MLB Player News

Zych (biceps) will throw a live BP session later this week, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Zych is progressing well from the biceps surgery he underwent last October, although he still isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day. The 26-year-old will face the next step in his recovery process later in the week, and if all goes well, he could move on to pitching simulated games shortly after. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready to return sometime early in the season, likely serving as the setup man for Edwin Diaz.

Boxberger (oblique) is slated to increase his activity this week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 28-year-old, who'd suffered a setback with his lat muscle during a workout last week, will test himself with an uptick in his activity in the coming days. Boxberger has yet to make his spring debut, as his current injury occurred in the midst of the former closer's preparation for his first taste of game action, which likely would have transpired last week if not for the hiccup.

McHugh (arm) is aiming to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros will have McHugh throw a live batting practice session Tuesday as a final step in his recovery from dead arm, and if all goes well, the right-hander should be able to get a few outings in before the spring draws to a close. McHugh looks on track to open the season as the Astros' No. 3 starter.

Colome, credited with a hold Sunday after getting one out in Team Dominican Republic's 10-3 World Baseball Classic victory over Team Colombia, was used in back-to-back games, a violation of the agreement team officials had with the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The hard-throwing closer had fired 13 pitches over an inning while notching the victory in Saturday's comeback win over Team USA, so he was supposed to have the day off Sunday. However, the 28-year-old was utilized to get the final out in the sixth, which he accomplished on six pitches. Although it was a brief outing by any measure, the Rays may have something to say about it, considering Colome's considerable importance to their bullpen.

Smith threw 15-to-18 pitches off a mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Although he's still a ways from returning to live action, it's good to see the 27-year-old taking the next step in his recovery. Smith will continue to move slowly through the process; he'll likely find himself staying back in Florida to face live batters in extended spring training before entering a minor league rehab assignment.

Kimbrel allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in Sunday's game against the Phillies, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

Inheriting a 4-1 lead from starter Eduardo Rodriguez, Kimbrel promptly walked the first batter he faced despite getting up 0-2. A couple steals and a couple hits later, the Phillies plated three runs. Kimbrel was not pleased at leaving some balls up -- "on a tee for them to hit," in his words -- while Red Sox manager John Farrell noted the lack of finish on Kimbrel's breaking ball. Kimbrel said he'll continue to get his reps in and try to clean up Sunday's mistakes during bullpen sessions.

Neal was reassigned to minor league camp Sunday.

Neal got into 24 games with the big club last season, posting a 4.24 ERA and 27 strikeouts over 70 innings. He fared better at Triple-A Nashville with a 3.21 ERA in just over 61 innings, so clearly the organization feels -- at least at this point in his career -- that the 28-year-old is best suited to further seasoning in the minors before he's ready for full-time duty with the A's.

Crockett tossed a scoreless inning, allowing two hits and no walks while failing to record a strikeout in Sunday's matchup with the Padres.

Crockett entered camp as a big underdog to win a bullpen gig, but he hasn't done himself any favors this month. Over his last five Cactus League outings, the 25-year-old lefty has given up three runs on eight hits over five innings, while being charged with a blown save in Thursday's contest against the Angels. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, Crockett is unlikely to don an Indians jersey during the regular season.

Colome was credited with the victory in Team Dominican Republic's 7-5 victory over Team USA in Saturday's World Baseball Classic matchup, giving up just one walk over an inning.

Colome came on in the top of the eighth with Team Dominican Republic on the wrong end of a 5-3 score and worked around a walk in an otherwise clean frame. He then was put in position for the win courtesy of Nelson Cruz's three-run homer and Ketel Marte's solo shot in the home half of the inning. Colome got through the frame in just 13 pitches, with the strong showing an extension of the two perfect stanzas he'd already thrown in a pair of spring appearances for the Rays before the WBC.

Rutckyj was sent to minor league camp Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

During his limited action in the Grapefruit League, Rutckyj was a liability on the mound. Over just 2.1 innings, he gave up seven runs (five earned) off five hits and three walks. Rutckyj will likely start the season at Double-A Trenton and give the Yankees further organizational depth.