MLB Player News

Fulmer pitched two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Fulmer was making his first spring training start since 2019, as he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery this time last year. With the chance to get a full Grapefruit League slate under his belt, the 27-year-old may be able to work a little bit deeper into games this season, as he never worked more than three innings in any of his 10 appearances last year.

Peters is considered day-to-day with back spasms, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The issue doesn't sound too serious, and Peters should still have enough time to build up for Opening Day if he gets back on the mound soon. He was designated for assignment in early February, however, so his chances of breaking camp with the team are low.

Fairbanks is dealing with food poisoning and will not pitch Sunday as previously scheduled, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Fairbanks hasn't pitched yet this spring and will now have to wait at least two more days to do so, as the Rays have an off day Monday. With Opening Day still more than three weeks away, he should have plenty of time to get up to speed even with a minor delay.

Crochet allowed one hit over a scoreless inning in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Indians.

Crochet followed starter Reynaldo Lopez in the third inning so that he could face the best of Cleveland's lineup in preparation for what will be an important bullpen role in the final third of games. The young left-hander with a reputation for high velocity did not reach 100 MPH but did touch 99 on the gun, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ''The arm feels good, so that's the main takeaway. I felt really good with my off-speed [pitches]. My fastball command wavered a little bit, but for the most part I felt very confident with it," said Crochet.

Lopez pitched two perfect innings with one strikeout in Saturday's spring game against the Indians.

Lopez is on the outside looking in for a rotation spot but could push Carlos Rodon for the fifth starter's job with a strong spring. He tightened up his arm swing, at the behest of new pitching coach Ethan Katz, and produced good results Saturday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times reports. ''With the new arm action, all my pitches are better,'' Lopez said. ''They're going to have better action, more life, especially my fastball. I've been more consistent with it. But all my pitches are going to be better.'' At this point. Lopez, who has started for the White Sox since 2018, is projected as a reliever.

Hearn allowed one walk and struck out one over two scoreless innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Hearn is prepared to fill whatever role the Rangers have in mind, and the left-hander is being built up as a starter during spring training. "We're gonna kind of take it slow with him, but I think eventually, I see that he's got stuff enough to be a traditional starter," manager Chris Woodward told Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The manager added commanding the strike zone consistently will be an important determinant for Hearn. The pitcher did well in that regard Saturday, throwing 17 strikes among his 26 pitches, and showed good poise in the second inning when he settled down after throwing five straight pitches outside the zone.

Puk threw an inning to hitters Friday, his first time doing so this spring, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports. "He was free and easy and throwing the ball good," Athletics manager Bob Melvin said.

The left-hander is being treated with plenty of caution after shoulder surgery, but he's now proceeded from bullpen sessions to facing live hitters without a hitch. Shayna Rubin of The Mercury News reports Melvin noted Puk wasn't on the trainer's list Saturday morning, an indication his shoulder tolerated Friday's activity well. The 25-year-old could throw another live batting practice or two before eventually transitioning to Cactus League game appearances.

Montero, who was a late arrival to spring training due to a visa issue, faced Luis Torrens (finger) and Shed Long (lower leg) in a simulated game Friday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The session marked Montero's first against live hitters since his arrival. The hard-throwing right-hander, who's projected for the full-time closer role after going 8-for-8 in save chances with the Rangers a season ago, is slated to make his Cactus League debut in coming days.

Payamps was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Payamps has been waived four times during the offseason, but he'll return to the Blue Jays after he was recently waived by the Red Sox. The right-hander has been unable to firmly secure a roster spot to this point in the offseason, but he'll now compete for a bullpen role with Toronto heading into the regular season.

Pearson (groin) played catch from 90 feet Saturday, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Pearson was diagnosed with a Grade 1 right groin strain Thursday, but the team didn't sound too concerned about the injury. The right-hander felt good after his throwing session Saturday, but he'll be re-evaluated Sunday. It's not yet clear whether the injury will impact his availability for Opening Day. A better timetable for his return could be known based on how he feels after his evaluation Sunday.