MLB Player News

Kurcz has re-signed with the A's on a minor league contract, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The right-hander racked up nine wins in relief in 2016 between Double-A Midland and Triple-A Nashville, posting a 3.03 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 55:17 K:BB over a combined 68.1 innings. While the Chronicle report made no mention of a spring training invite, Kurcz may be among the top candidates for an in-season callup if the A's are forced to dip into the system for bullpen help.

Chavez agreed to a one-year, $5.75 million contract with the Angels on Friday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports.

According to the report, Chavez was signed to be a starter. He pitched exclusively out of the bullpen in 2016, posting a 4.43 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 62 appearances between Toronto and Los Angeles. He was largely done in by the long ball, giving up 12 homers in 67 innings, but seven of those were surrendered in just 26.1 innings at Rogers Centre. The move to Anaheim should help some in that regard although Angel Stadium was more favorable for home runs than normal in 2016.

Devenski is expected to prepare for a starting role this winter, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Both Devenski and Michael Feliz will prepare as starters but one or both could transition back to relief. General manager Jeff Luhnow acknowledged that that the organization has not determined whether the players are starters or relievers long term. Devenski was excellent last season, posting a 2.16 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 104:20 K:BB over 108.1 innings (2.34 FIP). He seems like the better bet of the two to stick as a starter, and if he does, Devenski should gain steam as a popular late-round target in drafts.

Mantiply was claimed off waivers by the Yankees on Tuesday.

Mantiply struggled mightily at the major league level following a surprise September callup from Double-A, but his minor league numbers are actually fairly impressive. Mantiply likely won't be a major contributor at the major league level at the beginning of the 2017 season, but if he can replicate his strong 2016 campaign at the Triple-A level, the left-hander could be a candidate to move into the Yankees bullpen toward the end of the season thanks to his historically excellent control.

The Red Sox are anticipating a June 1 return date for Smith (elbow), the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham reports.

He had Tommy John surgery on May 24, and as a reliever he could reasonably return roughly 12 months later. Smith probably won't see high-leverage work right away but could pitch his way into a setup role by July or August.

Kiekhefer was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Friday.

Kiekhefer was stellar out of the bullpen for Triple-A Memphis in the Cardinals organization (2.08 ERA, 2.11 BB/9 in 2016), and although he didn't find as much success at the major league level, his performance still intrigued the Mariners enough to warrant a roster move. The left-hander doesn't overwhelm anyone with strikeouts, but his excellent command could help him vie for a bullpen spot in Seattle out of spring training.

VerHagen (shoulder) was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list Friday.

VerHagen underwent thoracic outlet surgery in July, although it's unclear how far he is in his recovery process. Regardless, the right-hander now has his spot on the 40-man roster back and will likely be ready to compete for a bullpen spot from the beginning of spring training.

Smith (forearm) was activated from the 60-day DL on Thursday.

Although he was activated from the disabled list, there's no timeframe for Smith's eventual return. Smith underwent Tommy John Surgery in May, but has begun throwing activities. A more clear indication as to when he'll be back should be available closer to spring training.

Weber was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old righty made two starts in the big leagues and five at Triple-A in the Braves organization last year, but he primarily worked in relief. It is unclear how the Mariners will deploy him, but he has limited upside in both roles.

Robertson has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to clean up his meniscus, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Robertson apparently was pitching through the ailment for a while, although it didn't seem to inhibit him much during the season as he posted 37 saves. The White Sox are confident that the right-hander will be able to pitch without restriction when spring training rolls around, so this procedure likely will not affect his outlook for the upcoming season.