MLB Player News

Swanson (back) is slated to pitch his first live batting practice of spring Sunday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Swanson has been slowed by a mid-back strain suffered in January while still at home, but he was able to get through a bullpen session Tuesday without any issue. That led to Sunday's scheduled live batting practice session, and another positive outcome will likely set up a Cactus League appearance for Swanson at some point in the next week.

Smeltzer struck out one over two scoreless innings in his spring debut Saturday. He threw a new slider three times during the outing, MLB.com reports.

Smeltzer has added a slider this spring to prevent right-handed hitters from cheating on his changeup by leaning over the plate, according to MLB.com. Smeltzer is battling Jhoulys Chacin, Randy Dobnak and Lewis Thorpe for the fifth starer role this spring.

Bummer signed a five year, $16 million contract extension with the White Sox on Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Bummer was effective in 2019 while serving as the setup man for the White Sox as he recorded a 2.13 ERA and 0.99 WHIP over 67.2 innings. While the southpaw's fantasy impact could be limited behind closer Alex Colome and newly acquired Steve Cishek, Bummer will look to build on his impressive campaign in 2020.

Johnson will start Boston's Grapefruit League opener Friday against Tampa Bay, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Johnson had a 6.02 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over 40.1 innings for the Red Sox last season. The left-hander figures to begin the season in the minors or bullpen, though he still has an outside chance to grab the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation.

Jurado is battling minor shoulder inflammation, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear if Jurado's availability for Opening Day will be seriously threatened. The 24-year-old started 18 games last season and came out of the bullpen in 14 more, finishing with an uninspiring 5.81 ERA and a 15.0 percent strikeout rate.

Borucki (elbow) is scheduled to resume playing catch Monday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki began experiencing left elbow tightness earlier this month and was shut down for 10 days, so it appears he's avoided any further issues. The 25-year-old was limited to two games in 2019 due to elbow issues and eventually underwent surgery in August to remove bone spurs, so it's worth keeping an eye on his progress as he resumes his throwing program and eventually competes for the No. 5 starter role.

Graveman (elbow) is scheduled to start Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Graveman signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Mariners in November after missing all of last season due to Tommy John surgery in July 2018, and he's set to debut for the team in its third spring game. The 29-year-old made a good early impression in camp and should be in the mix for a spot in Seattle's starting rotation with a decent showing in spring training.

Hand is taking more trips to the training room in an effort to keep his arm fresh, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Hand started the 2019 campaign in exceptional form, converting his first 22 save chances successfully while holding opposing batters to a .161 batting average. However, he faltered once the calendar flipped to July, blowing four saves in 15 chances while posting a 4.91 ERA and 1.64 WHIP. Hand noted that his high volume -- he's made 283 appearances across the last four seasons -- may be catching up to him, so he's taken more care to keep his arm fresh this spring.

Manager Mike Matheny said that Lopez is in line to start Friday's Cactus League opener against the Rangers, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Lopez will get his first opportunity to stake a claim to an Opening Day rotation spot after he flitted back and forth between starting and relief duty during a mostly turbulent 2019 season. He was similarly ineffective in both capacities, posting a 6.57 ERA and .374 wOBA across 86.1 innings as a starter and a 5.79 ERA and .327 wOBA over 37.1 innings out of the bullpen. Securing a starting role would enhance Lopez's fantasy appeal, but he'll merely be an AL-only consideration until he delivers better results at the big-league level.

Smeltzer is scheduled to start Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Pirates, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Smeltzer will face off against Mitch Keller to kick off Grapefruit League play. Across 11 appearances (six starts) with the Twins in 2019, the southpaw recorded a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB in 49.0 innings.