MLB Player News

Mills (elbow) began playing catch this week, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Mills is a couple weeks removed from being diagnosed with right elbow inflammation. He'll ramp things back up slowly and wouldn't seem to be guaranteed a roster spot with the big club once healthy.

Rodriguez (oblique) has begun a throwing program, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Rodriguez is reportedly feeling much better after straining his oblique on March 18 and the fact he's resumed throwing is a step in the right direction, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora still has no timetable to offer for his return. A target date will likely come into focus whenever Rodriguez is once again able to face hitters.

May (1-1) was charged with the loss in an extra-inning defeat to the Guardians on Monday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk across one inning. He also uncorked a wild pitch and recorded a strikeout.

May worked himself into immediate trouble to open the 10th inning by giving up back-to-back singles to Amed Rosario and Jose Ramirez, the second plating inning-opening runner Steven Kwan. Rosario eventually crossed the plate as well courtesy of May's wild pitch, saddling Oakland with a two-run deficit that would prove insurmountable. May has quickly qualified for two decisions in the first four games of the season, and despite Monday's hiccup, his largely solid track record as a reliever should continue to afford him a fair share of appearances in reasonably high-leverage situations.

Voth is an option to start for the Orioles on Tuesday versus the Rangers after scheduled starter Tyler Wells was needed in relief Monday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Voth is currently stationed in the Orioles' bullpen and made a one-inning relief appearance Saturday. He was stretched out in spring training, though, and the hope is that he could give the O's a little length. Baltimore could also go with Kyle Gibson on Tuesday on normal rest and pitch Voth on Wednesday in Gibson's original slot.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy told his bullpen on Opening Day that Leclerc would be the closer to start the season, but the manager called on Will Smith to close out Sunday's win over the Phillies, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith said he was surprised to get the call Sunday, given what Bochy had told members of the bullpen days earlier. The manager talked about bullpen versatility, indicating he could use any of his closer candidates in any situation. "It's a very versatile bullpen where I can use them in the fifth, sixth or high-leverage situations in the eighth and ninth," Bochy said. "It's a fun bullpen. Balance with the lefties and righties... there may be times where really all of them could [close] at some point." It appears Leclerc remains in the mix for saves, but Bochy may not have one set closer.

Smith conceded he was surprised to be called for Sunday's save opportunity against Philadelphia, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith had been warming up in the eighth inning if needed to replace Jonathan Hernandez, who worked a perfect inning, then sat down in preparation for Jose Leclerc to close. Smith said manager Bruce Bochy indicated on Opening Day that Leclerc was going to close for the Rangers to start the season. "So it was honestly kind of a surprise to all of us down there," Smith said. "Then the phone rings, and [bullpen coach] Brett [Hayes] says it's me." Bochy opted for Smith in Texas' first save situation and also talked about the versatility of the bullpen, noting that he could use any of his closer candidates in any inning.

Fleming will be used as a traditional starter Tuesday against the Nationals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rays manager Kevin Cash had said prior to Monday's game that he was considering an opener ahead of Fleming, but he revealed after the contest that he decided against it. Fleming isn't a great streaming option even in a favorable matchup.

Curry allowed two runs over three hits while striking out three over five innings in Monday's 12-11 extra-inning win over the Athletics. He did not factor in the decision.

Zach Plesac was chased from the game after giving up six runs in one-plus innings. Curry stepped in for a long-relief assignment and limited the damage to a two-run home run by Ramon Laureano in the fifth inning. This was Curry's first appearance of the season, and while he's currently occupying a relief role, it's good to see him staying stretched out in case he's needed to step into the rotation. He threw 35 of 55 pitches for strikes and dialed up five swinging strikes. Barring injuries to any of the Guardians' starters, Curry's best chance of getting into the rotation could be if Hunter Gaddis continues to struggle.

Coulombe (1-0) struck out one and hit a batter over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win Monday over the Rangers.

Coulombe relieved Kyle Bradish (foot) after the latter was injured in the second inning. Despite Tyler Wells throwing five no-hit innings, it was Coulombe who was awarded the win in his second game as an Oriole. The southpaw has two strikeouts and two hit batsmen without allowing a hit or a walk over 2.1 innings this season. He's expected to continue serving in a low-leverage role.

Morgan allowed an unearned run on a hit in one inning Monday. He struck out one and earned a save against Oakland.

Morgan entered a 12-10 game in the 10th inning and coughed up just one run to finish off the late-night slugfest. He's now worked through three innings with a 5:1 K:BB while allowing just one unearned run. It was Morgan's first career save but he shouldn't see too many opportunities moving forward.