MLB Player News

Yarbrough's performance in Wednesday's simulated game, when he threw 3.1 innings, helped his chances of solidifying a rotation spot, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "Like I said in spring training, and it's still my goal right now, it's just to continue to show them and prove to them that I could be a full-time starter," Yarbrough said. "We have a couple of outings to continue to show that and prove to them that long term this is what I want to do and best help the team."

The versatile southpaw faced the foursome of Willy Adames, Brandon Lowe, Ji-Man Choi and Mike Zunino, and he allowed just one hit while recording three strikeouts during his time on the mound. Yarbrough came away pleased with the opportunity to once again face hitters and throw to one of the team's catchers, as well as the chance to continue to prove worthy of a rotation spot. Manager Kevin Cash also heaped praise on the 28-year-old, noting the Rays would not have gotten as far as they did in 2019 without Yarbrough's efforts. It's also worth noting that with Tyler Glasnow and Yonny Chirinos both currently away from summer camp workouts for undisclosed reasons, the Rays actually find themselves short-handed on starting pitchers with less than three weeks to go before Opening Day.

Richards was dominant while throwing 2.2 innings in a simulated game Wednesday against a quartet of teammates, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "I don't know if we saw the best of Trevor at any point last year, but his stuff is pretty unique," manager Kevin Cash said. "That changeup from behind almost looks like a breaking ball the way it drops. The changeup is going to be the big equalizer. When we see that pitch on, he's generally on track for a pretty good outing."

The 27-year-old could be set to fill a number of different roles during this coming regular season, and Wednesday's outing certainly inspired confidence he could thrive in whatever capacity he's deployed. Richards completely flummoxed the foursome of Brandon Lowe, Willy Adames, Mike Zunino and Ji-Man Choi -- who each took two at-bats against him -- by impressively ringing up seven total strikeouts and only allowing one of his 34 pitches to be put in play.

Fulmer (elbow) tossed two innings in an intrasquad game Wednesday, allowing an unearned run and striking out one, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

It was Fulmer's first action in a game setting since spring training of 2019, so while it was just a scrimmage, it was good to see the righty on the mound. The team didn't have a radar gun on him, meaning no velocity readings to gauge quite yet. Fulmer will continue to build up his arm during summer camp, and the team could use him in a long-relief role to begin the season to limit his workload after he missed all of last year.

Loaisiga threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

This marks Loaisiga's first workout since arriving in New York from his home country of Nicaragua over the weekend following a negative COVID-19 test. The right-hander is vying for a spot in the Yankees' rotation, though either way he figures to be an important part of the team's pitching staff during the shortened season given his versatility.

Quijada was placed on the 10-day injured list for undisclosed reasons Wednesday, Andersen Pickard of MLBDailyDish.com reports.

Due to privacy concerns, the Angels wouldn't legally be allowed to specify whether or not Quijada's absence is due to COVID-19. When healthy, Quijada isn't expected to fill a significant role in the Angels' bullpen, as he struggled to a 5.76 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP in his 29.2-inning big-league debut for the Marlins last season.

Pearson seems like a lock to pitch in the majors at some point this season if he stays healthy, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Given Toronto's track record, it is likely to manipulate Pearson's service time despite the fact he is already one of the team's five best starting pitchers. If he is kept in the satellite camp for seven days before getting the call, the Blue Jays will gain an extra year of team control. While Toronto is not a likely contender this season, it is imperative to get Pearson as many competitive innings as possible in 2020 so that he can push up over 100 innings in 2021. He had a 1.29 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in seven innings this spring.

Pressly threw live batting practice Tuesday for the first time since joining summer camp, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pressly, who reported his mechanics were off during spring training, was pleased with Tuesday's session and declared himself ready to go. Houston's top setup man focused on his curveball during the session. "We're a couple of weeks away, so I think everybody is kind of getting arms in shape and trying to maneuver around everything that's happening," Pressly said. Pressly said his right knee is physically fine after he underwent arthroscopic surgery last August.

Diekman, who's considered an at-risk player in the current health landscape due to a history of ulcerative colitis, is participating in summer camp and remains focused on playing in 2020, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "I want to play no matter what. The only way I won't play is if this [season] gets shut down," Diekman said. "It's going to be very hard for me to opt out now that I've pitched against hitters and we're here every day throwing bullpens. Everyone's competitive juices are flowing to the max right now, and everyone wants to play."

The left-hander has been taking extra precautions in the early days of camp, keeping his distance from other players and throwing bullpen sessions in the visitors' bullpen. Diekman also threw a 20-pitch live batting practice Tuesday that featured a 10-pitch marathon against Ramon Laureano, a session that marked the southpaw's first time throwing off a dirt mound against hitters in four months. Diekman is also in the midst of incorporating a changeup, a pitch he's just getting a handle on and will continue to refine during the remaining build to the regular season.

Barria is in the mix for an early season starting role if Julio Teheran (undisclosed) is unable to pitch at the start of the campaign, Taylor Blake Ward of Locked on Angels reports.

Teheran was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, and his return to baseball activities remains uncertain. In addition, potential starter Patrick Sandoval has yet to report to camp, creating another possible opening in what is expected to be a six-man rotation. Barria struggled in 19 appearances (13 starts) with the Angels last season, compiling a 6.42 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over 82.2 innings.

Norris hasn't appeared at the portions of practice open to the media since summer camp started, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Due to privacy issues, the club hasn't commented on the absences of Norris, Tarik Skubal or Alex Faedo, all of whom have yet to report. It's unclear when the pitchers will be able to join the team. Norris is projected to work as the Tigers' fifth starter to begin the season.