MLB Player News

Chirinos was on track to receive some opportunities as a traditional starter in 2020 when spring training was suspended, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander's spring didn't exactly inspire much confidence, as he posted a 9.00 ERA across six innings over three Grapefruit League starts. However, Chirinos has a solid track record at the big-league level over the past two seasons, posting sub-4.00 ERAs in each of those campaigns, along with a combined 14-10 record. The 26-year-old will still likely be utilized as a bulk reliever following an opener on occasion, but Topkin also notes the Rays may not utilize the "bullpen day" strategy as often in 2020.

The Athletics optioned Blackburn to Triple-A Las Vegas on March 7.

With Frankie Montas back after missing most of the second half of 2019 while suspended and youngsters Jesus Luzardo and A.J. Puk expected to become fixtures in the Athletics' rotation this season, Blackburn was quickly dismissed from the competition for a starting role with the big club. He'll likely serve as a depth option in the minors for most of 2020 unless injuries reopen an opportunity for him at the big-league level.

Schmidt has been throwing bullpen sessions and working on his mechanics at his home in Georgia during MLB's hiatus, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports.

"I'm trying to throw as many bullpens as I can, work on as much stuff as I can mechanically (and) pitch design, and stuff like that," Schmidt said Monday. The 24-year-old also noted that he has yet to be told where he will open the 2020 campaign. Although Schmidt was considered a longshot to make the Opening Day roster prior to the suspension of play, he performed well in Grapefruit League action and has an outside chance of breaking camp with the Yankees, especially if rosters are expanded as is widely expected.

Sale (elbow) will be out of his arm cast and start rehabbing Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

While speaking with reporters Tuesday -- a little over a week after undergoing Tommy John surgery -- Sale mentioned that he's ready to shed his cast and begin the long rehabilitation process. The lefty is hoping to rehab at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida, though he can do most of the early-stage work at home if necessary. Sale mentioned that he's "really happy" with where he's at now, as the surgery offered a "definitive answer, a finish line," per Speier. "I've been chasing a ghost for seven months," Sale said.

Canning (elbow) has begun throwing sessions of about 50 throws from approximately 75 feet, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Canning was cleared to resume throwing at the beginning of April following a month-long shutdown due to UCL issues in his right elbow. He appears to be slowly ramping up his activity in spite of MLB's hiatus. Should his recovery continue to go well, Canning could be ready to join the Angels' starting rotation by the time the regular season gets underway.

Farrell allowed two hits and three walks while striking out nine over 7.2 scoreless innings in spring training.

Farrell led all Texas relievers in spring innings and, along with Nick Goody, was a Cactus League star out of the bullpen. The right-hander made it back from a fractured jaw and concussion in 2019, posting a 2.70 ERA over 13.1 innings during the final weeks of the season. His strong camp could buy him a roster spot when MLB eventually begins play, particularly if rosters are allowed to expand to 29 for the first month.

Cole has been throwing in the backyard of teammate Adam Ottavino, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports.

Despite the suspension of spring training and shutdown of team facilities to most players, Cole appears intent on keeping in shape in anticipation of an eventual return to action. The Yankees' key offseason signing is expected to be the club's Opening Day starter when the regular season commences.

Morton was one of several Rays pitchers nearing the end of their spring throwing programs before play was suspended, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

The veteran right-hander had only made two Grapefruit League appearances (3.1 innings) before spring training was suspended, but he'd also worked in multiple simulated games while getting stretched out. Morton continues to work out as much as he can on his own while play is paused, and he projects to serve as one of the team's top three starters whenever the regular season does begin.

The White Sox optioned Dunning (elbow) to Double-A Birmingham on March 6.

Dunning is still on the mend from March 2019 Tommy John surgery, so he wasn't a legitimate candidate to break camp with the big club. Once he's deemed ready for game action, Dunning will likely make at least a couple starts at extended spring training or one of the White Sox's lower-level affiliates before making his 2020 debut with Birmingham.

Turnbull finished Grapefruit League play with a minuscule 0.82 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 11 innings of work.

Turnbull had a similarly strong spring a year ago, then went on to post a 4.61 ERA across 30 regular-season starts, though his 3.99 FIP suggests that he was victim to a little bad luck. The 27-year-old is locked in as Detroit's No. 2 starter and could take a big step forward in his second full season in the majors, whenever it is able to begin.