MLB Player News

Kay exited Saturday's spring game against the Yankees due to a lower right leg contusion.

Kay started Saturday's Grapefruit League matchup and allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one in 2.2 innings. The severity of Kay's injury isn't yet known, and it's unclear whether the issue will impact his availability to begin the regular season.

Payamps was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Payamps was waived and claimed four separate times this offseason but will finally find some stability with the Blue Jays organization. He's made just four career big-league appearances, so it's no surprise to see that he'll open the year in the minors.

Hill (wrist) was placed on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Hill spent spring training recovering from offseason wrist surgery, but he's been able to resume throwing recently. However, the right-hander will miss extended time to begin the regular season while he continues to recover.

Wilson (shoulder) played catch from 90 feet Saturday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Wilson threw for the first time since exiting Monday's game with a trainer, and he reportedly felt great after his throwing session. While it doesn't appear as though Wilson will be ready to pitch in time for Opening Day, the team still hasn't determined whether he'll require time on the injured list to begin the regular season.

Ottavino could step in as Boston's closer to begin the regular season after Matt Barnes tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora announced Barnes' positive test result Saturday and said that the team hasn't yet determined its pitching plans to begin the regular season. However, Ottavino would be the most likely option to handle ninth-inning duties while Barnes is sidelined as long as Ottavino doesn't have to go through contact tracing. Ottavino was competing for the closer's job during camp and tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts during five Grapefruit League appearances.

Andriese was scratched from his spring start against the Pirates on Saturday due to contact tracing, Sean McAdam of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

Manager Alex Cora announced Saturday that right-hander Matt Barnes has tested positive for COVID-19, and Andriese is one of several members of the organization who will be away from the team due to contact tracing. Andriese is expected to serve as a swingman for Boston this year, but it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to return to the team in time for Opening Day.

Barnes has tested positive for COVID-19, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Barnes tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts this spring and most recently pitched Thursday, but he'll now be away from the team following his positive test result. He isn't experiencing any symptoms, but manager Alex Cora said that Barnes will be away from the team for approximately 10 days. Adam Ottavino is a strong candidate to receive save chances over the first few games of the regular season while Barnes is sidelined.

Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

Jimenez closed out nine games in 2019 and led the Tigers with five saves in last year's shortened season, but he will not be part of the late-inning mix to open the 2021 campaign and will not even break camp with the big club. Jimenez figures to be called up at some point this season, but he presumably will need to show some results before being considered for save opportunities again.

Hendriks struck out all three batters faced in a perfect inning Friday against the Brewers.

Hendriks pitched for the first time in nine days after passing a kidney stone. The ordeal did not seem to affect him, as he fanned all three batters faced and pulled it off with what he referred to as a "natural hat trick -- strikeouts with the fastball, slider and curveball," per Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. He'll next pitch Sunday, which Hendriks said will have him ready for the regular season.

Sewald was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.

Sewald was a non-roster invitee during spring training after signing a minor-league contract with the Mariners in January. However, the right-hander was unable to secure a spot on the major-league roster after he posted a 9.64 ERA and 2.36 WHIP in 4.2 innings during five spring appearances. Sewald will likely begin the year at Triple-A Tacoma.