MLB Player News

Swanson is being held back slightly in spring training after feeling some muscle spasms in his right shoulder several weeks ago, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Swanson's spring training is getting off to a slow start, but his lack of usage is likely just a precaution. The right-hander is expected to do some light throwing Saturday, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Mariners ease him back into normal usage as long as he doesn't experience any setbacks. Swanson made his major-league debut last season, posting a 5.74 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 58 innings.

Harvey didn't throw Friday due to an illness, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

There hasn't been any indication that the illness is serious enough to affect Harvey's preparation for the upcoming season. The righty is expected to be a full-time reliever this year and could potentially push for a high-leverage spot if he pitches well early.

Borucki will be shut down for 10 days due to left elbow tightness, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Borucki has a history of elbow troubles, most recently missing the last two months of the 2019 campaign due to surgery to remove bone spurs. The latest issue may put his availability for Opening Day at risk and could take him out of the battle for the Blue Jays' fifth starter spot.

Burdi (knee) threw his first side session of spring training Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ''He looked good,'' manager Rick Renteria said of Burdi's side session. ''The ball was coming out of his hand, and he was around the zone more, hitting the spot more than I thought he would be at this point. A lot of life. He threw the ball well.''

Burdi, a first-round draft pick in 2016, has endured two major injuries since draft day. Tommy John elbow surgery ended his 2017 season prematurely, and he spent 2018 recovering. A dislocated knee cut short his 2019 season. He's got a powerful, upper-90s fastball that fueled a 13.8 K/9 rate in 29 games at Triple-A Charlotte before the elbow injury. Given his lack of work over the last three years, Burdi is expected to start in the minors this season so the organization can monitor the right-hander.

Burke (shoulder) is out to 90 feet in his throwing program, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Burke is not yet throwing off a mound because of inflammation in his left shoulder. As such, he will be behind other starters. The left-hander is expected to start the season at Triple-A Nashville.

Lopez is expected to start the spring training opener against the Angels on Feb. 22, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Lopez is tentatively slotted third in the starting rotation, but will get the first call this spring, as staff ace Lucas Giolito is dealing with a minor rib injury and will miss the first few Cactus League games. Lopez experienced a dropoff in 2019 relative to 2018, giving up more hits and home runs in fewer innings, but there are some advanced metrics that indicate he pitched better than his 5.38 ERA.

Katz signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Thursday, Andersen Pickard of MLB Daily Dish reports.

Katz is back in affiliated ball after pitching with the independent Long Island Ducks in 2019, posting a 4.70 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB in 15.1 innings. The southpaw figures to serve as organizational pitching depth.

Soriano underwent Tommy John surgery last week and will miss the entire 2020 season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

This is a tough break for Soriano, who compiled a 2.55 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 77.2 innings with Low-A Burlington in 2019. The 21-year-old righty will now begin a long recovery process that will likely keep him sidelined into the 2021 season.

Adams (knee) was moved to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Adams was placed on the injured list in order to make a roster spot available for the Mariners to sign Taijuan Walker. Adams is still recovering from right knee surgery to repair his torn ACL, a procedure originally delayed due to the discovery of a blood clot in his left calf. The 28-year-old accumulated a 3.77 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB across 31 innings with Seattle in 2019. If Adams doesn't experience any significant setbacks during the rehab process, it is likely he'll be able to return to the Mariners bullpen around June.

Lovelady mentioned that he is now healthy after having surgery on his right knee in October, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lovelady made 25 appearances for the Royals during the 2019 season, owning a 7.65 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB across 20 innings. The 24-year-old reliever has steadily climbed the minor-league ladder since being selected in the 10th round of the 2016 draft by Kansas City. Lovelady will be among a large group of pitching prospects battling for a spot in a Royals bullpen during spring training.