MLB Player News

Red Sox interim manager Ron Roenicke was asked twice last week about his plans for the fifth starter spot, and he mentioned Weber in both of his answers, Stevie Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports. "He's a guy I like because he's right at you," Roenicke said. "He throws strikes. When his command's good, he gets some easy outs and it's fun to watch him. So we'll figure it out. But I think there's a few guys. It's not just one or two guys."

Boston has a glaring hole at the back end of the rotation with David Price traded to Los Angeles as part of the Mookie Betts deal. The in-house options are underwhelming, and it seems Weber may be atop the list for now. The 29-year-old Weber is more of a finesse pitcher who relies on his sinker to generate weak contact, with little swing-and-miss to his game (career 14.8 K%). He had a 7.94 ERA in his three starts for the Red Sox last season.

Harvey (illness) was present Wednesday for the Orioles' full-squad workout, but he didn't take part in any throwing, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The Orioles are likely just easing Harvey back in with cardio work and fielding drills after he missed the past few days of workouts with the illness. More importantly, the oft-injured 25-year-old reported to camp without any arm-related concerns, so he looks like he'll have a legitimate chance to make the Opening Day roster for the first time. Harvey likely won't be given a look in the closer's role to begin the 2020 season, but if healthy, his big fastball could allow him to quickly claim a key late-inning role for the Orioles.

Astros pitching coach Brent Strom said Tuesday that he is "really high" on Abreu as a prospect, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

When asked who among the team's prospects could be a sleeper, Strom named Abreu. Strom did not include Abreu among the "realistic" candidates for the No. 5 rotation spot out of camp, but he said he thinks Abreu "can be an exceptional major-league starting pitcher" down the line. Abreu debuted last season at the age of 22 and averaged 95.1 mph on his fastball, with a 19.2 percent swinging-strike rate in his small sample (8.2 innings).

Farmer will likely work in an eighth-inning setup role in front of closer Joe Jimenez this year, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Farmer had his best professional season in 2019, posting a 3.72 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 73:24 K:BB over 67.2 innings, while recording 15 holds. By the end of the year, the righty had seemingly settled in as the team's setup man, and he appears to have that role secure heading into 2020. Jimenez is a volatile closer, so Farmer is worth keeping an eye on if the former falters.

Cisnero is a candidate to pitch in the seventh inning this year, setting up Buck Farmer and closer Joe Jimenez, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire likes to have established roles in his bullpen, and at the moment, only Farmer and Jimenez seem set. Cisnero posted a mediocre 4.33 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 35.1 innings with the Tigers last year, though he managed an impressive 40 strikeouts as well. The 30-year-old throws hard and doesn't have a ton of competition in Detroit, so he could secure a middle-relief role with a strong spring.

Soto hit 98 mph on the radar gun Tuesday and has looked impressive to begin camp, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After a strong showing in the Dominican winter league, where he allowed just one run and struck out 16 across 11 innings of work, Soto seems to be carrying over some momentum. The 25-year-old lefty showed flashes last year out of the bullpen, posting a 3.93 ERA in 34 innings of relief, and he could earn more high-leverage work this season.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said Kay would start the Blue Jays' second Grapefruit League game Sunday against the Twins, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Kay got his first taste of the big leagues last September, logging two starts and one turn as a primary pitcher for the Blue Jays. The lefty remains one of the more highly regarded young arms in the system, but he'll likely have a tough time cracking the Opening Day rotation even with a solid showing in spring training. Toronto can afford to let Kay gain further seasoning at Triple-A Buffalo to begin 2020 after the team added three established rotation options (Hyun-Jin Ryu, Chase Anderson and Tanner Roark) over the winter.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said Thornton will start the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League opener Saturday versus the Yankees, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Thornton is only expected to cover an inning or two before turning the game over to the bullpen. As a rookie in 2019, Thornton supplied a 4.84 ERA and 8.7 K/9 across 154.1 innings while holding down a rotation spot all season. He won't be guaranteed a starting job to begin 2020, however, as Toronto beefed up its pitching staff this offseason with more seasoned rotation options in Hyun-Jin Ryu, Tanner Roark and Chase Anderson. Japanese newcomer Shun Yamaguchi is also vying for a back-end spot in the Jays' rotation.

Weiss agreed to a minor-league contract with Cleveland on Tuesday.

Weiss has a single MLB appearance under his belt, in which he faced four batters for the Reds back in 2018, walking two and allowing two homers. The 27-year-old spent 2019 in the upper minors in the Twins' system, struggling to a 7.24 ERA.

Puk will start the Athletics' Cactus League opener Saturday against the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Puk made a midseason return from Tommy John surgery in 2019 before closing out the year in Oakland's bullpen, finishing the season with a 3.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 13 strikeouts across 11.1 innings. The 24-year-old southpaw will be attempting to earn a role in the Athletics' rotation this spring, competing with Chris Bassitt and Jesus Luzardo. Puk received high praise from his catcher Austin Allen following a live batting practice session to hitters Tuesday at Fitch Park in Arizona. "He looked really good, his fastball was there, he was throwing strikes with everything," Allen said. The 2016 first-round pick by Oakland will look to utilize his 6-foot-7 frame and full arsenal of pitches to keep hitters off balance and impress his coaches throughout spring training.