listed as one of the players who will open the year on the DL at Durham. Topkin said he would look into the reason for the righty's placement on the DL, and we will update his status when a specific injury is provided.

Pomeranz (forearm) threw close to 90 pitches over six innings in a minor league game Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. "There was an uptick in overall stuff. It was an encouraging day for him," manager John Farrell said.

The goals of this outing were to build up his pitch count and an overall improvement in the quality of his pitches. Pomeranz checked both boxes, according to Farrell, who said they haven't discussed the next step for the left-hander. He's eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list Sunday in Detroit, the first time Boston will need a fifth starter. If the Red Sox want to hold him back for one more outing, the best fill-in option is Kyle Kendrick.

Graveman (1-0) pitched six innings, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven in a 4-2 Opening Day victory over the Angels on Monday.

Graveman, a groundball artist not typically known for strikeout stuff, impressed in his first start of the season. The two runs he allowed came on a two-run dinger by none other than Mike Trout. While the strikeout total Monday night was nice, don't expect that kind of production moving forward, as Graveman has just a 5.6 K/9 in his career.

Giles pitched the ninth inning with one walk and three strikeouts to earn his first save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Mariners on Monday.

Giles is attractive as a top-10 fantasy closer because of his high-90s heater and impressive strikeout rate (14.0 K/9 in 2016). Luke Gregerson and Will Harris could be a threat to his role if he struggles, but Giles is in prime position to rack up plenty of saves for a contending club.