MLB Player News

Boxberger (abdomen), whose closer job has already been guaranteed by manager Kevin Cash when he's ready to return, threw another batting practice session Monday, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The session unfolded in the Rays' spring training home of Port Charlotte, and depending on how Boxberger feels Tuesday, could lead to an extended spring camp game appearance. Boxberger would then potentially move on to his official rehab assignment, and eventually return to his late-inning closer role that has been capably held down by Alex Colome to date this season.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Boxberger (abdomen) will serve as the team's closer when he returns from the disabled list, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Despite converting each of his nine save opportunities so far, Alex Colome will move to a setup role once Boxberger returns, which should happen some time between mid-May and early June. Boxberger led the American League with 41 saves last season.

Robertson blew his second save of the season in Monday's game against the Rangers. He pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits while issuing a walk.

Pitching for the second consecutive day, Robertson was called on with two outs in the eighth inning and immediately gave up an RBI-double to Ian Desmond which tied the game at 3-3. The White Sox scored in the top of the ninth, giving Robertson a chance to pick up his first win of 2016. Unfortunately, a walk, sacrifice and RBI-single sent the game into extras, and left Robertson with a disappointing appearance. After walking just three batters in 10 April appearances, the right-hander has already dished out three free passes in 4.1 innings this month. Despite the rough start to May, Robertson is one of the game's premier closers, and there's no reason to believe that will change any time soon.

Moore allowed two runs on seven hits and four walks with six strikeouts in just 4.2 innings in a no-decision Monday against Seattle.

Things could have gone much worse for Moore, who managed to scatter his 11 baserunners because he was able to find big strikeouts when he needed them. He induced 13 swinging strikes and got five of his six strikeouts with runners in scoring position. All those jams, however, meant Moore needed 98 pitches to record 14 outs. He has allowed at least 10 baserunners in three of his past four starts, and while he has 22 strikeouts in that span, it won't matter how nasty he is if he can't find a way to keep the bases clear.

Diaz will transition into a relief pitcher, Jason Churchill of Prospect Insider reports.

Diaz is widely considered to be Seattle's top prospect, but even then, he wasn't expected to be the club's future ace while spending the past four seasons working his way up the farm system. The ability to reach high-90s with his fastball certainly suggests a role as a closer could work out just fine, but he's still not in line to join the Mariners until the 2017 season.

Hendriks has been dealing with an elbow injury for several days, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Hendriks most recently pitched Saturday against the Orioles where he gave up three earned runs over just 1.2 innings of work. The severity of his injury remains unclear, but the rest of Oakland's bullpen will need to fill in if Hendriks is ultimately slated for a stint on the DL.

X-rays on Axford's left foot came back negative after being hit by a liner from Xander Bogaerts on Monday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Axford actually remained in the game to pitch a full inning where he gave up four earned runs on two hits. While there still may be lingering soreness, it doesn't appear that Axford will need a day off to rest his ailing foot.

Chapman made his long-awaited debut on Monday against the Royals, surrendering a run on on two hits while striking out two.

The Cuban hurler has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last six years, recording 146 saves with a 2.17 ERA. He should assume a spot in the back of the Yankee bullpen in short order, though it is worth noting that Andrew Miller has yet to allow a run this year as the interim closer.

Rays' manager Kevin Cash said Monday that Andriese will remain in the starting rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Andriese had a solid 2016 MLB debut against the Angels where he allowed only three runs over 7.0 innings of work, ultimately picking up the win. Another start or two will determine if Andriese's first outing was legit, especially after an ERA of 4.11 over 25 appearances for the Rays last season.

Chapman is back from his 30-game suspension and available to pitch Monday against Kansas City.

The corresponding roster move for Chapman's activation is believed to be the demotion of Johnny Barbato, but the Yankees did not include a transaction in conjunction with the release of their starting lineup. Nevertheless, Chapman could quickly assume the closer role for the Yankees despite Andrew Miller's dominance this season.