MLB Player News

Runzler remains in the mix to win a lefty specialist bullpen role, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He has a 2.25 ERA in eight innings this spring, but just two strikeouts. "He's come in here and has done a decent job, so it is encouraging," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He's given us something to think about."

Runzler spent 2015 in the Diamondbacks' organization with their Triple-A affiliate, posting a 5.26 ERA and 2.04 WHIP. The 30-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since 2012, but the Twins are short on left-handed relief options. He's competing with lefty Fernando Abad for a spot in the bullpen after lefty Taylor Rogers was sent to Triple-A.

Rogers was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.

Rogers was being considered for a left-handed bullpen role, but it appears he lost out to Fernando Abad for the role. Rogers was a starter last year at Triple-A and it's not clear if he'll return to the rotation or be converted to a reliever in Rochester.

Moore (1-0) threw six scoreless innings of six-hit ball in Tuesday's 4-1 exhibition victory over the Cuban National Team. He walked a batter and struck out three.

Moore continued building on what has been an outstanding spring, now having surrendered just two earned runs over 16.1 spring innings. The 26-year-old southpaw's arm appears primed for the rigors of the regular season, and fully recovered from April 2014 Tommy John surgery. Moore figures to have one more extended start, likely on Sunday, before making an abbreviated appearance prior to the conclusion of the exhibition slate.

Ferrell has been shut down with shoulder impingement, reports The Detroit News.

The tendons and bursa are inflamed and the swelling is pinching parts of the rotator cuff. Ferrell said he pitched through the pain most of last year and during the Arizona Fall League, so at this point, it seems to be chronic. Detroit's pitching coach is working with him on a mechanical change to shorten what is characterized as an "exaggerated" backswing. But there is no timetable for Ferrell to resume his throwing program.

Tonkin threw two scoreless innings in Tuesday's spring training win over Baltimore. He had given up seven runs in his first five innings this spring.

Tonkin does have five strikeouts and no walks. He'll need a few more good outings this spring to win a bullpen role as it's not clear if he'll make the final 25-man roster.

Barnes appears to be a good bet to make the roster after it was announced Carson Smith will begin the season on the disabled list with a forearm injury, the Providence Journal reports.

Smith's injury means at least one bullpen spot opens up, and another one could crop up if Steven Wright moves into the starting rotation for the injured Eduardo Rodriguez (knee). Barnes, who hasn't allowed a run and struck out nine in 8.1 spring innings, appeared to be on pace to claim a roster spot due to the Rodriguez injury and now looks like a lock to head north. The right-handed Barnes is getting stretched out for multiple relief innings, suggesting a fifth or sixth inning role, but he has wicked heat that could play in a setup role.

Smith will begin the season on the disabled list after an MRI revealed a strained flexor mass muscle in his right forearm, Mike Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

It's expected that Smith will pitch this season, but no timetable for his return was offered up by the Red Sox upon the release of the initial report of his diagnosis Tuesday. With Smith on the shelf to begin the year, the Red Sox will have to lean more heavily on Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara as the primary links in the late-inning bridge to closer Craig Kimbrel. Smith's absence probably locks in a spot in the bullpen for Matt Barnes.

Norris (back) left Tuesday's start after allowing three earned runs over one-third of an inning, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

This is potentially concerning news for Norris, as he labored through his outing Tuesday after having his start from over the weekend rescheduled due to lower back tightness. According to Beck, Norris looked to be in discomfort as he left the mound and walked back to the Tigers' clubhouse with the training staff. Detroit will likely be mum on Norris' status until after Tuesday's exhibition game, but a setback with his back could put his spot in the rotation at risk.

Norris (back) is scheduled to start Tuesday's spring game, The Detroit News reports.

Norris was scratched from Saturday's scheduled outing due to soreness in his back, yet he still managed to throw a bullpen session Saturday. While there's been no indication that the current issue could jeopardize his availability for Opening Day, Norris is still battling Shane Greene for the final spot in the rotation.

Smith (forearm) will have an MRI on Tuesday, Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports.

Smith was removed from Monday's spring game due to cramping and tightness in his forearm. He acknowledged that he's worried about the injury, even though Red Sox manager John Farrell said Smith's removal was precautionary. Smith, Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa are all candidates to pile up holds in front of closer Craig Kimbrel.