MLB Player News

Ryan was invited to the Rays' major-league spring training Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Ryan competed at the Low-A, High-A and Double-A levels in 2019, totaling a 1.96 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP across 123.2 innings. He'll get the chance to further develop with the major-league coaching staff during spring training, but the 23-year-old will likely require more time in the minors prior to making his major-league debut.

McClanahan was invited to the Rays' big-league camp, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McClanahan has yet to reach Triple-A and has only made four starts at the Double-A level, so he's unlikely to be in consideration for an Opening Day roster spot. The 22-year-old struggled to an 8.35 ERA in those four starts for Montgomery, though his 2.50 ERA in 17 starts and two relief appearances at the Low-A and High-A levels was quite strong.

Schmidt was invited to the Yankees' major-league spring training Monday.

Schmidt advanced to the Double-A level in 2019, posting a 2.37 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP over 19.0 innings. In total, the right-hander recorded a 3.47 ERA with a 102:28 K:BB over 90.2 innings in the minors last year. The 23-year-old will likely begin the 2020 season with Double-A Trenton, but he'll get the chance to work with the big-league coaching staff during spring training.

Bridwell agreed to a minor-league contract with the Twins on Tuesday.

Bridwell made 12 starts for Triple-A Salt Lake in 2019, recording a 8.12 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and a 18.4 strikeout percentage. The 28-year-old's most productive season came in 2017 with the Angels, where he posted a 3.64 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 20 starts. Bridwell will look to make a positive first impression on the Minnesota coaching staff during camp, but he will likely return to the minors following spring training.

Asher signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Tuesday.

After being released by the Rockies in mid-March, Asher pitched in the independent Atlantic League during the 2019 season. The right-hander spent most of 2018 with Triple-A Columbus, where he recorded a 6.05 ERA and 1.60 WHIP with a 49:36 K:BB across 16 starts. Asher will have the opportunity to work with the big-league coaching staff before likely returning to the minors until potentially earning another shot with the Twins' bullpen.

Hill (elbow) is expected to begin baseball activities within the next week, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Hill underwent surgery on his left elbow in October, and he's not expected to be cleared for game action until either June or July. Per Park, the 40-year-old southpaw is aiming for a return in early June if all goes according to plan.

Kopech (elbow) assumes he'll be starting the season at Triple-A Charlotte, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

''I assume that's kind of what everyone is thinking, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't probably thinking the same thing,'' Kopech said. ''But I'm still going to give myself that chance [to make the big-league rotation] if it presents itself." Kopech, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in September of 2018, was able to throw a couple of Instructional League games toward the end of 2019, but the White Sox are unlikely to push him. Chicago currently has a legitimate five-man rotation of Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Reynaldo Lopez, Dylan Cease and Gio Gonzalez to open the regular season.

Thompson agreed to a minor-league contract with the Angels earlier this month, Chris Hilburn-Trenkle of Baseball America reports.

Thompson will join the Halos for spring training after an underwhelming 2019. He opened the past season with the Lotte Giants of the KBO League before being cut by the South Korean club and latching on with the Tigers on a minor-league deal. Thompson was at least able to end his campaign on a high note with an eight-inning, 13-strikeout performance for Double-A Erie on Aug. 30, so the Angels will presumably give him a look this spring and determine if he's a viable rotation option for their Pacific Coast or Southern League affiliates.

Mejia signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Mejia was designated for assignment and released by the Angels earlier in the month, but he'll still get a shot to earn a roster spot after being invited to the White Sox's big-league camp. He's not particularly likely to do so, however, as he struggled to a 6.61 ERA and a 14.5 percent walk rate in 31.1 innings for the Twins, Cardinals and Angels last season.

Whitley was invited to the Astros' big-league camp Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

A first-round pick back in 2016, Whitley endured a tough 2019 campaign. In 11 starts for Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Round Rock last season, he posted a 9.00 ERA and 1.85 WHIP while featuring a 29.5 percent strikeout rate and 15.43 percent walk rate. With just five of those starts coming at the Triple-A level, the highly rated prospect likely needs some more minor-league experience before he's ready to push for a big-league roster spot.