MLB Player News

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker is closer to getting back on the mound, according to MLB.com.

Walker felt fine after playing long toss Thursday. Manager Lloyd McClendon said he's hopeful Walker will take the mound in "the next couple days." Walker has been delayed by shoulder issues this spring. 

Tigers pitcher Drew Smyly, who will join the Tigers' rotation in 2014 after pitching in relief last season, took the hill during Wednesday's spring opener against the Braves. Smyly lasted two innings, allowing one run on two hits and one walk.

Smyly had a 1-2-3 first inning, which included a strikeout of Freddie Freeman. He opened the second inning by retiring the first two hitters, which included a strikeout of Evan Gattis. However, Chris Johnson hit a two-out double and he scored on Dan Uggla's single. Smyly walked Andrelton Simmons before getting Jordan Schafer to ground out to end the inning.

Lloyd McClendon conceded that promising Mariners rookie right-hander Taijuan Walker has fallen a little behind this spring, but added that he's not concerned at this point, per the Seattle Times. Walker has experienced minor shoulder tightness.

Rangers pitcher Martin Perez has already been impressing players during camp, according to ESPN.

Catcher J.P. Arencibia came away impressed with the young pitcher after catching him during an intrasquad game. "He's got some crazy stuff," Arencibia said. "He's got some real, real good stuff." But the superlatives didn't stop there. "He's definitely got some of the best stuff I've ever caught," Arencibia concluded. 

Pitcher Mike Maddux added that he feels good about Perez's cutter. The two worked on the pitch last season, but didn't feel comfortable throwing it during games. Maddux said Perez would experiment with the offering during spring camp.

Perez posted a 3.62 ERA in 124 1/3 innings.

Mariners starter Taijuan Walker was able to long toss Tuesday, according to 710AM ESPN.

Walker was able to make 40 throws with good velocity, according to a team trainer. The trainer called it "a good day" for Walker. Walker came into camp dealing with shoulder soreness.

He posted a 3.60 ERA in three starts last year.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish has been named the team's opening day starter, according to MLB.com.

Manager Ron Washington delivered the news to Darvish Tuesday, but initially declared that would be the case at the team's FanFest during the offseason. Darvish will take on the Phillies March 31. 

Darvish posted a 2.83 ERA in 209 2/3 innings.

Rangers pitcher Martin Perez is going to unveil a cutter during spring training, according to ESPN.

Perez worked on the pitch throughout the offseason, and plans to throw it early during camp. He actually threw the pitch twice last season, but wasn't happy with it. "In the past, I tried it and if it wasn’t good, I’d throw it out," Perez said. "But now I’ve got more confidence. I can throw it and I feel great."

Perez added that he worked on training his core muscles during the offseason. He was limited early last year due to a broken forearm.

In 124 1/3 innings, Perez posted a 3.62 ERA last season.

Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish threw one inning during an intrasquad game Monday, which was his first game-like action since his 2013 season ended with him dealing with back pain. Darvish threw 13 pitches (seven strikes).

"I felt no pain and no discomfort, so I feel very good about it," Darvish said through an interpreter, per ESPN. "It's been a while since I faced a hitter in a game situation, so I felt a little bit awkward, but I think I'll get used to it little by little."

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (abdomen) felt fine after throwing his first live batting practice session Monday. Although, Verlander was disappointed a few pitches did get away from him.

"I don't ever expect to be off," Verlander said, per MLive.com. "Even though I know that's happened every year at this point in time, even though I know that, I think, 'Maybe this is the year it'll be perfect.' It never is."

Verlander is scheduled for another batting practice session Thursday and will then pitch in a spring game, if he suffers no setbacks.

"I feel fine," he said. "I'm not even thinking about it anymore. I even slipped on a curveball and still didn't feel it, so that was really good."

Astros manager Bo Porter said Monday pitcher Dallas Keuchel has a strong leg up on a rotation spot because of his experience, according to MLB.com. Scott Feldman has a rotation spot locked up, with Jarred Cosart, Brad Peacock and Brett Oberholtzer among the favorites to join him in the rotation.