MLB Player News

Harvey (groin) recently felt some discomfort while throwing, MASN Sports' Roch Kubatko reports.

It looks like the young hurler could be dealing with another setback with his strained groin, an injury he suffered late in spring training. Harvey has already had his career sidetracked due to elbow issues the past two seasons, and while his latest ailment isn't quite as concerning, it still has to be frustrating for the Orioles that he's once again delayed heading into a season. Since being drafted in the first round by the Orioles in June 2013, Harvey has amassed just 113 innings across three minor-league levels.

Jackson (back) was sent to Triple-A Round Rock for a rehab assignment Saturday, Rangers VP of communications John Blake reports.

Jackson is still recovering from a stress fracture in his back, but this is certainly a step in the right direction. It's unclear how long he'll remain on the DL, but he figures to make multiple appearances for Round Rock before a potential call-up.

Kelly allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four in three-plus innings in Friday night's 8-7 win over Toronto.

Kelly was okay through the first three innings, but fell apart in the fourth when his slider became less effective and he was falling behind hitters. He blamed his mechanics out of the stretch, according to the Providence Journal, while manager John Farrell lamented him losing control of the count. Whatever the root cause, it was another display of Kelly's inconsistency, a discouraging sign after his stellar finish to the 2015 season.

Sadzeck threw six scoreless innings with three strikeouts, a walk and a hit batter Friday for Double-A Frisco. "He's got plus stuff," Frisco manager Joe Mikulik told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. "His fastball is above average and the ability to throw his secondary stuff was really effective."

Sadzeck had a 9.61 ERA in six starts in Double-A last year after a strong season at High-A (3.98 ERA and 48:24 K:BB in 40.2 innings). He could move up to Triple-A with a strong first few months of the season.

Diekman closed out Texas' 7-3 win over Anaheim on Friday.

Diekman has pitched well this season and would be the co-favorite (along with Sam Dyson) to emerge as the closer if Shawn Tolleson's recent struggles continue for a bit longer. He needed just 12 pitches to retire the final three batters Friday, striking out a pair.

Kimbrel recorded his first save by pitching a perfect ninth in Friday's 8-7 victory over the Blue Jays. He also struck out a batter.

The 27-year-old right-hander was solid for the second straight appearance, and a walk given up in his first outing versus the Indians is the sole blemish in his otherwise pristine stat line so far. The former Braves and Padres closer is expected to have plenty of ninth-inning opportunities in which to rack up strikeouts and saves this season.

Barnes (1-0) pitched a scoreless inning in Friday's 8-7 victory over the Blue Jays.

The 25-year-old right-hander now has two consecutive scoreless appearances, and needed only nine pitches to get out of a perfect sixth inning. After posting a 1.65 wHIP over 43 innings in 2015, Barnes has encouragingly only issued one free pass over his first two trips to the mound this season.

Santiago allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out seven Rangers in six innings Thursday.

He didn't receive a decision after leaving with the lead, as the Angels' bullpen let the tying run score. Considering he's still just 28 years old and has posted ERAs between 3.56 and 3.75 with solid strikeout rates for each of the last three seasons, Santiago doesn't get a whole lot of love in fantasy, but he's exactly the kind of un-sexy name who offers a neat profit to owners who snagged him at the end of their draft or even the waiver wire.

Graveman (0-1) gave up two runs, three hits and one walk while striking out four in a losing effort Thursday against the White Sox.

Graveman, who was still feeling the effects of a stomach flu, threw five scoreless innings before walking Melky Cabrera and giving up a two-run homer to Jose Abreu, MLB.com reports. The right-hander, acquired by the A's in the Josh Donaldson trade, won a rotation spot despite an 18:11 K:BB and 4.73 ERA over 26.2 innings this spring. Even with the loss, Thursday's performance should have given Graveman a longer leash to work with going forward.

Johnson has thrown three starts during training camp following his toe injury and is up to 80 pitches, Sox Prospects reports.

Johnson is gearing up for his first start for Triple-A Pawtucket, and though he admits he'll be restricted, he's hoping to go five innings. After making his major league debut in 2015, Johnson has to work on a few of the finer points of pitching to take the next step and stay in the big leagues. Things like pitch sequencing and understanding the batter he's facing are the areas on which he needs to focus.