MLB Player News

Despaigne allowed two hits -- including a home run -- and three walks while retiring two batters Monday against the Twins.

Despaigne has allowed runs in five of seven outings this spring and has not thrown more than 23 pitches in a game. That should all but kill his chances of making the team out of spring training. Look for Despaigne to add organizational depth at Triple-A. The way things are looking right now, he would not be among the first two or three pitchers recalled if a need arises.

Gray (arm) will pitch in Thursday's minor league game, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Gray has struggled to the tune of a 5.68 ERA this spring while dealing with some arm fatigue. It's something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks, but there's been no indication that he won't be ready for his Opening Day start against the White Sox. Gray has not missed an outing this spring.

Gausman (shoulder) may not be ready for Opening Day, MASN Sports reports.

Gausman had a cortisone injection Sunday and he should attempt to throw in the next day or so. The next step will be determined after that. Due to the way the schedule falls, the Orioles may not need a fifth starter until April 10. At minimum, Gausman will probably find himself on an extremely strict pitch-limit. He threw 28 pitches in his last spring start on March 16. Even if he is healthy as the season begins, he will not be able to go deep into games.

Odorizzi allowed five hits and struck out five over 6.2 innings in a minor-league start against the Orioles' Triple-A Norfolk team Monday, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander took his regular turn in the rotation with Triple-A Durham, while many of his major-league teammates were down in Havana readying for Tuesday's exhibition versus the Cuba National Team. Odorizzi surrendered a home run, but was otherwise sharp despite some discomfort from a callus on his right middle finger, finding the strike zone on 67 of his 90 offerings. He'll take the mound again versus the Pirates on Saturday in Bradenton, when his goal will be to reach 105 pitches.

Bassitt has been diagnosed with a left hamstring contusion, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

In his third Cactus League start Monday, Bassitt was less than crisp against the Giants, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out four in 5.1 innings. Prior to the outing, he had tossed five scoreless frames with four punchouts versus two free passes, but the hamstring injury may have played a part in Monday's subpar performance. Although it's unclear if his next spring start will be skipped, a delayed return could hinder his chances of opening the season in the Athletics' rotation.

Meyer will work in the starting rotation at Triple-A Rochester after being moved to the bullpen last season, GM Terry Ryan told Rhet Bollinger of MLB.com

Ryan said he wanted Meyer to be able to work on a third pitch as a starter. We'll have to see if Meyer is able to stay in the rotation as he had more success as a reliever last year (with a 3.68 ERA and 10.2 K/9 over the final two months at Triple-A). Meyer would have more fantasy value as a starter, but could have a faster path to the majors as a reliever.

Rodriguez (knee) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

No issues were reported during of after Rodriguez's outing, so it can presumed that he came out of the session without setback. He is progressing in the right direction and will throw another bullpen session Wednesday, but it remains to be seen when he will get into a game next.

Hamels has faced just seven hitters in official exhibition game action, opting to throw against minor-leaguers as he prepares for the season according to the team's web site.

Hamels has given way to other starters competing for a rotation spot, so scanning the stats and seeing just one appearance for the Texas ace isn't a cause for alarm.

Darvish (elbow) had a successful bullpen session Saturday and is expected to throw 30 pitches in the bullpen Monday, the team's web site reports.

Darvish is expected to gradually increase his workload over the next two weeks and continues to progress to an expected mid-May return.

Boyd remains a long shot to win the job as the fifth starter, reports MLive.com.

Daniel Norris and Shane Greene appear to be first in line for the fifth spot, but Boyd is still in camp. Boyd has a 3.29 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched this spring, but more importantly, he has fired 13 strikeouts to just 12 hits. He's still likely to start the season with the Toledo Mud Hens, but his development has clearly taken a step forward. Boyd's leg kick is now lower and (hopefully) easier to repeat than the high one he used last year. Boyd's future is improving.