MLB Player News

Runzler was signed by the Twins to a minor league contract Tuesday.

Runzler spent 2015 in the Giants' 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 a bit thin in the left-handed pitching department. Runzler past performance isn't all that promising, but if he can turn his numbers around in spring training, he could compete to be a member of the Twins' bullpen.

Barnes, who pitched both as a starter and reliever in 2015, will pitch exclusively out of the bullpen in 2016, WEEI.com reports. "With Matt Barnes, our plans are for him to come to spring training, and we've already talked to him about this, and really focus in on the bullpen, to try to help us with that power arm out there," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said.

The move makes sense. Barnes is a power arm (mid-90s fastball) and the Red Sox bullpen lacked those types of arms last season. It also allows the young right-hander to focus exclusively on one role and how he needs to pitch in order to be successful in that role.

Farquhar was traded to the Rays on Thursday as part of a six-player deal, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Farquhar made 43 appearances with the Mariners in 2015, striking out 48 batters while walking 17 across 51.0 innings. Even in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field, Farquhar gave up six of his nine home runs at home. He'll likely compete for a spot in the Rays bullpen out of spring training.

Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris has reported through Instagram that he hadd successful surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his thyroid.

As a result of the surgery, Norris is now cancer-free. He should be good to go for the 2016 season.

Johnson (elbow) has been playing catch several days per week, having thrown out to a maximum of 90 feet, WEEI.com reports.

Johnson experienced some elbow discomfort during a minor-league start and August and was eventually shut down for the regular season. An MRI revealed no structural damage and Johnson avoided a surgical intervention. He made his MLB debut last season, making one start in July for Boston, but probably is most likely headed back to Triple-A Pawtucket to start the 2016 season.

Pomeranz had successful arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

This type of surgery generally indicates a shorter recovery timeline, so it's assumed the left-hander should be ready for spring training in 2016. It's unclear heading into the offseason where the A's plan on using Pomeranz -- he did make nine starts in 2015, but he seemed to be much more effective out of the bullpen, posting a 2.61 ERA in 44 appearances.

Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris will have surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his thyroid in the near future, the Tigers' official site reports.

Norris shared the diagnosis and the treatment plan on social media Monday, but he has known that he was going to have the procedure since first receiving the news from doctors in May.

Norris fared well after he was sent to Detroit as part of the deal that placed David Price in Toronto, carrying a 27:7 K:BB over 36 2/3 innings (eight starts) with the Tigers. It's expected that Norris will make a full recovery from surgery and be ready for the start of spring training.

The Blue Jays designated infielder Darwin Barney for assignment Monday, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

Barney will be sent down to clear a spot for Pat Venditte on the 40-man roster. The club acquired Barney in September, so the 29 year old was already ineligible to join the team's postseason roster.

Pitcher Pat Venditte was claimed off waivers Monday by the Blue Jays.

Venditte made his major league debut this season, working to a 4.40 ERA in 26 appearances. He should have the opportunity to earn a major league roster spot next season in spring training.

Astros pitcher Collin McHugh will start Game 5 of the American League Division Series in Kansas City on Wednesday.

McHugh will be looking for his second win of the series after picking up the victory in Game 1. He is slated to square off against Johnny Cueto in the decisive battle.