MLB Player News

The Red Sox placed Taylor (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

One of three known pitchers on the roster to have tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, Taylor remains in quarantine and has yet to receive clearance to rejoin the Red Sox for workouts. As a reliever, Taylor won't require much ramp-up time once he reports to the team, but with the Red Sox kicking off their season in just nine days, the lefty appears unlikely to crack the 30-man Opening Day roster.

Pruitt has developed inflammation in his right elbow, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Houston manager Dusty Baker indicated Tuesday that Pruitt was ailing for an undisclosed reason, so knowing it's an elbow injury clarifies the picture. Pruitt is one of several starters that is expected to serve as depth and was in the mix as a possible replacement for No. 4 starter Jose Urquidy, who was placed on the 10-day injured list for an undisclosed reason.

Pressly was held out of Tuesday's intrasquad game due to a blister on his right index finger, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The initial report did not include a reason for Pressly being held out Tuesday, but this news clarifies the matter. That the injury is merely a blister should be a relief to those counting on Pressly for fantasy teams.

Littell threw three innings in Tuesday's scrimmage and could be used in longer outings this season, MLB.com reports. "With a guy like Zack, and some other guys that have been starters for us that may find themselves in the bullpen, having the ability to give you an inning or three is gonna be something that's gonna be beneficial to us," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said.

Littell improved in his second season in the majors last year (2.68 ERA) due to increased velocity (93.8 mph average fastball), reduced walks (6.2%) and keeping the ball in the park (0.97 HR/9). It looks like he will win a role as a middle reliever and could be used for longer outings if a starter is unable to pitch long into games as they ramp up.

Merryweather suffered a left oblique strain Tuesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 28-year-old was never a likely candidate to be included on the Blue Jays' season-opening roster, and the timing of the injury likely means he won't be ready for the start of the season. Merryweather has yet to make his major-league debut and is expected to serve as an emergency depth option once healthy.

The White Sox added Burdi to their player pool Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Burdi has dealt with injuries -- Tommy John elbow surgery followed by a dislocated knee -- which have cost him much of the last two seasons. He's got a power arm and was thought to be near major-league ready in 2017 before the injuries, so he could make his MLB debut in 2020.

Pressly didn't pitch Tuesday due to an undisclosed ailment, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pressly was scheduled to throw Tuesday, but manager Dusty Baker revealed that he was unable to do so because of an undisclosed ailment. The nature and severity of the issue are unclear, as is whether or not his availability for Opening Day will be affected. The Astros are scheduled to begin the regular season against the Mariners on July 24.

Manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday that Pruitt is "ailing" for an undisclosed reason, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear what issue Pruitt is dealing with, but Baker listed him among two other teammates that have been limited with apparent injuries. Whether the ailment impacts Pruitt's availability for the start of the regular season remains to be seen. The 30-year-old made 14 appearances (two starts) for the Rays last season, posting a 4.40 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 47 innings.

Stiever (forearm) was added to the White Sox's 60-man player pool Tuesday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Stiever was battling forearm soreness back in spring training, and it's unclear whether the issue is still bothering him. The 23-year-old righty is an interesting prospect. He would seem unlikely to make his big-league debut this year as he's yet to pitch above High-A, though he did look quite good at that level last season, posting a 2.15 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 28.0 percent strikeout rate in 12 starts for Winston-Salem.

Mata joined the Red Sox's player pool Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Mata will give Boston extra pitching depth this season, though he's unlikely to play a major role. The 21-year-old is yet to reach Triple-A and struggled to a 5.03 ERA in 11 starts for Double-A Portland last season, though that figure came with a strong 3.27 xFIP, as his 25.2 percent strikeout rate and 52.1 percent groundball rate offset a poor 10.3 percent walk rate.