MLB Player News

Verlander was shut down Monday after being diagnosed with a mild lat strain, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Despite reportedly feeling better Monday, Verlander underwent an MRI that revealed the strain. The Astros will elect to shut him down as a result, but it's unclear how long he'll be on the shelf. General manager James Click called the MRI results "positive," but he wasn't able to reveal a timeline for Verlander's return. It's unclear whether the right-hander will be ready for Opening Day.

Clevinger (knee) will throw his first bullpen session of the spring Monday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Clevinger underwent surgery in February to repair a partial tear of his left meniscus, but he's been increasing his throwing program throughout the spring and will throw his first bullpen Monday. The 29-year-old likely won't be ready for Opening Day, but he could join the Indians' starting rotation sometime in mid-April if his recovery continues to go smoothly.

Medina was optioned to High-A Tampa on Monday.

Medina reached High-A late last season, making just two starts. In 22 total starts between Tampa and Low-A Charleston last season, the 20-year-old struggled to a 5.47 ERA, with his encouraging 27.0 percent strikeout rate largely offset by his 14.9 percent walk rate. Like many young pitchers, he'll need to make strides with his command to allow his exciting stuff to play up to its potential.

Gil was optioned to High-A Tampa on Monday.

Gil was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, which allowed him to work in major-league camp during spring training. However, he'll report to High-A Tampa after making his debut at the High-A level last season. The 21-year-old could potentially advance in the minor-league system in 2020, but he'll require more work against higher-level competition before being considered for a major-league roster spot.

Verlander is feeling better Monday but is still awaiting the results of his triceps MRI, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Verlander left his start Sunday against the Mets after just two of his scheduled four innings due to right triceps soreness. The Astros called his removal precautionary, and the fact that he's feeling better is certainly encouraging, but it won't be clear whether he's set for a lengthy absence until his MRI results are known.

Paxton (back) may be cleared to begin a throwing program Wednesday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Paxton's recovery from Feb. 5 surgery to remove a peridiscal cyst from his back looks to be coming along quicker than anticipated. Though Paxton was initially handed a 3-to-4-month recovery timeline, the fact that the lefty is on the brink of throwing just over a month into his rehab program offers hope that he could meet his goal of being ready to pitch in games by early May. Paxton will still have multiple checkpoints to clear before he's even deemed ready to make a minor-league rehab start, but his progression to date has been encouraging.

Lyles allowed five runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three over 3.1 innings in Sunday's spring game against the Dodgers.

Lyles was knocked around for a second straight Cactus League start and has an 11.37 ERA (eight runs, 6.1 innings) over two appearances. He's allowed runs in four of six-plus innings pitched, including multiple runs in three frames. If you're part of the crowd that believes spring results mean nothing, then this should not alarm you. At some point, however, it would be comforting to see Lyles have a good result. A strong finish to the 2019 season along with an improved K/9 rate are hopeful signs for the 29-year-old right-hander, who will operate as Texas' No. 5 starter.

Urquidy allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings of relief in Sunday's spring game against the Mets.

Despite coming in as a reliever, Urquidy is currently the No. 4 starter in the rotation and will be starting games come the regular season. The right-hander has allowed five runs over 8.1 Grapefruit League innings.

Perez allowed four hits and one walk while striking out seven in Sunday's spring start against the Twins.

Perez, who was unable to get out of the first inning during his spring debut last Tuesday, was much improved Sunday. The left-hander told Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com that he followed the advice of Red Sox pitching instructors, who told Perez to focus on location, not velocity. Perez had initially been penciled in as Boston's No. 5 starter but has since moved up in the wake of the David Price trade and Chris Sale's elbow setback.

Kopech (elbow) will start Tuesday's game against the Rangers, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

This will mark Kopech's first game pitched since Sept. 5, 2018, against the Tigers. A day later, he was diagnosed with a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery soon thereafter. The right-hander has thrown bullpen sessions and batting practice on backfields this spring, featuring his upper 90s fastball. Kopech intends to make three spring starts but won't break camp with the team. He's targeting a May or June return to the White Sox.