MLB Player News

Blackburn has posted a 1.88 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 12:7 K:BB over 14.1 innings spanning five appearances (including two starts) during Grapefruit League play.

The WHIP and walks aren't going to excite anyone, but Blackburn has at least managed to mostly keep opponents from crossing home plate. The veteran hurler is slated for his first full season with the Yankees after joining the club in late August last year. Blackburn will likely serve in middle and long relief during the regular season, and his previous experience as a starter gives the Yankees insurance in case a spot start is needed along the way.

Urena could make the Angels' Opening Day roster, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Urena has pitched just one game above the Double-A level, so he came into camp as a long shot to break camp with the big-league club. However, the right-hander has had a decent spring, posting a 4.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB over 15.2 innings spanning six appearances (including one start). Beyond those surface numbers, Urena has hit triple digits with his sinker and hasn't yet given up any long balls. He's worked mostly as a starter in the minors, though Urena's profile could fit that of a high-leverage reliever. Whether or not he makes the season-opening 26-day roster could hinge on whether Alek Manoah (finger) and Grayson Rodriguez (arm) begin the campaign in the Angels' rotation.

The Orioles optioned Kremer to minor-league camp Saturday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Kremer gave up five earned runs over nine innings during his three Grapefruit League appearances. He was beat out for the final spot in Baltimore's rotation by Zach Eflin, who struck out 10 batters and walked one in 7.1 shutout frames this spring. Kremer has maintained a fairly consistent 4.14 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over the past three seasons for the O's, and he'll likely be the first choice to return to the majors if the big club's rotation depth is tested.

Sandoval (elbow) will throw three innings in a minor-league game Monday, MLB.com reports.

Sandoval never got into a Grapefruit League game this spring while rehabbing from Tommy John elbow surgery. Both Sandoval and Kutter Crawford (wrist) are expected to throw in games Monday, and both will serve as starting depth once deemed ready.

Crawford (wrist) will throw three innings in a minor-league game in Fort Myers on Monday, MLB.com reports.

Crawford has been throwing live batting practice during spring training but has not appeared in a game. Another of Boston's injured starters will throw Monday, as Patrick Sandoval (elbow) is expected to pitch three innings in a minor-league game.

Scherzer allowed two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins. He struck out three.

The 41-year-old right-hander tossed 75 pitches (53 strikes) in what's likely to be his final Grapefruit League appearance of the spring, although Mitch Bannon of The Athletic indicated after Friday's outing that Scherzer would make one more spring start in a minor-league game next week. Scherzer has an unblemished 0.00 ERA with a 9:5 K:BB in 13.2 innings since re-signing with Toronto in late February, and he's locked into a rotation spot to begin the season with Shane Bieber (forearm), Trey Yesavage (shoulder) and Jose Berrios (elbow) all headed for the IL.

The Guardians optioned Allen to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Allen surrendered 12 runs on 14 hits and two walks over just 2.1 innings during his Cactus League appearance Friday, which seemingly put the final nail in the coffin for his hopes of making the Opening Day rotation. Parker Messick will instead claim the final spot; meanwhile, Allen will aim to rebound in the minors and earn an in-season promotion.

Eovaldi allowed four hits and one walk and did not record a strikeout over four scoreless innings in Friday's spring start against San Francisco.

Eovaldi was efficient in his final Cactus League start before taking the ball Opening Day next Thursday. He threw just 36 pitches (27 strikes), which can happen when a team is as aggressive as the Giants were Friday. There should be no worries about length; Eovaldi threw 81 pitches and 5.2 innings in his previous spring start.

Allen allowed 12 runs on 14 hits and two walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings in Friday's spring game against Seattle.

After Allen emerged from a first-inning jam unharmed, his night went sideways. He was twice removed in the middle of innings only to return later, as allowed under spring rules. Allen's night was finally over in the fourth when he gave up two runs. The positives are four up-and-downs, 85 pitches thrown and that is wasn't a regular-season game. The left-hander finished the Cactus League on a sour note, having allowed 18 runs on 21 hits and five walks over his final five innings. Allen is part of the Guardians' projected starting rotation; however, it should be noted the team evaluated six potential starters this spring, and Allen's hold on a rotation spot could be tenuous.

The Rays informed Booser on Saturday that he won't be included on the team's Opening Day roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Booser gave up just one earned run and struck out nine batters over nine innings in the Grapefruit League, but despite his best efforts, he won't break camp with the big-league club. It's unknown whether he will opt to enter free agency or stick with the organization, but a decision is expected to come within the next few days.