MLB Player News

Rodriguez tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in relief of Rich Hill in Monday's loss to the White Sox.

Hill failed to get out of the third inning, but Rodriguez recorded four outs to push his way through the end of the fourth. He'll likely handle a middle-relief role throughout the year in the A's rebuilt bullpen.

Giles was surprised by the Astros' decision to roll with Luke Gregerson as the primary closer to open 2016, but he's ready to do anything to help the team win, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Giles wasn't the only one surprised by the decision, as the Astros' beat writers thought he'd open 2016 in the closer role despite his rough spring. He's still likely to record a number of saves for Houston this season, but for now, it will be Gregerson getting the call as the primary option in the ninth inning.

Boxberger (abdomen) remains on target for a mid-May return, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The Rays closer played catch for the second time in his rehab process on Sunday, and is satisfied with his progress to date. "Feeling stronger and stronger every day," he said. "Feeling better each day, so the progression is going well. So we're on target for where we ought to be right now." The 27-year-old may go through a minor-league rehab assignment before returning, but that won't be determined until he's closer to getting back on the field.

Robertson picked up his first save in Monday's Opening Day win over the Athletics. He struck out one and gave up a walk, but no hits.

Robertson was able to work around the leadoff walk without incident. His peripherals were great as usual last season (12.2 K/9, 1.85 BB/9), but he finished with a mediocre 3.41 ERA. Robertson's stuff is just about as good as it gets among closers, but he last posted an ERA below 3.00 in 2013. If he can keep the ball in ballpark this year, get back to that level again.

Lamb threw three innings this spring, allowing five earned runs, six hits and one walk while striking out one.

The 25-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut, and it seems unlikely he will this year after posting a 22.50 ERA and 3.50 WHIP in spring training. Lamb will remain with Triple-A Charlotte unless he shows a massive improvement.

Luetge pitched nine innings and had an ERA of 5.00 along with a 1.56 WHIP during the spring.

The 29-year-old pitcher grabbed one save out of his two opportunities in spring training. He struck out five hitters while surrendering four walks through nine innings.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Monday morning that Luke Gregerson, not Giles, will open the season as the Astros' primary closer, Julia Morales of ROOT Sports reports.

It was thought that Giles would snag the closer's job after being acquired by the Astros this offseason, but he was touched up for seven earned runs in 9.1 innings this spring, so Hinch decided to stick to what he knows, and enter the regular season with the reliable Gregerson as his closer. There is a chance Giles could grab the ninth-inning job at some point this season, but that will likely require Gregerson to give up the role, either by injury or poor performance.

Norris (back) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, MLive.com's Chris Iott reports.

The Tigers shut Norris down late in spring training after he experienced a fracture of his left spine, and while manager Brad Ausmus initially downplayed the youngster's injury, an official return date hasn't been outlined. Once he starts throwing again and shows the back issues are behind him, Norris could push Shane Greene for the No. 5 starter gig.

Ferrell (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Once he's healthy, Ferrell is a candidate to get sent down to Triple-A Toledo, but it's possible that his return will linger on deep into the first half of the season.

Harvey (groin) is expected to begin pitching for High-A Frederick in mid-April, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Harvey will stick around at extended spring training a little longer as he tends to a strained groin, but fortunately, the young right-hander is dealing with no lingering setbacks to his elbow, which prevented him from logging a single appearance in the minors in 2015. He'll likely face a hard innings limit when he does rejoin Frederick later this month.