MLB Player News

Colome will pitch for Team Dominican in the WBC, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The Rays' closer will be a part of Team Dominican's WBC title defense, joining a deep pitching pool that includes the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez and the Giants' Johnny Cueto as linchpins, and the likes of the Braves' Bartolo Colon and the Pirates' Ivan Nova as second-tier options. Colome was a revelation for the Rays last season in the closer's role after Brad Boxberger struggled with multiple injuries, successfully converting 37 of 40 save chances and posting a sparkling 1.91 ERA over 56.2 innings.

Girodo was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Thursday, Blue Jays radio broadcaster Mike Wilner reports.

The move clears room on the roster for J.P. Howell, whom the Blue Jays recently inked to a deal. The 26-year-old failed to capitalize in his limited major league opportunities last season, posting a 4.35 ERA with a 5:2 K:BB ratio across 10.1 innings.

Axford will play for Team Canada in this year's WBC, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

The veteran reliever, who compiled 15 holds and three saves (in 10 chances) along with a 6-4 record and 3.97 ERA across 65.2 innings in 2016, will be part of a pitching staff that will include fellow major leaguers Andrew Albers and Kevin Chapman.

Fulmer was selected to the United States' designated pitcher pool for the World Baseball Classic.

After a breakout rookie season, Fulmer has put himself on the map at a high level. A team can use up to 10 designated pitchers but can't have more than two on its active roster at a time, meaning Fulmer's role on the squad could fluctuate from round to round. He's not listed as active for the initial games in the tournament, but could become active before the next round.

Smith will spend spring training competing with a stable of arms for one of just two openings in the team's bullpen, MLB.com reports.

To call Smith the underdog in this race would be an understatement, as the 28-year-old right-hander will be the only one in the group without MLB experience. In 2016, Smith saved a career-high 15 games while posting a 1.93 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 81 strikeouts in 60.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. Even if he survives camp, Smith won't hold much fantasy value as he'd be limited to low-leverage situations.

Mengden underwent right foot surgery after fracturing a bone during a bullpen session, Susan Slusser of The San Fransisco Chronicle reports.

Mengden, who was competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, will be in a walking boot for six weeks and there is no timetable for his return to action. The right-hander finished his rookie season 2-9 with a 6.50 ERA, but showed signs of improvement as the year progressed. Mengden's injury means Andrew Triggs will likely be the fifth starter for Oakland.

Jimenez is likely to start the season in the minors but could get called up at some point, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Jimenez climbed all the way from Class A Advanced Lakeland to Triple-A Toledo during an outstanding 2016 season, and it earned him an invitation to major league camp this spring. GM Al Avila said the organization wants Jimenez to spend more time in the minors before he gets the call, but in Detroit's subpar bullpen, that call could come sooner rather than later. Jimenez projects as a potential closer down the road.

Adams was designated for assignment by the Indians on Tuesday, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

A spot was needed with Boone Logan's signing becoming official and Adams was the roster casualty. The 30-year-old struggled to a 9.82 ERA in 19 appearances with the Indians last season, but he had a 41:9 K:BB in 37.2 innings at Triple-A and he can pump his fastball in at over 96 mph on average. Adams figures to draw interest while on waivers.

Mahle will compete for a spot in the bullpen this spring.

Mahle's big league debut didn't go as he had planned, finishing with a 5.40 ERA and a mediocre 1.40 K/BB ratio. He will have to do a better job at limiting the walks while throwing a fastball that sits in the high 80s. Despite the disappointing debut, Mahle will compete for a back of the bullpen job due to the Angels' lack of organizational arms.

Barnes led Boston's bullpen with 62 appearances in 2016. He finished with a 4.05 ERA while striking out 71 and walking 31 in 66.2 innings.

Barnes had one really bad month, skewing his overall numbers, but he was entrusted in high-leverage situations, inheriting 51 runners (ninth in MLB) and stranded 40 of them. He should remain in a middle-relief role with stretches of set up work in 2017.