MLB Player News

Keuchel allowed one hit and struck out five over 3.2 innings in Saturday's game against the Nationals.

Keuchel was much better in his second spring start, retiring the first 11 batters he faced. The left-hander had given up two runs and four hits over 1.2 innings in his first spring start but was much sharper with his fastball command Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. He'll get another three spring starts and should have his pitch count right where it needs to be when he's scheduled to start the second game of the season.

Lynn signed a one-year deal with the Twins on Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Target Field plays as slightly hitter-friendly, so there may have been better destinations for Lynn, but it's important to just see him finally sign somewhere. It's unclear if signing in mid-March will leave him enough time to be ready to go by Opening Day, but he shouldn't miss much time, if any. The larger concern for Lynn is how good he truly is. In his first season back from Tommy John surgery in 2017, he recorded a 3.43 ERA, meaning that he's kept his ERA under 4.00 in all six of his major-league seasons. He posted career-worst strikeout (19.7 percent) and walk rates (10.1 percent), though, leading to an uninspiring 4.82 FIP.

Paxton struck out four and allowed four earned runs on five hits and a walk over three-plus innings in Friday's 10-7 Cactus League loss to the Giants.

The final line wasn't pretty, but the southpaw actually considered it progress from his 1.2-inning outing against the Rangers in his last start. According to a report by Greg Johns of MLB.com, Paxton was pleased with both his fastball location and the sharpness of his breaking pitches Friday, which helped him notch his first four strikeouts of the exhibition slate. The improvements he displayed give him reason for optimism that he'll be able to sort the rest of the kinks out before the games start to count. Factoring in Friday's line, the 29-year-old has allowed 11 earned runs on 13 hits and three walks over 6.2 innings across three starts this spring.

The Tigers optioned Turnbull to Double-A Erie on Friday.

The 25-year-old reached Double-A for the first time in his career last season and posted a 6.20 ERA in four starts. The Tigers did add Turnbull to the 40-man roster in November, so he potentially could be an option for the MLB bullpen at some point if a need arises, but he carries very little fantasy value at this point.

Berrios gave up one run over four innings with a strikeout in Friday's spring outing. He's given up one run over 7.1 innings this spring with four strikeouts and one walk.

Berrios has looked sharp this spring as he appears poised to take a leap in performance this year. After struggling in the majors in 2016, Berrios improved last season by vastly reducing his walks (3.0 BB/9) while maintaining a solid strikeout rate (8.6 K/9) thanks largely to a 94 mph sinker with excellent late movement. He'll need to improve his performance on the road (5.17 ERA and 12 homers allowed in 15 away starts), but otherwise looks set to take the mantle as Minnesota's ace at age 23.

Stroman (shoulder) moved to long toss Saturday and will throw a bullpen session at some point within the next few days, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Stroman said that he felt great and had no issues during his third straight day of throwing the ball around. Manager John Gibbons remarked that the right-hander is not entirely starting from scratch since he's been able to throw since January, which leaves the possibility that he will be ready for Opening Day. Expect a clearer picture of his timetable after he's able to go through the bullpen session early next week.

Sale allowed one run on two hits without a walk while striking out five over four innings in Friday's start against the Marlins.

Sale was making his first Grapefruit League start after ramping up in minor-league games. The Red Sox and Sale agreed that the pitcher would take a slower approach this spring, and the results were as good as Boston hoped. He was mostly dominant and left after throwing 58 pitches.

Perez (elbow) is scheduled to start a minor-league game Monday, T.J. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Perez is working his way back from a broken bone in his right elbow. If healthy, he'd be a lock for the starting rotation, but he's expected to open the season on the disabled list.

Verlander allowed one run on two hits with no walks while striking out eight over five innings and 61 pitches in Friday's game against the Cardinals, Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Verlander said following the game he's pleased where he's at after making his third start of the spring. The 35-year-old right-hander's goal is to get to around 95 pitches by his final spring start -- he's scheduled for three more starts before the regular season. Over three spring starts, Verlander has given up just one run and struck out 17 over 10 innings.

Montgomery will open the season in the Yankees' rotation, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Montgomery was assumed to be the favorite for the role, though there was a possibility of a challenge from reliever Chad Green. Manager Aaron Boone has now officially named Montgomery the team's fifth starter, and he'll look to build on a solid rookie season in which he recorded a 3.88 ERA and a 9-7 record in 29 starts.