MLB Player News

Andriese unofficially threw 77 pitches in a five-inning intrasquad outing Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four, per Trent Rush of Angels Radio Network.

Andriese was named the Angels' fifth starter Wednesday and responded with an effective five-inning appearance Friday. His first regular-season appearance is likely to come against Seattle on July 28.

Taylor (illness) cleared MLB protocol and will join the Red Sox for workouts Saturday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Taylor tested positive for COVID-19 in early July and was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, but he'll be able to participate in team activities going forward. Whether he'll be able to join the bullpen for the start of the season remains to be seen, but it's encouraging to see him take the first step by gaining clearance to return after producing two negative tests.

Fulmer (elbow) believes he's ready to be a part of the Tigers' rotation, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Players being optimistic about their own readiness is hardly a new phenomenon, though there aren't too many reasons to doubt Fulmer's self-assessment here. It's now been 16 months since he underwent Tommy John surgery, a fairly typical length of time for getting back into game action. He threw three innings in live batting practice Saturday, meaning he's probably just a session or two from being able to handle a typical starter's workload. Whether or not he has broad fantasy relevance is another matter, as his 4.69 ERA and 19.7 percent strikeout rate his most recent season back in 2018 were far from exciting.

McHugh (elbow) will not be ready for Opening Day, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The report does not cite anyone in management confirming McHugh's status, but it was borne from a discussion with Boston general manager Chaim Bloom, who addressed the unsettled nature of the rotation. A week ago, manager Ron Roenicke said McHugh needs to progress faster to make the Opening Day roster, so it's natural to assume that the right-hander, who still hasn't pitched in a game-like environment, will not be part of the 30-man roster July 24.

Tate (forearm) is scheduled to play catch in "a day or two" but is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old has been shut down since being hit by a comebacker during an intrasquad game last Friday, and he was still dealing with some swelling as recently as Thursday. Tate underwent an MRI, which came back clean, but his inability to throw for a week-plus shortly before the start of the season makes it difficult to see him being game ready for the season opener.

Manaea has been named the starter for Monday's exhibition game against the Giants, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea is arguably considered a co-ace of the staff alongside the hard-throwing Frankie Montas, but this news furthers the notion the latter will get the Opening Night call next Friday against the Angels. Manaea will tune up for what is likely a start in the second game of the season July 25 by opening Monday evening's exhibition at the Oakland Coliseum, although Melvin emphasized "things could change leading up" to next week.

Graveman hit 97 mph with a new four-seam fastball during Wednesday's intrasquad start, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. "Honestly throughout this quarantine is when I figured out the four-seam," he said. "I've been working hard on it. I was pitching in some pickup games before I got here and one day in the bullpen it felt right and I just held onto that feeling, and I have been trying really hard to repeat that in my throwing programs and being really intentional with that."

The veteran right-hander has a well-earned reputation as a groundball pitcher, but Graveman's sudden velocity could add a new dimension to his arsenal six seasons into his big-league career. The 29-year-old cruised through two scoreless innings Wednesday before getting out of a jam in the third with just one run crossing the plate. Graveman feels the four-seamer will open up more of the strike zone for him and also make his trademark sinker, which he still plans on utilizing heavily, all the more effective.

Manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Richards, Ryan Yarbrough and Charlie Morton would be able to throw five-plus innings at the start of the season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old seemed to be headed toward a versatile bullpen role this season, but it appears he's in line to step into the rotation with Yonny Chirinos (undisclosed) absent from camp. Richards had a 4.06 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 30 appearances (23 starts) between the Marlins and Rays last season, though he allowed only five runs over 23.1 innings after being traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline.

Texas manager Chris Woodward informed Hernandez that will be part of the Opening Day lineup, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Hernandez, who has nine games of MLB experience, was not expected to break camp with the Rangers in spring training, but now -- due to a number of relievers being out -- Woodward is considering the young right-hander for high-leverage work in 2020. "We may not have the luxury of easing into things," Woodward said. "With a number of guys down, do I feel comfortable with him in a [significant] role? I do. I've loved what I've seen. I've loved his mentality. I can't wait to put him in a situation like that." Hernandez has been a star in camp, allowing just one run in six innings on five hits and one walk while striking out nine, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. That comes after similar dominance in spring training when he struck out 13 over nine innings.

Palumbo pitched three scoreless inning of relief during Thursday's intrasquad game, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out four.

Palumbo is considered part of the rotation depth, but the left-hander was deployed as a reliever Thursday. That's due to Texas being down a couple of left-handers in the bullpen -- Joely Rodriguez (lat) and Brett Martin (illness). "Obviously that was super-impressive," manager Chris Woodward said. "The fastball was coming in hot. The curve and slider were really good. It was impressive." It's unclear if this means Palumbo will be used as a reliever immediately. The Rangers are still evaluating No. 5 starter Jordan Lyles, who may not be part of the first turn through the rotation.