MLB Player News

Andriese will open the season as the Angels' fifth starter, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Manager Joe Maddon announced the decision Wednesday. Andriese's spot in the rotation is presumably tied to the continued absence of Julio Teheran, though given Maddon's likely use of a six-man rotation this season, Andriese could stick as a starter even after Teheran returns. In 49 career starts, Andriese has posted a 4.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 202:63 K:BB over 236.2 innings.

The Blue Jays are expected to use Giles "a lot" during the abbreviated 2020 season, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Entering his second full season in Toronto, Giles is locked in as Toronto's closer after a dominant 2019 campaign in which he posted a 1.87 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 83:17 K:BB while converting 23 of 24 save chances over his 53 innings. Giles excelled in spite of recurring bouts with right elbow soreness, an injury that played a major factor in him staying put when the 2019 trade deadline passed. With Giles set to become an unrestricted free agent this winter, Toronto is expected to make ample use of their best reliever in 2020, either to maximize its chances of making a surprise playoff push in the compressed 60-game season or to showcase him to more competitive clubs ahead of the Aug. 31 trade deadline. There could be some risk of GIles losing out on a closing role if he's dealt to another team, which probably makes him a more ideal No. 2 closer than a No. 1 option in most fantasy leagues.

Blach underwent successful Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Blach experienced elbow soreness earlier in the month and ultimately opted for surgery after receiving a pair of opinions. The southpaw is set to all of the 2020 season and likely a good chunk of the 2021 campaign while recovering.

Tate (forearm) remains day-to-day with swelling in his right elbow, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Tate has been limited since being hit by a line drive in Friday's intrasquad game, and he's still being brought along slowly with swelling in his right elbow. He underwent an MRI on Saturday that came back negative, but the team is still proceeding with caution.

Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB Network Radio on Thursday that he expects Norris (illness) to rejoin the team for workouts this weekend or early next week, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Norris hasn't been present at the Tigers' summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19 during the intake process and subsequently landing on the injured list. The southpaw looks like he'll be on track to rejoin the Tigers before their season begins July 24, but because of the lack of training time he had beforehand, he'll presumably be excluded from the 30-man Opening Day roster. Once Norris has been able to build up his arm through bullpen sessions and simulated games, he could be a candidate to fill the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

Hall was added to Baltimore's player pool Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Hall is an interesting prospect but has yet to reach Double-A, making him an unlikely candidate to contribute at the big-league level in 2020. He'll head to the team's alternate camp site where he'll continue his development.

Martin (illness) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Thursday.

This move was expected, as Martin is still recovering from the COVID-19 virus and simply won't have enough time to get ready for the start of the season (once healthy). With the Rangers dealing with multiple absences in their bullpen, Jesse Chavez, Luke Farrell and Nick Goody could see high-leverage innings to start the season.

Trivino (shoulder) faced hitters in a simulated game Sunday, John Hickey of SI.com reports.

Trivino reported no renewed soreness in his right shoulder coming out of the appearance, so he looks like he'll be ready to go when the Athletics open their season July 24 versus the Angels. After a tough 2019 campaign, Trivino told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday that he feels he's in terrific condition and "poised to repeat" his impressive rookie season. Trivino served as the Athletics' top setup man in 2018, logging a 2.92 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 82:31 K:BB across 74 innings.

Loaisiga will pitch in relief to begin the campaign, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Loaisiga had been considered for a starting role throughout both spring training and summer camp, but the team ultimately decided that he is best suited for a bullpen spot to begin the season. The right-hander indicated a willingness to take on any role the Yankees need of him, stating through a translator, "It's about getting in the game and doing your job. If I'm going to start the game, I'm fine with that. If I'm going to go into the middle of the game, no problem with me. If I have to end the game, I'm cool with that. I just want to pitch, help and just go do my job." Loaisiga looked good in intrasquad action Wednesday, hurling three scoreless and hitless innings while striking out four batters.

Gibaut struck out two and retired all four batters faced on 10 pitches Wednesday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been impressive during summer camp, having allowed one hit while striking out eight over four scoreless innings. With a spate of injuries in the bullpen, the Rangers will likely add Gibaut to the active roster when the season starts.