MLB Player News

Leone was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Leone put together a nice spring as he was vying for a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen, posting a 3.09 ERA with a 15:4 K:BB across 11.2 innings. The 25-year-old has struggled since he enjoyed success as a rookie with the Mariners in 2014. Leone will head to Triple-A Buffalo and try to work himself into a middle-relief role.

Schultz (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday and will miss the entire 2017 season, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

Early indications were that Schultz was just undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow, but the right-hander opted to go with the Tommy John procedure after ligament damage was detected. With Schultz facing a 12-to-18 month timeline for his recovery, he'll end up having missed much of the past two seasons due to injury, after hip surgery last offseason sidelined him until late June. Given the health questions surrounding Schultz along with the fact that he'll be 32 years old when next spring rolls around, it wouldn't be surprised if he was non-tendered next fall.

Red Sox manager John Farrell confirmed that Scott earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

With Tyler Thornburg dealing with a shoulder impingement and set to open the season on the DL, Scott will take his place in the bullpen, giving Farrell three lefty relievers to choose from in any given game. In his first exposure of the big leagues last season, Scott tossed six scoreless innings, conceding six hits and two walks while striking out five batters. He'll be slated for lower-leverage work initially, but could move up the pecking order in the bullpen if his performance warrants it.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Martinez was unable to secure a long-relief role after getting lit up to the tune of an 8.66 ERA and 1.87 WHIP in 17.2 innings during spring training. He'll likely slot into the rotation at Round Rock for the time being and could reemerge as a swingman for the Rangers later in the season if injuries thin the pitching ranks.

Burdi was reassigned to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, CSN Chicago's Dan Hayes reports.

Burdi was vying for a bullpen gig in spring training, but the White Sox decided that the hard-throwing youngster was better served gaining some more development time at Triple-A. His demotion means that Anthony Swarzak and Michael Ynoa have claimed the final two openings in the White Sox's bullpen.

McHugh (arm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Saturday in Florida, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.

The Astros have already indicated that McHugh will open the season on the 10-day DL after he was slowed by a case of dead arm in spring training, and the right-hander is still in the process of building up his pitch count. After being tagged for three runs and five hits over 1.2 innings Monday against the Cardinals, McHugh looks like he still has some issues to resolve, so he'll toss approximately 75 pitches Saturday before the Astros reassess his condition. If the simulated game goes well, McHugh is expected to head to a minor-league affiliate for one start next week before being activated. Mike Fiers looks most at risk of losing his rotation spot once McHugh is deemed ready to go.

Manger Brad Ausmus said Norris (arm) felt fine after playing catch Tuesday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Norris, slated to be the Tigers' third starter this season, says he experienced the ailment while allowing nine runs in Monday's game. It appears he's on track to return to action before Opening Day, however, barring any unforeseen setbacks.

Smith (elbow) noted that he experienced some tightness after his bullpen session a week ago, but still plans on throwing again next week, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

It doesn't appear that the soreness is anything out of the ordinary for Smith, who is working his arm back to full strength following Tommy John surgery in May of 2016. He's hopeful to return to game action at some point in June, but he still has many hurdles to overcome in his recovery before the Red Sox will provide a clearer timetable. Look for Smith to open the season on the 60-day DL in order to give the Red Sox a little more roster flexibility.

Garton was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander turned in a 7:2 K:BB in 8.1 Grapefruit League innings, but also gave up 10 hits, including two home runs. Garton figures to ride the shuttle throughout most of the season, assuming he pitches well enough at Triple-A to maintain his 40-man spot. He was promoted to the majors on four occasions last year.

Tonkin has made the final roster as a reliever, Phil Miller of The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

The right-hander had plenty of opportunities to prove his worth this spring, compiling a 4.38 ERA over 12.1 innings in Grapefruit League play. Tonkin will look to improve upon a mediocre 2016 campaign in which he finished with a 5.02 ERA over 65 appearances along with an 80:24 K:BB ratio. Look for him to serve regularly as a middle reliever.