MLB Player News

Karinchak will be a part of the Indians' 60-man player pool this season.

He was optioned to Triple-A in late March in a procedural move, but Karinchak was always expected to play a key role in Cleveland's bullpen this season. The 24-year-old flamethrower had a 36.4 percent strikeout rate in the majors and a 53.8 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A last season.

Burke (shoulder) was placed on the 45-day injured list Sunday.

He had already been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair his left labrum in February. Burke may be able to participate in next year's spring training.

Adleman will be a part of the Tigers' 60-man player pool this season.

Adleman was not on the 40-man roster after signing a minor-league deal with the Tigers in November, but he'll be on the expanded MLB roster. The 32-year-old last pitched in the majors in 2017 with Cincinnati and will give the Tigers some pitching depth.

Valdez will be a part of the Orioles' 60-man player pool this season.

He joined Baltimore on a minor-league deal during the offseason. Valdez could provide pitching depth in the majors this season, but he is unlikely to provide much fantasy value.

Blach will be a part of the Orioles' 60-man player pool this season.

He is not on the 40-man roster, but Blach is now eligible to provide major-league depth in 2020. The 29-year-old southpaw has a 4.99 ERA in 326.1 career MLB innings.

Curtiss will be a part of the Rays' 60-man player pool this season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Curtiss had been in Rays camp this spring on a minor-league deal. The 27-year-old righty has a 6.75 ERA in 17.1 MLB innings and was not included in the group that will train at Tropicana Field.

Covey will be a part of the Rays' 60-man player pool this season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Covey was not on the 40-man roster but was a non-roster camp invitee this spring. He is expected to serve as organizational depth and is unlikely to play a significant role this season.

Fleming is expected to be named to the Rays' 60-man roster pool Sunday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Fleming spent most of 2019 at Double-A Montgomery and had a 3.31 ERA and 1.15 WHIP to earn a promotion to Triple-A Durham in August. Fleming could make his major-league debut in 2020, but his presence in the roster pool is most likely for developmental purposes.

Flynn was informed Friday that he won't be on the Rangers' 60-man roster, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Flynn made 11 appearances for the Royals in 2019 prior to be designated for assignment, and he posted a 5.22 ERA and 22:17 K:BB prior to heading to Triple-A Omaha. He signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers during the offseason and was invited to major-league camp in the spring, but he won't be part of the active roster to begin the abbreviated 2020 campaign.

Texas manager Chris Woodward believes Leclerc's struggles in 2019 will help him in his role as closer in 2020, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports.

Leclerc, who opened the 2019 season as the team's closer, blew up in April when he walked nine batters and posted an 8.44 ERA over 10.2 innings. He was removed from his post as a result but eventually returned as the closer in August. "What he went through last year will help him this year," Woodward said. "He really struggled in all fronts, and was able to overcome it. At the end he was standing pretty tall and proud of what he was able to accomplish. It's not going to be perfect every time he goes out there, but I love where he's at right now." Command has been Leclerc's bane. If it's an issue again in a shortened season, Woodward may not give him a long leash as closer. Rafael Montero and Brett Martin will serve as setup men, meaning they could be in line for saves if Leclerc falters.