MLB Player News

Robertson (knee) threw a scoreless inning during Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Robertson surrendered a hit and struck out one during his one-inning stint. The knee appears to be sound as he readies himself for participation in the World Baseball Classic.

May threw 1.2 scoreless innings allowing one hit with two walks and one strikeout in his spring debut in Sunday's win over Washington.

May is competing for the fifth starter job after working out of the bullpen last season. May looked set to become a key factor in Minnesota's bullpen last season, but his year was sidetracked with a stress fracture in his back that helped result in a a 5.27 ERA and 1.5 HR/9. With a 12.66 K/9 and a 93.9 mph average fastball last season, he'll be an intriguing option if he's able to win a spot in the rotation.

Yates threw a clean inning in his Cactus League debut Saturday. He will compete for a bullpen job this spring.

Yates had terrible numbers as a Yankee last season (5.23 ERA and 1.45 WHIP), but he does posses big strikeout potential (10.9 K/9) and there is opportunity available in the back end of the Angels' bullpen. Saturday's clean inning was a good start, but he will have to prove himself to earn a spot on the 25-man roster come April.

Fulmer allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three in two scoreless innings Saturday against the Dodgers.

Fulmer got the starting nod in the White Sox's Cactus League opener and picked up where he left off last season. Both of his baserunners reached in the first inning, but he was able to pitch himself out of that jam. The right-hander was able to establish his fastball and cutter, though his curveball and changeup weren't in game shape.

Chargois gave up a run with two hits over one inning in his spring debut Saturday.

Chargois will compete for a bullpen role this spring. He had a 1.29 ERA with 41 strikeouts against just eight walks in 35.0 innings last year at Triple-A, but struggled in the majors with a 4.70 ERA and ugly 17:12 K:BB ratio. With a high 90s fastball and strong strikeout rate (10.5 K/9 at Triple-A), Chargois could be a dark horse candidate to take over the closer role if Brandon Kintzler struggles and Glen Perkins fails to return from injury.

Hendriks has informed Team Australia that he may be available if they advance to the second round of the World Baseball Classic, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Hendriks withdrew from the WBC on Saturday because he doesn't feel he's where he needs to be for high-intensity games after he spent a good portion of last season on the DL with elbow inflammation. Whether he plays or not, Hendriks appears to be focused on preparing for the season in the most efficient way possible.

Fulmer will start the White Sox' spring opener Saturday against the Dodgers, Scott Merkin of the team's official site reports.

Fulmer gets the honor of kicking off the Cactus League for the White Sox after he was battered around by major league hitters in 2016 when he pitched out of the bullpen. However, he feels a switch was turned on late last year when he allowed one run over his final 15 innings at Triple-A Charlotte. The Knights' pitching coach, Richard Dotson, got Fulmer to stand taller during his delivery, a tweak that gave him more angle and was the difference between getting hit hard and forcing weak contact. Fulmer will return to being a starter in 2017 and is expected to start the season at Charlotte.

Stanek, who surrendered one infield hit and one walk over one inning in Friday's 3-1 Grapefruit League victory over the Twins, opened eyes with his velocity, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "Ryne Stanek, obviously, with the big fastball was impressive,'' Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "You can't overlook the velocity, it's pretty impressive.''

The 25-year-old righty generated an unsightly 4-10 record and 4.30 ERA over 102.2 innings between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham last season, but also rang up 113 whiffs courtesy of his big league arm. Stanek lit up the radar gun Friday, hitting 99 mph twice and 98 mph on nine other pitches. He was at 97 mph or above for 16 offerings overall, and threw in four sliders between 90 and 93 mph for good measure. With that level of stuff, Stanek stands a chance to at least make a case for a call-up later in the season with a solid spring.

Puk, the 2016 sixth overall pick, impressed Friday while facing hitters for the second time, Joe Stiglich of CSN Bay Area reports.

The 21-year-old lefty has looked like he belongs in big league camp so far, and added to his solid body of work with Friday's session. He gave up minimal hard contact and was particularly effective with his changeup. Puk should make his Cactus League debut in the coming days and could start the season at the High-A level with a strong spring.

Hendriks has decided not to pitch for Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

His decision to withdraw from the WBC does not appear to be injury-related, but instead just a personal decision not to go. The 28-year-old right-hander will now have the opportunity to spend the entirety of spring training with the Athletics, as he looks to get himself ready for another season in Oakland's bullpen.