MLB Player News

Barnes allowed a hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning in Monday's 5-3 win over the Pirates.

Barnes was pretty good last season when inheriting runners, stranding 80 percent of the runners he faced -- the MLB average was 70 percent -- and he'll be used frequently to clean up starters' messes in 2017. However, he was unable to provide much help for Rick Porcello on Monday, letting both runners he inherited to come around and score.

Covey stayed behind at the White Sox's training complex in Arizona and threw 75 pitches Sunday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Covey is building up endurance in preparation for an expected start Saturday. With news that Carlos Rodon (biceps) may not return until mid-May, Covey is in position to make five or six starts in his place. Of course, it would take a bold fantasy owner to activate a starter with no experience above Double-A.

Kelly watched from the bullpen Monday as manager John Farrell went with left-hander Robby Scott and right-hander Heath Hembree to pitch the eighth inning in Boston's 5-3 win over the Pirates, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports. Farrell said following the game that he will have to mix and match "without a lockdown eighth-inning guy."

It was surprising to hear the manager's comments after he anointed Kelly the fill-in setup guy once it became apparent that Tyler Thornburg (shoulder) was going to start the season on the 10-day disabled list. Kelly looked the part of a setup guy last September, but his inability to consistently throw strikes reared its ugly head again this spring, as he walked eight in 9.2 innings. Until Kelly improves his strike-throwing, he won't be the only eighth-inning option in Boston.

Kimbrel allowed a hit, plunked a batter and struck out two while picking up the save Monday against the Pirates.

It was an unpleasant Opening Day performance for the veteran closer. Kimbrel worked his way into a full count before surrendering a well-hit double to the first batter he faced. The 28-year-old struggled with his breaking ball and needed 22 pitches to get three outs. Regardless, Kimbrel successfully completed the job and got his wheels rolling on the 2017 campaign.

McHugh (arm) will make a rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Fresno, the Houston Chronicle's Jake Kaplan reports.

McHugh is aiming for this to be his lone start in the minors before returning to the big-league rotation. The 29-year-old is currently on the 10-day disabled list and threw a 65-pitch simulated game Sunday. He did not appear in a spring training game until March 27, when he allowed three runs in 1.2 innings. The right-hander won 19 games in 2015, only to go 13-10 with a 4.34 ERA last season.

Hart made a team-high 11 appearances during spring play, managing a nifty 1.64 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 11 innings.

For the first time in his career, the 26-year-old enters Opening Day with a full-time gig in hand. Hart has put together solid minor-league numbers since being drafted by the O's in 2013. The left-handed specialist features a nasty arsenal of breaking pitches that he delivers from a low arm angle, which should help him carve out a nice niche in the bullpen.

Pruitt has the confidence of manager Kevin Cash despite struggling in his MLB debut against the Yankees on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Times reports. "It just didn't go his way," Cash said. "We're going to get him out there as soon as possible. We know he's going to get a lot of big outs for us this year."

The 27-year-old righty showed plenty of promise this spring, generating an 18:4 K:BB over 16.7 innings. However, his big-league debut was quite the opposite, as Pruitt allowed all three batters he faced to get aboard -- although one of those, Aaron Judge, reached on an error by Evan Longoria. Despite the Opening Day hiccup, it appears the Rays will be counting on Pruitt as an important component of their bullpen this season.

Farquhar fired a scoreless inning in Sunday's 7-3 victory over the Yankees, hitting Jacoby Ellsbury but also recording two strikeouts.

The veteran reliever came on in the eighth following a strong seven-inning stint by starter Chris Archer, and Farquhar set down Greg Bird and Matt Holliday on swinging strikeouts before plunking Ellsbury. However, he bounced back by promptly popping up Starlin Castro to end the inning. It was an encouraging start for the 30-year-old, who recorded 13 strikeouts over 11 spring frames but also generated a 4.91 ERA over his nine appearances.

McHugh (arm) said Sunday that he felt good following his 65-pitch simulated game that he threw a day earlier, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh has been recovering from a dead arm that plagued him for nearly all of spring training. The fact he was able to get through a lengthy simulated game without any issues is a good sign that he could be nearing a return after his time on the 10-day disabled list expires. Assuming McHugh's arm is able to return to full strength, the 29-year-old will have a good shot at regaining a spot in Houston's starting rotation.

Colome struck out one in a spotless inning of work to earn his first save of the season Sunday against the Yankees.

Colome emerged as a top fantasy reliever last season as he nailed down 37 saves with a sub-two ERA, and he looked the part Sunday as he retired the side in order. He should have plenty of opportunities to pile up saves for a more competitive Rays team this year and is off to a fine start.