MLB Player News

Springs is competing for one of the open spots in Boston's rotation, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Interested observers can add Springs to the list of candidates to potentially fill the empty spots at the back end of Boston's rotation. The left-hander dominated Red Sox hitters at times during Friday's intrasquad game, leaving manager Ron Roenicke impressed. "He's in that mix for sure," the manager said Friday. "I don't want to put the names of the other guys. There are four or five guys who can be in that role. We'll see how they pitch, and we know the history they have so we'll make the decision on those two things." As of now, in light of the uncertainty about Eduardo Rodriguez (illness) and Collin McHugh (elbow), the rotation shapes up as Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez and Ryan Weber as the top three. The Red Sox may name permanent starters to the Nos. 4 and 5 spots, or use guys like Springs and Chris Mazza as versatile multi-inning options that can serve as starters, openers or multi-inning bulk pitchers. Roenicke mentioned additional pitchers that could get bulk use every fourth and fifth spot through the rotation, including Colten Brewer, Matt Hall, Kyle Hart, Brian Johnson and Mike Shawaryn.

Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke has not yet ruled out Rodriguez (illness) for Opening Day but added that time is running out, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Rodriguez, who tested positive COVID-19, would need to test negative for the virus twice before he's cleared to travel to Boston. With less than two weeks before Opening Day, Rodriguez is looking doubtful. "There is definitely a time when we'll have to make that decision," Roenicke said. "We haven't yet. We haven't really talked about when that day is. I know he's continuing to stay active with his arm and throwing some. But it depends on how long it goes before he can get a couple test results that come back in our favor." The left-handed Rodriguez had built himself up to four innings during the shutdown, but it's uncertain where he stands at this time. If Rodriguez is unable to make it back for the opener, then Nathan Eovaldi would take the ball July 24 at home against Baltimore.

Farrell allowed a run during Friday's intrasquad game, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

The run was the first Farrell allowed in 2020. He threw 7.2 scoreless innings during spring training and added another three scoreless in summer camp before Friday's game. As for right-handed relievers, Jonathan Hernandez and his upper-90s fastball grabbed the early bullpen headlines, but he's unproven at the big-league level. Farrell doesn't overpower like Hernandez, but he's been very good for Texas since returning from a fractured jaw in the second half of 2019.

Gibson pitched five innings and threw 79 pitches in Friday's intrasquad game, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. He allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five.

Gibson allowed back-to-back home runs to Danny Santana and Rougned Odor, but the right-hander is on a steady progression as he prepares for the regular season. He was at 59 pitches in his first camp start and added another 20 his second time out. With two more starts expected during camp, Gibson, who projects as the No. 4 starter, should be in fine shape for the regular season.

Greinke threw one inning of live batting practice Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Catcher Martin Maldonado said Greinke was sharp and described his velocity as "in-season" during the pitcher's first session of summer camp. He's thrown fewer innings than most other starters at this stage of camp, so it's fair to wonder if Greinke will be ready to handle anything close to a full workload in time for the regular season.

Keuchel threw 2.1 scoreless innings in Friday's intrasquad game, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

This was Keuchel's first start of summer camp. The left-hander said he's taking a precautionary route while preparing for the regular season with a goal of reaching five innings in his final outing of camp. Keuchel will have two more camp outings to build up his pitch count.

Kopech (personal) opted out of playing during the 2020 season Friday.

Kopech underwent Tommy John surgery in September of 2018 and had fully recovered, but he'll elect not to play in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. General manager Rick Hahn emphasized the team's support of the right-hander's decision. "We will work with Michael to assure his development continues throughout 2020, and we look forward to welcoming him back into our clubhouse for the 2021 season," Hahn said.

Keuchel expects to be built up to five innings in his final summer camp start, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Starting pitchers will likely be entering the season at varying levels of readiness depending on how well they were able to stay in shape while play was shut down. If Keuchel does indeed reach five innings in camp, he should be ready to handle something similar to a full workload in his first start of the regular season.

Means will be the Orioles' Opening Day starter, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

It's no surprise to see Means get the honor, as he was the Orioles' lone All-Star last year. He wouldn't be the Opening Day starter for many teams in the league, as his 3.60 ERA came with a modest 19.0 percent strikeout rate and a 4.41 FIP, but he's the best option Baltimore has at the moment. His tough home park and difficult schedule (in which the Orioles will play two thirds of their games against the strong AL East) further suppress his fantasy value.

Skubal was placed on the 10-day injured list for undisclosed reasons Friday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Privacy concerns prevent the Tigers from specifying whether or not Skubal's absence is due to COVID-19. It's not clear when he's expected back on the field. The promising young lefty could play a role in the majors at some point this season, though he's yet to reach Triple-A and has only made nine Double-A starts.