MLB Player News

Injured Rangers pitchers Matt Harrison and Martin Perez are working their way back to health, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Harrison (back) will long toss from 200 feet on Friday before stepping on half-mound Sunday to throw around 15 pitches. Perez (elbow), who is on the 60-day DL, has been throwing off a half-mound and is ready to progress to a full mound, while only throwing fastballs.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday he has no new update on starting pitcher Drew Smyly (shoulder), per The Tampa Tribune. He did mention Smyly is progressing, but Cash has no date on when Smyly will resume throwing.

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber will pitch in a simulated game Thursday rather than take part in Cactus League play, MLB.com reports.

"We're just trying to monitor his intensity," manager Terry Francona said. "Like all our pitchers, the guys we know are going to pitch with us, we try to communicate with them and do what is in their best interest to get ready for a season. This way he can work on some things and not have to worry about the scoreboard or people in the stands. It probably tones down the intensity, not that he's not trying to throw. I think it's really helpful."

Francona added that Kluber isn't the only pitcher that the team is preparing in this fashion. The Cleveland ace signed a one-year deal earlier Wednesday.

Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (forearm) threw live batting practice Wednesday for the first time this spring, per MLB.com. Paxton threw 30 warmup pitches in the bullpen and another 30 to minor-league batters.

Paxton is expected to make his spring debut Tuesday against the White Sox.

"I feel real good. Healthy. Nothing is wrong with my arm," Paxton said. "When you get a guy in the box for the first time in six months, it's a little weird. A different optical thing. But it's good to get back out there and get that feeling again and get ready for games."

White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams said pitcher Chris Sale will not be available on opening day according to CSN Chicago. 

This isn't a surprise but more of a verification of what was thought to happen. Sale has an avulsion fracture on his right foot and is still expected to miss the next 10 days before picking up baseball activities again. 

It's possible for Sale to make his season debut on April 12 against the Twins. 

The Rangers purchased the contract of OF Antoan Richardson from Triple-A Round Rock and placed pitcher Martin Perez on the 60-day disabled list Wednesday, per a team release. 

Perez is continuing his rehab from ligament reconstruction surgery on his left elbow last May. Richardson was signed to a minor league contract with a major league spring invite in December. 

Perez joins infielder Jurickson Profar on the Rangers' 60-day DL.

The Indians reached agreement with AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber on a one-year contract for the 2015 season, per The Associated Press. 

Details of the contract were not immediately available, but Kluber was the team's only arbitration-eligible player who had not signed for this season, with a Wednesday deadline to renew contracts. The Indians have expressed their interest in signing Kluber to a long-term deal.

Kluber emerged last season to post an 18-9 record with a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts, joining Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson as the only pitchers since 1987 to record at least 18 wins, an ERA under 2.50 and 260 strikeouts.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel threw three no-hit innings during a "B" game Wednesday against the Braves, per the Houston Chronicle. Keuchel, who had three strikeouts, threw 35 of 47 pitches for strikes.

“I tried more focusing on my intensity level and just overall focus,” Keuchel said. “I felt a lot better. Felt it was a good step forward. Continue to build on that.

“I couldn’t hear anybody. I was trying to kind of zone in and attack guys as best as possible. They had a bunch of lefties. That was good with a different command and a different feel from righties.”

Keuchel tossed two scoreless innings in his spring debut last week against the Yankees.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Dr. David Altchek has recommended Tommy John surgery for starting pitcher Yu Darvish, according to USA Today. Daniels said all signs lead to Darvish, who has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, undergoing surgery next week. 

The Rangers will send Darvish's MRIs to Dr. James Andrews for a third opinion, but the first two opinions recommended surgery. If Darvish has surgery, he will miss the 2015 season.

The Rangers have changed their plans in regards to starting pitcher Yu Darvish.

Assistant general manager Thad Levine said Monday the team was going to announce the results of Darvish's second opinion with Dr. David Altcheck, who is the Mets' medical director, on Wednesday. However, the team announced a final decision on the course of action for Darvish is not expected to happen Wednesday.

Darvish, has torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, is a candidate to undergo Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for the 2015 season. Although, a long rehab process is also being considered.

USA Today reports Darvish has talked with a few members of the Rangers staff, but no decision on surgery has been finalized.