MLB Player News

Anderson (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

The move was an expected one, as it was previously reported that Anderson's partially torn elbow ligament would keep him out past the midpoint of the season. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the Rays to add Andrew Kittredge.

Kittredge was added to the Rays' 40-man roster Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 31-year-old re-signed with the Rays on a minor-league deal during the offseason, but he'll join the 40-man roster with Nick Anderson (elbow) landing on the 60-day injured list. Kittredge gave up two runs over eight innings last season and had a 4.17 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 58:12 K:BB over 49.2 innings for Tampa Bay during 2019.

Hendriks will pitch for the first time in nine days Friday against the Brewers after dealing with kidney stones, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The medical scare threw off Hendriks' preseason preparation, but he should still be ready to go by Opening Day. His delayed buildup may mean the White Sox avoid using him on back-to-back days at the start of the regular season, but it shouldn't significantly impact his campaign.

Nelson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The 24-year-old was competing for a spot in the bullpen to start the season, and he had a strong spring training with one run allowed and an 8:0 K:BB over five innings. Nelson still figures to be in the mix this season as Cleveland shuffles its bullpen pieces.

Anderson expects to try a platelet-rich plasma injection or stem cell treatment to address his partially torn elbow ligament, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Anderson's elbow woes are expected to keep him out until after the All-Star break. He's not planning on undergoing surgery at this point, though the aforementioned treatments don't have a 100 percent success rate, so he may be forced to change his plans eventually. Diego Castillo and Pete Fairbanks look like the top ninth-inning options in his absence, though the Rays are famously creative with their pitchers' roles, so it's always possible someone else enters the picture.

Fulmer will open the season as a reliever for the Tigers, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old was competing for a spot at the back end of Detroit's starting rotation, but he'll instead open the season in the bullpen. Fulmer has exclusively operated as a starter during his four years in the big leagues, but he's now set to serve in a multi-inning role as a reliever.

King hurled 2.1 innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus Philadelphia, allowing seven runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two.

King was knocked around early in the contest, allowing the first four Philadelphia batters to reach base before getting his first out and yielding five runs prior to being pulled for a reliever. He went back out for the second frame and allowed another two runs before pitching a clean third inning. King has given up 12 earned runs across 15.1 innings this spring and may have pitched his way out of a roster spot with Thursday's ugly outing.

Wilson (shoulder) won't throw "for at least a few days," Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports.

This likely puts Wilson out of the running for Opening Day, though an official timeline for his return has yet to be announced. The left-hander is nonetheless believed to have avoided serious injury and isn't expected to miss extensive time.

Armstrong is a candidate for save chances early in the season, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Hunter Harvey (oblique) was expected to open the season in the closer role, but he'll be out until at least late May. That has opened up save opportunities in Baltimore, though manager Brandon Hyde has refused to name an official closer. Armstrong is a candidate based on his strong 2020 season -- he posted a 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with a 14:3 K:BB across 15 innings -- though he had a 2019 campaign and will need to prove his consistency. Tanner Scott and Cesar Valdez are also candidates to see save opportunities.

Valdez is being stretched out and could serve as a multi-inning reliever, but he also remains a possible closing option, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Valdez pitched three innings in his last Grapefruit League appearance, lending some insight into his potential role with the team to begin the season. However, because Hunter Harvey (oblique) will be sidelined until at least May, Valdez could factor into the saves picture for the team as well. He played a valuable role as a reliever for the team in 2020, posting a 1.26 ERA and 0.70 WHIP with a 12:3 K:BB while recording three saves across 14.1 innings.