MLB Player News

Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson pitched to mixed reviews Friday against the Yankees. He threw only 58 percent strikes and fired first-pitch strikes to just eight of 17 batters. But he retired 10 of the last hitters he faced and yielded three earned runs and two walks in four innings.

The 26-year-old Gibson is battling for the last rotation spot. He had yet to give up an earned run this spring until Friday.

What was suspected is now official: Ricky Nolasco will start on opening day for the Twins. He signed a four-year free agent contract in the offseason.

Nolasco, who has yielded two earned runs in six innings with two strikeouts this spring, managed his best season since 2008 last year with Miami and Los Angeles. He was 13-11 with a 3.70 ERA and surrendered fewer hits than innings pitched for the first time since that season.

Rays rotation candidates Jake Odorizzi, Cesar Ramos and Erik Bedard will all pitch Saturday in outings that will help determine the fifth spot, per the Tampa Tribune. Joe Maddon said all three will receive one more assignment before a decision is made.

Nathan Karns is also in the running for the rotation spot. He and Odorizzi have had the strongest springs.

Orioles premier pitching prospect Kevin Gausman would not be averse to landing a spot in the bullpen if it means sticking with the team out of spring training.

Gausman proved himself worthy as a reliever in his last seven outings of 2013, when he recorded a 2.35 ERA and 13 strikeouts in his 7 2/3 innings. He is also having a strong camp this year.

"Trying to put some pressure on them and I want to break camp with the team, that's my goal," he told MASNsports.com. "In what role, that is up to them. I think I've shown I can pitch out of the pen. There are some things I don't control."

Gausman opened last season in the rotation, but gave up 34 hits and 20 earned runs in 24 2/3 innings before being moved to the bullpen.

Rangers pitchers Martin Perez and Michael Kirkman both went three innings on Thursday, but saw different results against the Giants in Cactus League action.

Perez got the start and pitched well, allowing only one run on three hits and two walks while striking out two before being replaced by Kirkman in fourth inning. Kirkman surrendered a solo home run to Andrew Susac fourth inning. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five.

Perez has permitted four earned runs over eight innings through three Cactus League starts. Kirkman has allowed three runs over eight innings through three appearances (no starts).

White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana did not look sharp in his first start back after taking a line drive off the shin.

Quintana was shelled for seven runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over three innings of work against the Angels. He has allowed 11 runs over six innings pitched this spring.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, who is vying for a spot in the team's rotation, continued his outstanding spring Thursday against the Blue Jays. Facing a Toronto lineup with plenty of regulars -- including Jose Reyes, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion -- Keuchel didn't allow a run in four innings.

The left-handed hurler allowed six hits and no walks, while striking out two. He hasn't allowed a run in nine innings this spring. Keuchel has given up seven hits and one walk, while striking out four.

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman tossed two innings in relief Thursday.

Gausman gave up a run on one hit and one walk. He was able to get through his first inning unscathed, but walked Brian McCann to begin the second. Gausman then gave up a single to Alfonso Soriano, scoring McCann from first. Gausman is expected to open the season in the minors. 

Tigers starting pitcher Drew Smyly had his worst start of the spring Thursday against the Marlins. The left-hander allowed a spring-high four runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks, while striking out one in 3 1/3 innings.

Smyly kept Miami off the scoreboard until Garrett Jones' RBI double in the third inning. The Marlins then took their first lead during a three-run fourth inning. Jake Marisnick delivered a two-run double in the inning.

Smyly saw his spring ERA jump from 3.38 to 4.76. He has eight strikeouts and four walks in 11 1/3 innings (four starts).

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker was able to get through his bullpen session Thursday, according to MLB.com.

Walker said he feels normal again after the session. He said the next step is to through a 40-pitch session at some point in the coming days. Walker is dealing with a shoulder injury this spring. He posted a 3.60 ERA in three starts last year.