MLB Player News

Kelly allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out six in seven innings Thursday against the Mets.

Kelly was exceptional Thursday, getting deep into the game on just 75 pitches (49 for strikes). He entered camp as the likely fifth starter and his performance -- 1.35 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 20 innings -- makes him a sure bet to part of the rotation to start the season. He'll probably move up to the fourth spot with Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) sidelined early.

Norris (back) has been diagnosed with "non-displaced fractures in his spinous process" and will not pitch for at least five days, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

According to Fenech, manager Brad Ausmus said Norris' condition sounds more serious than it actually is, but it will still keep him on the shelf for a minimum of five days. Norris' back issues flared up last weekend when he was scratched from a scheduled start, and then he proceeded to get shelled in one-third of an inning in his next outing Tuesday. He walked off the field with trainers in that outing, at which point it was announced that he suffered a setback with his back injury. Five days may be an optimistic timetable for Norris, but more information on his status figures to be made available as the week progresses.

Norris (lower back) will not be ready for the beginning of the regular season, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

After having his start moved back from Saturday to Tuesday, Norris gave up three runs over just one-third of an inning and appeared to be in discomfort while leaving the field. Even if the tightness in his back subsides within the next few days, the lefty won't be stretched out enough to make a start during the first week of the season, as he's only around 50 pitches. Shane Greene, Matt Boyd and Buck Farmer are now the candidates to fill Detroit's final rotation spot. Norris won't necessarily have the job once he's healthy, having allowed seven runs over just 6.1 innings this spring.

Collins (elbow) will need a second Tommy John surgery, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.

Collins had the first operation last spring and was hoping to return at some point during the upcoming season. He'll now miss a second straight campaign, with a return in mid-2017 likely to be the new goal. Danny Duffy will likely be the top lefty in Kansas City's bullpen.

Johnson (toe) was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday.

Johnson was able to make it back to the mound this spring following an elbow issue from last August, but his quest to make the Major League roster was derailed once again due to a mid-March toe injury. Look for the left-hander, who saw 4.1 innings in the majors last season, to operate at Triple-A until his performance or injuries on the big league roster dictate a callup.

Pressly is a heavy favorite to win a spot in the bullpen, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He has a 2.25 ERA with an 8:4 K:BB ratio in eight innings this spring.

Pressly showed promise in the bullpen with a 94.2 average mph fastball and a decent 7.1 K/9 last season, but a strained right lat muscle injury ended his season in early August. He could be among the top setup men for Glen Perkins along with Kevin Jepsen, Trevor May and Casey Fien.

Duffey could begin the season in the minors after struggling this spring as manager Paul Molitor has wavered on his spot in the rotation, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Duffey gave up six runs and two home runs in 5.2 innings Wednesday in a spring game against Triple-A Nortfolk.

Duffey already had a 6.48 ERA in major league spring starts. Molitor before had said Duffey would be in the rotation unless something "fairly significant" happened, but now he says the team's fourth and fifth starters have not been decided. Molitor ruled out Duffey moving to the bullpen, so he'd begin the season in the minors if he loses out on a spot in the rotation to Ricky Nolasco and Tommy Milone.

Chavez is ticketed for a bullpen role to start the season, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports.

He seemed like a likely addition to the rotation when the Blue Jays traded for him during the offseason, but Gavin Floyd and Aaron Sanchez have emerged as the top options for the fifth spot in the rotation. Chavez should serve as a long reliever and swingman this year, but could enter the rotation if the Jays suffer an injury or two.

Alexander was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City reports.

Alexander got his first taste of major league action near the end of last season, making four appearances and allowing three earned runs on five hits over 6.0 cumulative innings. He'll start the year in Omaha for the second consecutive season after competing for a bullpen spot with the Royals throughout spring training.

Flynn was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City reports.

Omaha is where Flynn spent the entire 2015 campaign after coming over from the Marlins organization in the offseason. He remained in competition for the Royals final bullpen spot up until this week, but he'll return to Triple-A to start the year in hopes of earning a call up at some point.