MLB Player News

Pearson is focused on improving his command this season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. "In the minors, you can definitely get away with being a little erratic because velo can help you out at times," Pearson said. "I definitely learned up in the big leagues you can't just throw it hard and spray it a lot. You've got to attack the zone and throw strikes and competitive pitches more often than not."

The young right-hander didn't disappoint with his raw fastball velocity in his debut last year, routinely hitting 100 mph or more, but Pearson's overall results were disappointing as his location both inside and outside the strike zone was often erratic. A flexor strain in his elbow didn't help matters, but even if Pearson stays healthy in 2021, his ability to improve his command will be the key to turning his impressive arsenal into actual production. "I felt like early last year I was trying to paint corners too much rather than just fill up the zone with strikes," the 24-year-old said. "That's exactly what I did when I came back off the IL; just attack hitters and fill up the zone. That's what I plan to do in spring training and that's one of my goals; throw competitive pitches and strikes. I think good things will always happen when you're filling up the zone."

Naughton underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed a Grade 1 UCL strain, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Naughton was traded from the Reds to the Angels last August and was expected to begin the 2021 season at the Triple-A level. However, he'll now be sidelined due to his left elbow injury. It's not yet clear when the 24-year-old will be cleared to return to action.

Fulmer departed spring training following the birth of his second child Saturday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer was expected to start Monday's Grapefruit League game, but he'll no longer do so after leaving spring training. Kyle Funkhouser will start in his place Monday, but Fulmer will presumably rejoin the team in the coming days and should still have plenty of time to prepare for the regular season.

Hernandez will start the Rangers' fourth spring game Wednesday against the Angels, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez is not on the radar as a starter, so the decision to have him open a Cactus League game carries little significance. He's expected to serve a key role at the back end of the bullpen, possibly even as the closer.

Raley has prepared during the offseason to fill an inning-eater role out of Houston's bullpen, Ryan Herrera of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Raley was one of several pitchers to come out of nowhere and serve as bullpen pieces for the Astros last season. Unlike the others, who were young pitchers making their MLB debuts, Raley was in his 30s and spent most of his career pitching in leagues around the world. He became a trusted member of the 'pen and made six relief appearances during the postseason.

King is slated to take the mound for the Yankees' first spring training game against Toronto on Sunday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

King is among a group of pitchers manager Aaron Boone mentioned as being in competition for the fifth-starter job, and he'll have a chance to showcase his stuff immediately against the Blue Jays. The right-hander struggled mightily in 26.2 big-league innings last season, so he'll likely need to dominate during spring training to claim a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

Fleming focused on improving both his cutter and curveball this offseason and is looking forward to working in multiple roles again if asked, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. "I'm excited for whatever role they put me in, whether it's starting, whether it's coming out of the bullpen," Fleming said. "Whatever it is, I'm ready for it."

Manager Kevin Cash remarked Friday that the southpaw "competes as well as anybody in the organization." Fleming was impressive working in a starting/bulk-reliever role in 2020, finishing the campaign with a 5-0 record, 2.78 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across seven appearances (five starts). Given the premium Cash places on flexibility with his pitching staff, Fleming is aiming to make himself even more useful by enhancing his pitch arsenal and is looking to break camp once again serving as a jack-of-all-trades during the coming season, with potential starting opportunities in play given the turnover in the Rays rotation this offseason.

Chavez signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The veteran right-hander posted a 5.21 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 95 innings for the Rangers over the past two seasons, but he'll receive a chance to showcase himself in camp with the Angels. Chavez had a 2.55 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 92:17 K:BB over 95.1 innings during 2018 and should be able to earn a roster spot if able to recapture that form.

Hearn will be stretched out this spring, but he does not yet have a defined role, Sam Blum of the Dallas Morning News reports.

The Rangers still view Hearn as a starter long term, but he was used out of the bullpen in 2020. The left-hander had a 3.63 ERA and 1.38 WHIP while striking out 23 and walking 11 over 17.1 relief innings last season and looks to be used in a similar fashion in 2021.

Puk could face hitters in live batting practice "pretty soon" according to manager Bob Melvin, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The big lefty has already looked good in his early bullpen sessions as he rounds back into shape following another injury-marred season in 2020. Melvin's proclamation supports the notion Puk hasn't suffered any setbacks with his activity level thus far, and it therefore appears likely the team will test him by elevating him to live hitters soon.