MLB Player News

The Rays optioned Honeywell (elbow) to Triple-A Durham on Monday.

After dazzling between stops at Double-A and Triple-A in 2017, Honeywell looked primed to make his Rays debut early in 2018, but the Tommy John surgery he required that spring has since pushed back his arrival to the big leagues. Honeywell recovered from that procedure by last summer, but he never appeared in affiliated ball in 2019 after suffering a fractured bone in the same elbow that required another procedure. The righty is still in rehab mode and has yet to resume facing hitters, so he'll likely begin the season on Durham's 7-day injured list.

Peters was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against Seattle due to a sprained ankle, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Peters reportedly suffered the injury while walking down the stairs Friday. He's part of a crowded battle for a spot in the back of the Angels' rotation after posting a 5.38 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 72 innings last season. Any significant time lost to this ankle issue will hurt his chances.

Anderson, who's projected to have a part in closing duties this season, has fired four scoreless, one-hit innings across four appearances in Grapefruit League play.

The right-hander saw his path to closing opportunities open when Emilio Pagan was traded to the Padres, and his performance during the first half of spring training has only reinforced the notion that he's up to the task of high-leverage work. Anderson boasts a high-90s fastball that dovetails nicely with ninth-inning duties, and his elite 110:18 K:BB across 65 innings with the Rays and Marlins last season underscores the excellent control he also brings to the table.

Schreiber was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old righty logged 13 innings in the big-league bullpen last season, but he tallied a 6.23 ERA. His strikeout rates have been promising, however, so Schreiber has a decent chance to pitch his way back to the majors this season.

Kay gave up three hits and two walks over three scoreless innings during Monday's split-squad game against the Pirates. He struck out four.

The 24-year-old southpaw has fought his control and command this spring, and even after Monday's clean outing he still carries a 7.36 ERA, 2.18 WHIP and 9:7 K:BB through 7.1 innings. Kay will begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo, but a strong start will put him in position for a promotion should the Jays need to bolster their rotation over the summer.

Weber allowed one hit while striking out four over four scoreless innings in Monday's spring game against the Braves.

Weber handled the Braves with aplomb, showing movement on his two-seamer while seemingly cementing a spot in the rotation. "His fastball, he moves one this way and the next one he cuts in; he's fun to watch," interim manager Ron Roenicke told Dawn Klemish of MLB.com. "He works quick. 'Here it is,' and the outcome has been really good so far." Weber's allowed one unearned run on six hits while striking out 11 without a walk over nine spring innings. There's nothing overpowering about Weber, but he's earned a spot at the back end of the rotation, one that might still be there when Chris Sale (elbow) returns.

King has struggled in his last two Grapefruit League starts and may no longer be in the mix for a spot in the Opening Day rotation, Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media reports.

King got off to a strong start this spring but struggled in an appearance against Philadelphia on Monday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in 2.2 innings. With Jordan Montgomery and Jonathan Loaisiga the favorites to land the No. 4 and No. 5 spots in the Yankees' Opening Day rotation, King figures to be the odd man out, per Miller.

Abreu was optioned to Double-A Trenton on Monday.

Abreu made three Grapefruit League appearances, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four in four innings. He'll return to Trenton, where he posted a 4.28 ERA in 23 games -- including 20 starts -- in 2019.

Duran was optioned to the minor leagues Monday.

Duran was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft back in November, but he's only made seven starts at the Double-A level, so it's hardly surprising to see him sent to minor-league camp. The Twins haven't announced his destination to start the season, but he's likely to need a bit more time in Double-A.

Alcala was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

Alcala made his big-league debut late last season but only recorded five outs. He could push to return at some point this season, but it's hardly surprising to see that he won't break camp in the big leagues given that he's thrown just 9.1 total innings above the Double-A level.