MLB Player News

Kluber surrendered five runs on six hits and two walks and struck out three over 3.2 innings in Sunday's 9-9 tie with the Reds.

Kluber was making only his second start of the spring after the Indians eased him into the Cactus League pitching schedule with simulated games beforehand. The right-hander faced only one batter more than the minimum through three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth, loading the bases to begin the frame before serving up a grand slam to Yasiel Puig. The 32-year-old started to show some cracks late in 2018 when he noticed a stark downturn in velocity, but he still turned in another banner year. He should make for a comfortable early-round investment in drafts even if he arguably no longer belongs in the elite tier of pitchers.

Turnbull is expected to start Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers announced Tuesday that Michael Fulmer has been recommended for Tommy John surgery. Daniel Norris comes to mind as a logical replacement in the starting rotation, but Norris hasn't been particularly good this spring, posting a 5.06 ERA and 9:6 K:BB in 10.2 innings. Turnbull, meanwhile, has a 2.70 ERA and 8:1 K:BB in 10 frames. If he keeps it up, Turnbull could win out and push Norris to the bullpen to begin the season.

Eovaldi allowed two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings Monday against the Twins.

Eovaldi, who was hitting 99 mph out of the gate, overcame a shaky start to the game by retiring the final eight batters faced. He finished off his allotment of 75 pitches in the bullpen following his departure, Tom Keegan of the Boston Herald reports. Manager Alex Cora hasn't set the order of the rotation following Chris Sale on Opening Day, and Eovaldi could slot anywhere from second to fourth.

Rodriguez will not make his scheduled start Tuesday with Boston's game against Toronto cancelled due to rain, and will instead pitch Wednesday in a minor-league game, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

While Rodriguez will have to wait another day before taking the mound, the delay should not affect his preparation for the regular season, as he is still lined up to make both his final spring appearance and first start of the regular season on normal -- or even extra -- rest.

Severino (shoulder) will throw for the first time since being shut down with a sore rotator cuff Wednesday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

This is a positive development for Severino, who has not thrown since early March. Already ruled out until at least May, Severino's session on Wednesday will mark his first steps in returning to the mound.

Dunning (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Monday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Dunning was shut down with forearm discomfort earlier in camp, though it was decided surgery was necessary Monday. Coming off a sprained elbow to close 2018, Dunning will now face a long rehab process and miss the entire 2019 season and likely the beginning of the 2020 season as well.

Rodon was named Chicago's Opening Day starter Monday.

Rodon earns the honor despite a mediocre 4.18 ERA last season, a number which hid a poor 4.95 FIP and an even worse 5.40 xFIP. Optimism for the 26-year-old lefty rests in part on a nine-start stretch last summer in which recorded a 1.84 ERA, though he benefited from an unsustainable .175 BABIP over that run. Even if he doesn't reach another level this season, he still could be the best starter on a team which lacks anything close to a true frontline arm.

Paxton limited the Phillies to one run on two walks and no hits while striking out four over 4.1 innings during his start in Sunday's 7-3 Grapefruit League win.

Per George A. King III and Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, manager Aaron Boone came away pleased with Paxton's outing, praising the southpaw for his command. Paxton lowered his spring ERA to 1.54 with the scoreless showing and looks in line to make his regular-season Yankees debut at some point during the club's first series March 28-31 versus the Orioles.

Springs allowed four hits and one walk while striking out three over 2.2 scoreless innings Sunday against Arizona.

Springs was summoned into action when starter Yohander Mendez left with an elbow injury. Springs is no stranger to extended outings. The former starter went four outs or longer in 13 of his 18 appearances last season for Texas, including a couple of games as an opener. The Rangers are not planning on deploying openers in 2019, so Springs will have a more traditional role as a multi-out reliever that could step in for an injured starter.

Valdez allowed two hits and struck out four over four scoreless innings Sunday against the Braves.

Valdez lowered his spring ERA to 4.05 with the outing, which was his last chance to impress manager AJ Hinch, who will decide the identity of his fifth starter early this week. Valdez and Brad Peacock have been competing, and it is presumed Peacock will get the nod.