MLB Player News

Twins pitcher Vance Worley has reported to camp about 20 pounds lighter, according to the Star Tribune. 

Worley struggled last season, posting a 7.21 ERA in just 10 starts. He was shut down with a shoulder injury in August. At the time, general manager Terry Ryan said Worley would have a lot to prove next season. Worley apparently took that to heart, and worked on his conditioning. Worley will compete for a rotation spot this spring.

The Tigers will treat pitcher Justin Verlander with "an abundance of caution" during spring training, according to mlive.com.

Verlander is recovering from offseason muscle surgery, but is expected to pitch in five games during the spring. Verlander has a lot of innings on his arm, so the team wants to save his bullets for the regular season. Verlander posted a 3.46 ERA in 218 1/3 innings. 

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker tried to downplay the severity of his shoulder soreness, according to the Seattle Times. 

"I'm fine," Walker said. "I got it checked out. I'm just taking it a little slower than everyone else." Walker is expected to be limited early in camp due to the injury. He added that he's still able to play catch. Walker did not provide an update on when he expects to be 100 percent.

Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker will be limited in camp due to shoulder soreness, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.

Walker enters camp fighting for a spot in the rotation. The prospect has a lot of promise, so the team will likely be cautious moving forward. After news broke that Hisashi Iwakuma would miss some time early in the season, Walker's role became far more important. As of right now, the situation doesn't appear serious. But shoulder issues can be troublesome for pitchers, and Walker will be monitored closely throughout the spring. 

Walker posted a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings. 

The potential loss of second starter Hisashi Iwakuma to a hand injury, at least early in the regular season, could bode well for Mariners promising left-hander James Paxton, who appeared to be on the outside looking in at a rotation spot entering spring training.

The 25-year-old Paxton might need more seasoning in the minor leagues, but he was brilliant in three starts at the end of 2013. He won all of them and yielded just 15 hits in 24 innings pitched with a 1.50 ERA.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is hoping to pitch in five games this spring, according to mlive.com.

Verlander is recovering after offseason muscle surgery, but is said to be way ahead of schedule. He was able to throw 20 pitches off a mound Tuesday, and said he felt fine. Verlander hopes he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. He posted a 3.46 ERA in 218 1/3 innings last season.

Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi is looking to capitalize on his current situation, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Odorizzi is expected to come into camp looking to compete for a starting role. He was acquired by the team in the Wil Myers deal, and is looking to get out from [Myers'] shadow this year." Odorizzi will be looking to take over the fifth spot in the rotation after Jeremy Hellickson will miss time due to surgery. 

Odorizzi was able to get some experience in the majors last season, starting four games with the club. He posted a 3.94 ERA over 29 2/3 innings.

Tigers pitching coach Jeff Jones said pitcher Justin Verlander is "way ahead of schedule," according to the Detroit Free Press.

Verlander's outlook has steadily improved the past few weeks. It was initially thought he was questionable for opening day, but has improved enough that team executives think he'll be ready once the year starts. 

Verlander had surgery to repair a muscle during the offseason. He posted a 3.46 ERA in 218 1/3 innings last season.

Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson, who will be a free agent after the season, said he is still open to discussing a long-term deal during spring training, according to MLB.com. He also hasn't ruled out having contract talks during the season, if necessary.

Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray resumed throwing off the mound last week, The San Francisco Chronicle reports on Saturday.

Gray had thumb surgery in October and is fully healthy for his first season in the majors. Gray finished last year 5-3 with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 12 appearances (10 starts).