MLB Player News

Rays pitcher Matt Moore played catch Monday and threw the ball "pretty good," the Tampa Bay Times reports.

"Actually (Head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield) said he threw okay, but I'm waiting to hear back from him what the final analysis is. Nothing yet,'' manager Joe Maddon said. "Ronnie said he turned it loose a little bit too, so we'll see. That was probably a good test for him. The word pain was not used. Ronnie told me he actually threw the ball pretty good.''

The team isn't ready to make an official announcement regarding Moore Monday. He's hoping to avoid Tommy John surgery.

The Rays have called up pitcher Brad Boxberger Monday.

Boxberger spent the past two seasons in San Diego. He's posted a 2.72 career ERA over 49 2/3 innings. He was a late cut in Rays camp this spring.

Rays pitcher Matt Moore will test his injured elbow Monday or Tuesday, according to the Tampa Tribune. 

Moore is dealing with an elbow injury, but is hoping to rehab the injury. He'll test things out early in the week in order to see how much pain he still has in his elbow. Moore posted a 2.70 ERA in two starts this year.

Indians closer John Axford was limited to just 11 pitches in the ninth of Sunday's game against the White Sox, as he served up a walkoff home run to Alexei Ramirez to end the game.

Axford, who was credited with the blown save and loss, entered in the ninth with a slim, one-run advantage. He issued a walk to Jordan Danks and retired Alejandro De Aza before allowing a walkoff shot to Ramirez.

Axford owns a 4.76 ERA and a 7:6 K:BB ratio over 5 2/3 innings pitched this season.

Astros closer Anthony Bass picked up his second save of the season Saturday against the Rangers, though it wasn't always easy in a 6-5 win.

Bass entered the game in the 10th inning with a one-run lead and proceeded to allow a leadoff single followed by a stolen base. He moved the runner over to third on a wild pitch, before recording the next two outs to close down the save.

Bass has recorded two saves in as many opportunities, and his 5.06 ERA is somewhat misleading. Bass has allowed runs in just one of five appearances so far, when he allowed three in his second outing of the season.

The Twins recalled pitcher Michael Tonkin from Triple-A Rochester Saturday.

Tonkin has pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings with Rochester this season, striking out five while recording one win and one save in his three appearances.

Mariners closer Fernando Rodney registered his third save of the season Friday night against the A's.

Rodney worked past a Jon Jaso double and struck out two in a scoreless frame, clinching a 6-4 win. He has not allowed a run in 3 2/3 innings pitched.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon told the Tacoma News Tribune on Friday that  pitcher Brandon Maurer will likely shift to the starting rotation at Triple-A Tacoma, after three relief outings, to "get him built up." 

Yankees pitcher David Robertson (groin) played catch for the second time this week, according to ESPN New York on Friday. The plan is for Robertson to throw off flat ground before throwing a bullpen or two, as he remains on track to return from the disabled list on April 22. 

Rays left-hander Matt Moore is hoping to avoid surgery, but understands it will take time to recover from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, the Tampa Bay Times has reported.

Moore is planning to wait 3-5 days before playing catch and reevaluating the elbow. He will then make a decision on a future course of action.