MLB Player News

Although he doesn't get to make the final decisions, Mariners ace Felix Hernandez seems pretty confident pitchers Taijuan Walker and James Paxton will be part of the team's rotation. When asked if he feels the two hurlers will make the rotation, Hernandez replied with a "they're in," according to The Seattle Times.

Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker said he "felt great" after throwing 25 pitches during a bullpen session Monday, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. Walker reported no problems after dealing with some shoulder soreness coming into camp.

The White Sox are not expected to engage in contract talks with pitcher Jose Quintana, according to SB Nation.

Quintana is under control through the 2018 season, so there's no real need for either side to get things figured out. Quintana is cost-controlled, and could play a role on the franchise's next winner. He'll look to build off a breakout year, in which he posted a 3.51 ERA in 200 innings. 

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is taking part in every drill Sunday, according to mlive.com.

It's the first time this spring Verlander is taking part in every drill. He's been limited after muscle surgery during the offseason, but stressed that he expects to be ready for opening day. Verlander posted a 3.46 ERA in 218 1/3 innings last year.

The Tigers are glad Drew Smyly put on some weight during the offseason, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Smyly will get a shot at the team's rotation, and may have added some pounds in order to perform better in his new role. After starting 18 games in 2012, Smyly was used strictly out of the bullpen last season. With Doug Fister traded to the Nationals, the team has one open spot at the back of the rotation. 

Smyly posted a 2.37 ERA in 76 innings out of the bullpen last year.

A 41-pitch bullpen session had Tigers premier right-hander Justin Verlander speaking optimistically about his availability for the start of the regular season. Verlander underwent surgery for core-muscle repair six weeks ago.

"It's getting to where I don't feel anything in my hips or my groing ... where I had surgery," he told the Detroit Free Press. "I'm focusing on what I normally do at this time - getting my arm in shape and refining my mechanics."

Verlander took a step back in 2013. His ERA rose nearly a point from 2012 to 3.46, his highest since 2008, though he did rebound to perform well in the postseason.

Indians ace Justin Masterson has taken his typical easygoing approach to what appear to be failing contract negotiations that are destined to result in arbitration on Feb. 20 and free agency after this season.

"It's a difficult, challenging and yet a fun part of the game," he told MLB.com. "It's different. We're working with the businessmen and having some fun with that. You're trying not to be too stubborn in your own right, but know that you're trying to work for something fair and true."

Masterson and the Indians are nearly $4 million apart on a 2014 salary.

Lloyd McClendon didn't improve the prospects of promising southpaw James Paxton landing a spot in the Mariners rotation when asked his opinion on the necessity of having a left-handed starter.

"On a scale of one to 10, it's probably a one ... if they can't get anybody out," he told the Tacoma News Tribune.

The good news is that Paxton is in the running for the fifth spot and can earn it if he performs well in spring training. He won all three decisions upon his promotion to Seattle last year.

The Indians appear destined to go to arbitration with ace right-hander Justin Masterson. Talks about a long-term deal have not only broken off, but so have discussions on a one-year contract that would avoid arbitration, which is set for Feb. 20, according to SB Network.

Masterson is slated for free agency after the 2014 season. He is asking for $11.8 million while the Tribe has countered at $8.05 million. The difference is the widest among arbitration cases in baseball this offseason.

The 28-year-old Masterson has traded good seasons with bad ones since assuming a starting role with Cleveland in 2010. But he peaked last year with a 14-10 record and 3.45 ERA. He gave up just 156 hits in 193 innings and shattered his career high in strikeouts with 195.

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker is scheduled for his first bullpen session Monday, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.

Walker's session is tentative, so whether he actually throws will likely be determined by how he's feeling Monday. Walker came into camp with some shoulder soreness, though both he and the team have downplayed the injury.

Walker posted a 3.60 ERA in three starts last year. He's expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring.