MLB Player News

Kowar will join the Royals' major-league squad for spring training.

Were it not for the minor-league season being canceled last year, Kowar could be knocking on the door of the big leagues already or could potentially have already debuted. He closed 2019 with 13 starts for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, recording a 3.51 ERA. He may not be given serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot, but he stands a good chance of debuting this year if he looks good in the minors.

Cox received an invitation Friday to join the Royals' big-league camp.

Cox got to stay close to the major-league team as part of the Royals' 60-man player pool last season and will now get to work with the organization's big-league coaches this spring. He's impressed so far in his professional career, riding a 26.6 percent strikeout rate and 7.8 percent walk rate to a 2.96 ERA in 164 innings, though none of those innings have come above High-A. He'll likely need some time in the upper minors before pushing for his MLB debut.

Bowland was invited to the Royals' major-league spring training Friday.

Bowlan has yet to pitch above High-A, so he'll probably need some more time in the minors before being seriously considered for a roster spot. He looked quite good at that level for Wilmington in 2019, posting a 2.95 ERA and a 76:13 K:BB in 76.1 innings of work.

Robertson (elbow) will have a throwing showcase for scouts on Feb. 11, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The 35-year-old covered 6.2 innings for the Phillies during 2019 and required Tommy John surgery in August of that year, leading to the team declining his $12 million club option for 2021 earlier this offseason. Robertson last saw extensive action in 2018 with the Yankees an delivered a 3.23 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 91:26 K:BB over 69.2 innings while recording five saves and 21 holds. Assuming all goes well in the showcase, he shouldn't have a problem securing at least a minor-league deal somewhere for the upcoming campaign.

Shaw signed a minor-league deal with the Indians on Tuesday that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

The right-hander had a strong five-year career in Cleveland before departing after the 2017 season, but he has a 6.17 ERA in 137 games over the past three years. Shaw will need a strong showing in spring training to have a chance of cracking the Opening Day roster.

Colome agreed to a one-year contract worth $6.25 million guaranteed with the Twins on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 32-year-old will remain in the American League Central after recording 42 saves over the past two seasons for the White Sox. Colome has a 2.62 ERA while converting 138 of 156 save chances in the last five years, and he should receive save opportunities in Minnesota. However, Taylor Rogers has a 2.93 ERA and 39 saves in the past two seasons, so manager Rocco Baldelli could opt for a committee approach and keep both pitchers in the mix for the ninth inning, especially given the manager's tendency to avoid traditional closing strategy.

Littell signed with the Giants on Wednesday as a non-roster invitee, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Littell spent the start of the 2020 season with the Twins but battled various injuries before being outrighted to the team's alternate training site. The right-hander has made 35 relief appearances in the majors over the past two seasons, recording a 3.74 ERA and 35:12 K:BB over 43.1 innings. He'll now compete for a spot in the Giants' bullpen during spring training.

Payamps was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Payamps was claimed by Boston after being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks in November, but he'll now be cast off another 40-man roster after the Red Sox acquired right-hander Garrett Richards on Saturday. Payamps made brief appearances in the majors over the past two seasons, posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.71 WHIP over seven innings while making six relief appearances for Arizona.

Minnesota is interested in signing Colome and has made preliminary contact about a contract, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Colome recorded double-digit saves for the fifth straight season last year with the White Sox. He'd likely share closing duties with Taylor Rogers as Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has ignored traditional closer patterns, which could limit his fantasy value. However, he'd add a needed impact arm in Minnesota's bullpen.

Chafin signed a major-league deal with the Cubs on Tuesday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

The 30-year-old was traded from Arizona to Chicago in August but covered only three innings after being acquired. Chafin appeared in 77 games for Arizona during 2019 and had a 3.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 68:18 K:BB across 52.2 innings, but the three-batter minimum will continue to limit his usage as a specialist.