MLB Player News

Beeks fired three scoreless innings in a season-opening loss to the Astros on Thursday, allowing four hits while recording five strikeouts.

Manager Kevin Cash wasted no time in affording Beeks a multi-inning assignment after starter Blake Snell worked up to 91 pitches through the first six frames. The versatile reliever responded with efficient work that negated the need for any of his bullpen mates to take the hill. Beeks fired 54 pitches Thursday, and his wealth of minor-league starting experience will allow Cash to utilize him in a similar innings-eating fashion when necessary.

Giles struck out all three batters he faced Thursday against the Tigers.

Giles entered the game in the ninth inning with the score knotted at 0-0. He made quick work of the three batters he faced, needing only 12 pitches to complete the frame. Locked into the closer's role for the Blue Jays to begin the season, Giles did nothing to raise concern in his season debut.

Boxberger recorded a one-out save in a 5-3 victory against the White Sox on Opening Day.

The Royals open the season without a full-time closer. Wily Peralta began the ninth inning on the mound Thursday but in a non-save situation. Peralta gave up two runs and only recorded one out, and after two other relief pitchers also couldn't finish the game, Boxberger entered with the bases loaded and two outs. In three pitches, he forced Yolmer Sanchez to line out. It was certainly a nail biter, but with this result, Boxberger may be the Royals' new leader for more save opportunities.

Rogers retired all four batters he faced to earn a save in Thursday's Opening Day win over the Indians. He threw 1.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has been guarded about his bullpen plans and has hinted he'll use a closer-by-commitee. Rogers may emerge as the closer, but he also faced a lefty and two switch hitters in his four batters, which suggests his usage to finish the game may have been based on matchups. It's possible the Twins don't follow much of a pattern for saves and Rogers, Trevor May, Blaker Paker and Trevor Hildenberger all get chances to finish games.

The Royals placed Flynn (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Flynn was diagnosed with a left UCL sprain late in spring training and is without a clear timeline to return to game action. The lefty is expected to join the Royals in a long-relief role once activated from the IL.

The Rays placed De Leon (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

De Leon is a year removed from Tommy John surgery and has progressed to the point of facing hitters in live batting practice. He could soon be ready to test his elbow in a simulated game, but the right-hander is realistically at least a couple months away from being activated from the IL. De Leon could eventually be transferred to the 60-day IL to free up a spot on the 40-man roster.

The Rays placed Banda (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Banda is still rehabbing from the Tommy John surgery he required last May and isn't expected to return to competitive action until the second half of the season, if at all. With several months still to go in the recovery process, Banda will likely be moved to the 60-day IL when the Rays need to add another player to the 40-man roster.

Manaea (shoulder) threw from 90 feet Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea continues to make steady progress as he works his way back from mid-September shoulder surgery. The southpaw has already thrown from 90 feet twice and is hoping to return around the All-Star break.

The Rangers designated Sadzeck for assignment Thursday.

Sadzeck didn't have any minor-league options remaining, so after failing to break camp with the big club, he'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster. In the event the right-hander goes unclaimed off waivers, he'll stick in the organization and report to Triple-A Nashville to begin the campaign.

The Rangers selected Gomez's contract Thursday and will include him on the Opening Day roster.

Gomez was one of three non-roster invitees to break camp with the Rangers, joining infielder Logan Forsythe and outfielder Hunter Pence. The 31-year-old right-hander is expected to work in middle relief for Texas to begin the season.