MLB Player News

Smith was diagnosed with cramping in his forearm and will undergo further tests, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Manager John Farrell said the decision to pull Smith from Monday's game was only precautionary, and as of now it appears the right-hander has avoided a serious injury. Look for a more definitive update within the next couple of days.

Smith exited Monday's spring game with an apparent arm injury, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

The extent of Smith's setback will not be known until the Red Sox release a statement, but both he and a team trainer were spotted looking at his forearm on the TV broadcast, so it would appear his injury is located at the elbow or below.

Jackson (back) is expected to throw from the mound Tuesday, the team's web site reports.

The action on Tuesday will be Jackson's first in over two weeks, but it remains to be seen how much action he'll get in exhibition games before beginning the season at Triple-A Round Rock.

Manager Robin Ventura said he and pitching coach Don Cooper have liked what they've seen from Fulmer this spring, the Chicago Tribune reports.

"He's making some adjustments and really putting himself on the radar for a couple of needs that might arise," Ventura said, later mentioning Fulmer's development of a cutter and split-finger change. General manager Rick Hahn dismissed the idea earlier in camp of Fulmer making the big league team in 2016, but it appears Ventura thinks otherwise. Note, Ventura did not specify if the "needs" would be in the rotation or bullpen, or at what point in the season that situation could arise.

Farmer remains in camp and has an outside chance at the final rotation spot, reports MLive.com.

Daniel Norris and Shane Greene seem to be the frontrunners for the fifth spot, but Farmer and Matt Boyd could sneak through the middle to grab the gig. "We haven't made a decision on it," said manager Brad Ausmus. "It'll come down to the end ... or close to the end." Farmer's stuff -- a good fastball that doesn't move much, a plus-potential change-up and a fringe slider/curve -- plays better in the pen, so that's probably where he ends up. But only Ausmus knows right now.

Flynn has given up eight runs in six innings this spring, but remains in the mix for a final spot in the Kansas City bullpen, MLB.com reports.

Flynn looks like a long shot, but he does have four strikeouts and no walks in his six spring innings. At least Flynn is showing he's healthy after struggling with a back injury last season.

Kelly allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out five Saturday against the Cardinals, the Boston Globe reports.

Kelly threw all four of his pitches for strikes, was able to get back into counts with his off-speed stuff, and gained rhythm as the game went along. He's been the best starter in Boston's camp, having permitted two runs on 13 hits and five walks while striking out 12 in 13 innings. The right-hander solidified his spot in the rotation.

Armstrong (back) was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

The training staff recently cleared Armstrong to return to live action after he missed more than two weeks with back tightness. His first appearance back was one to forget, as Armstrong gave up two runs on two hits and did not record an out against the Reds on Thursday. The 25-year-old averaged more than 14 strikeouts per nine at Triple-A last season and carried that success over to the major league level late in the year, so he should be among the first relievers called up in-season so long as he keeps the walks in check.

Fulmer was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, the Detroit Free Press reports.

As expected, Fulmer will open the year with the Toledo Mud Hens. The Tigers simply weren't able to find innings for their No. 1 prospect as a starter, though he's a candidate to be called up later in the year in the event of an injury or roster shakeup.

Farquhar (1-0) surrendered one hit and no runs over 1.2 innings in Friday's 5-1 spring victory over the Red Sox. He also struck out a batter.

Competing for a spot in the Rays bullpen, the 29-year-old bounced back after surrendering four hits and an earned run over two innings against the Red Sox on Mar. 13. Farquhar has posted a solid 1.35 ERA and notched five strikeouts over 6.2 innings so far this spring.