MLB Player News

Pivetta (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, as the Red Sox were downed 4-1 by the Pirates, giving up three runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.

The strikeouts, as well as a passed ball by Reese McGuire that kept the second inning alive, helped salvage his night from a fantasy perspective, but Pivetta also served up homers to Ji Hwan Bae and Bryan Reynolds. The right-hander allowed a career-high 27 long balls last year, and his issues keeping the ball in the park are a large part of the reason why he's never had an ERA below 4.50 in his big-league career. Pivetta lines up for a two-step next week, as Boston heads to Tampa Bay before hosting the Angels on the weekend.

Fairbanks threw a scoreless ninth inning without allowing a baserunner in Tuesday's 10-6 win over the Nationals.

Fairbanks made his second appearance of the season, and he recorded the final three outs on only eight pitches. The Rays have yet to have a save opportunity, but Fairbanks has thrown in the ninth inning for both of his outings and appears to be in the best position to pick up saves in Tampa Bay to begin the season.

Fleming didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 10-6 win over the Nationals, coughing up five runs on 10 hits and a walk over three-plus innings. He struck out two.

The hits off Fleming were mostly singles, but they kept on coming as the lefty allowed two runs in each of the first two innings, before three straight knocks to lead off the bottom of the fourth chased him from the game. Fleming's spot in the Rays' rotation could be tenuous, but none of the likely replacements at Triple-A Durham have gotten off to a particularly strong start to the season, so he should get a chance to right the ship. The 26-year-old's next turn figures to come early next week in a home series against the Red Sox.

Karinchak (0-2) allowed a run on a hit and a walk with one strikeout over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss against the Athletics on Tuesday.

It's been a less-than-stellar start to the season for Karinchak, who has racked up two losses and two holds through four appearances. He walked the leadoff batter in the ninth inning Tuesday, then allowed a walkoff single to Tony Kemp after getting two outs. Karinchak has had some issues with walks, posting a 5:3 K:BB over three innings so far. The Guardians' bullpen has been a strength dating back to last season, so Karinchak could move down the hierarchy if he can't get his early struggles under control quickly.

Romano delivered a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Royals. He didn't allow a baserunner and had one strikeout.

Romano notched a save Opening Day for Toronto, and he delivered another clean outing Tuesday in Kansas City. The 29-year-old hasn't allowed a baserunner in either of his two outings and maintains a firm grip on the closer role.

Brieske (arm) continues to receive further medical evaluation, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Brieske is on the injured list to begin the year with right upper arm discomfort, and there's still no word as to when the right-hander will be ready to return. Because of the missed time and the lack of clarity, it seems likely that he won't be ready to come off the injured list when first eligible.

Johnson (elbow) will open the year on the 60-day injured list at Triple-A Norfolk.

Though he's listed on Norfolk's roster, Johnson has never pitched above the High-A level. Johnson would likely head to High-A or Double-A if he can ramp up before the end of the minor-league season. The hard-throwing righty underwent Tommy John surgery last August just after getting traded from the Rays to the Orioles as part of the three-team trade that sent Trey Mancini to Houston and Jose Siri to Tampa Bay. Johnson has late-inning stuff if he needs to move to the bullpen due to durability issues. With the move to the 60-day IL, Johnson doesn't count against Baltimore's 40-man roster.

White (elbow) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Monday at the Blue Jays player development complex in Florida, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

White's next step according to Zwelling will be to throw another bullpen, and then he could face hitters live if that goes well. The right-hander is dealing with elbow inflammation and is unlikely to return to the big-league club before the end of April.

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.