We've now been hearing about free agent starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo being close to a deal with the Orioles for several weeks, and lately free agent outfielder Dexter Fowler has been added to the mix in rumors. As recently as Thursday, there was a report that the Orioles expected to land both.
The latest on Gallardo is that there is some sort of holdup in getting it finalized. This isn't an opt-out issue, as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Friday that Gallardo isn't demanding one.
The holdup of Gallardo could be the holdup of Fowler, too, as the Orioles likely either want to sign both players or neither. If they're gonna cough up a draft pick, might as well get both.
Regardless, spring training is now underway and both of these worthwhile players -- as well as Ian Desmond, Austin Jackson and a few others -- remain unsigned.
As for the rest, here's what went down on Friday in Major League Baseball news, rumors, injury updates and more.
Signings, roster moves, etc.
Angels/Rockies: Pitcher Christian Friedrich has been returned to the Rockies due to medical concerns (Alden Gonzalez), a move that was approved by the office of the commissioner. The Angels had claimed Friedrich off waivers from the Rockies on Feb. 5.
Cubs: The club agreed to sign former All-Star reliever Aaron Crow to a minor-league deal (Mark Gonzales). He missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery but could return around the middle of this season. He's still only 29.
Indians: Juan Uribe has agreed to sign a one-year deal. Indians beat writer Jordan Bastian reports that -- unless the deal falls apart -- Uribe will be the everyday third baseman, which pushes Giovanny Urshela back to the minors to start 2016.
Rangers: Manager Jeff Banister has gotten a contract extension. So he's now signed through 2018 with a club option for 2019.
Royals: The club agreed to sign pitcher Mike Minor to a two-year deal.
Injury updates
Dodgers: Yasmani Grandal's left shoulder is fully recovered from offseason surgery and he's under "no limitations" this spring (Ken Gurnick). Also, Hyun-Jin Ryu threw a "low-intensity" bullpen session that was roughly 35 pitches (Bill Plunkett).
White Sox: Micah Johnson injured himself cutting an avocado.
Reports, rumors and speculation
Austin Jackson: The Indians "seem to be considering" him, while the White Sox, Angels, Brewers and "maybe" the Rangers are possibilities for the free agent (Jon Heyman).
Cubs: As expected, Kyle Schwarber will split time between catcher and left field this season.
Miscellany
Agent Bart Hernandez: The agent who deals primarily with Cuban players has reportedly been indicted on charges of human trafficking.
Bob Feller: There is an online petition making the rounds in favor of the Hall of Famer being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Tony Phillips: The tragic news of the day was that the baseball world lost Phillips at age 56 due to an apparent heart attack.
Rogers Centre: The project to make the infield dirt is underway.
Yankees: Aroldis Chapman might need to move and give up his guns as part of his punishment for an alleged offseason domestic incident.
