MLB Player News

Manager Charlie Montoyo said Monday that Borucki (elbow) is out of the running for the Blue Jays' fifth spot in the starting rotation for Opening Day, Arash Madani of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki was shut down earlier this spring as a result of elbow tightness, and he won't be considered for the fifth rotation spot due to him being behind where other pitchers are at this point. However, Borucki threw on flat ground Monday and reportedly felt good following the workout. The southpaw could serve in the starting rotation at some point in 2020, but he'll presumably begin the campaign at Triple-A Buffalo or occupy a spot on the Jays' 15-day injured list.

Palumbo walked two while striking out two over two scoreless innings in a spring start Sunday against the Mariners.

Palumbo made his spring debut, showing off the 20 pounds he added to his body during the offseason, as reported by T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. "I think it is really going to help him from a stamina standpoint, get through the whole season. That's always been a concern. Now that he has a little more mass, he can handle it better," said manager Chris Woodward. The left-hander made his big-league debut in 2019, posting a 9.18 ERA over seven appearances (four starts). The Rangers didn't want the 25-year-old Palumbo, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in 2018, to be used in the majors last season, but injuries forced the team's hand. The organization will have him build up innings at Triple-A Nashville in 2020, and Palumbo should be on the short list of candidates if the team needs starting help at some point during the season.

Alvarado, who threw another successful bullpen session Sunday, is likely to make his spring debut Wednesday against the Twins, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old southpaw threw approximately 20 pitches during the session and looked impressive doing so. Alvarado has been sharp in his throwing thus far this spring, leaving him poised for his likely debut versus Minnesota.

Loaisiga is working on adding a slider to his pitch mix this spring, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Loaisiga is competing for a role in the Yankees' rotation in spring training and hopes to bolster his case by adding to his arsenal. He made his spring debut Sunday and threw a scoreless inning, striking out Austin Meadows in the process. Afterwards, he threw in the bullpen to reach 25 pitches as the Yankees attempt to stretch him out for a potential starting role.

Kowar threw two-thirds of an inning in his spring debut on Sunday and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk against the Indians, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Kowar surrendered a two-run home run on a changeup he left over the plate. Perhaps more importantly than the results, however, Kowar reportedly was sitting between 95 and 97 mph with his fastball and had his curveball working as well. Among a number of promising pitching prospects in the Royals' system, Kowar is likely to begin the 2020 season at Triple-A Omaha.

Puk, who fired a scoreless first inning during which he issued a walk and recorded a strikeout in Saturday's 12-2 Cactus League loss to the Cubs, impressed with his full repertoire of pitches, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "The changeup that he didn't have last year, that's what is going to make him who he is," manager Bob Melvin said. "His fastball even plays up because of it. He looked really good."

The towering left-hander threw 13 pitches overall during the outing, nine of which found the strike zone. His most memorable moment came when he mowed down Kris Bryant on three pitches, flummoxing the Cubs slugger with an 87 mph slider after blowing a pair of fastballs clocked in the mid-90s past him. Outside of a two-out walk to Javier Baez, Puk was pleased with his performance, as well as the fact he's now free to deploy his curveball and changeup after limiting his use of breaking pitches last season to reduce strain on his surgically repaired elbow.

Loaisiga's role for the 2020 campaign has not yet been determined, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Per manager Aaron Boone, the organization views Loaisiga's talent favorably and does not want to limit his potential contributions, though a history of injuries could make the 25-year-old a better fit for the bullpen. Loaisiga has been a starter throughout most of his minor-league career but pitched in relief 11 times while making only four starts for the Yankees last season.

Beeks, who fired a scoreless second inning in Saturday's 4-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Red Sox, was impressive with his changeup during the outing, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Beeks needed only 10 pitches to get his three outs, with four of those offerings coming in the form of changeups. Beeks acknowledged after the game that he worked on various aspects of his repertoire over the offseason in an effort to even out some of the rough edges he displayed in an otherwise solid 2019. Beeks appeared in 33 games (three starts) for the Rays, posting a strong 6-3 record but also recording an elevated 1.49 WHIP and 3.5 BB/9. He again projects as a left-handed relief option this season capable of working multiple innings if necessary.

Richards opened Saturday's 4-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Red Sox, allowing one hit and recording two strikeouts over a scoreless first inning.

Richards enjoyed a brief but successful stint with the Rays last season after arriving from the Marlins at the deadline, posting a 3-0 record and 1.93 ERA across seven appearances (three starts). With the Rays already boasting a loaded starting rotation, the 26-year-old projects for a multi-inning bullpen role this season. However, his extensive starting experience (48 career starts in 55 appearances) renders him as excellent depth in that regard should injuries strike.

Romano struck out one in a scoreless fourth inning Saturday against the Yankees while hitting 98 mph with his fastball, Gregor Chisholm of The Toronto Star reports.

The 26-year-old had a rough big-league debut last year, posting a 7.63 ERA and 1.70 WHIP through 15.1 innings, but his 28.0 percent strikeout rate -- on the heels of 53 Ks in 37.2 innings for Triple-A Buffalo -- and high-octane stuff have kept him in the picture for the Jays. If Romano can sharpen his control and command and put together a strong spring, he could head north with a high-leverage role in a bullpen that remains unsettled behind closer Ken Giles.