MLB Player News

Kittredge, who allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks over 2.1 innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Blue Jays on Monday, is being stretched out for possible spot starts or bulk-reliever duties this coming season, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander's latest outing wasn't as rocky as his line might imply, as Kittredge also rang up five strikeouts. The 29-year-old made 10 starts for the Rays over the last two seasons, but he's still largely operated as a reliever while logging 60 appearances out of the bullpen over that span. His versatility makes him a good fit as either an in-a-pinch member of the rotation or long reliever following an opener, and it's worth noting that prior to Monday's struggles, Kittredge had been in fine form over his first four appearances with a 1.73 ERA and 6:0 K:BB over 5.2 frames.

Beeks, who fired 2.2 scoreless innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Blue Jays on Monday, is being stretched out for possible spot starts or bulk-reliever duties this coming season, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander has fired 9.1 innings across six appearances thus far this spring and looked good doing so, with Beeks generating a 1.93 ERA, 0.54 WHIP and .100 BAA over the modest sample. It's certainly an encouraging body of work for the 26-year-old, who made 33 appearances overall in his first full Rays campaign in 2019, three of those as a starter. The Rays hope Beeks' solid control thus far is a harbinger for the regular season, as he struggled with a 3.5 BB/9 over his 104.1 innings last season.

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.