MLB Player News

Beeks has made the Rays' Opening Day roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Beeks will open the year in a "bulk reliever" role. While he owns an unsightly 8.10 ERA and 2.10 WHIP through 10 innings this spring, the southpaw's 14:3 K:BB over that same stretch is a better indication of his ability. It's worth noting that Beeks spent much of spring tweaking his delivery -- which resulted in an uptick in his fastball velocity -- and working on improving his slider.

Hamilton (shoulder) said Sunday he's about halfway through his expected spring workload, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Hamilton's spring training work was essentially reset last week as he deals with right shoulder soreness stemming from a car accident early in spring training. According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, the 23-year-old completed a nine-pitch inning during a minor-league game Sunday as he ramps up for the regular season.

Covey will open the season in the White Sox bullpen, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Ervin Santana is expected to begin the year as the team's fifth starter, leaving Covey and Manny Banuelos to fill relief roles. The right-hander posted a solid 2.45 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 4:1 K:BB through 11 innings this spring and will remain an option to start down the line should an opening arise.

Axford (elbow) is expected to re-sign with the Blue Jays, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Axford was released by the Blue Jays earlier in the week after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his elbow. It's unclear how long the veteran will be sidelined; he'll continue to rehab with his hometown team until he's ready for game action.

Pagan fired a scoreless fourth inning in an 8-7 Grapefruit League loss to the Tigers on Saturday, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts.

Pagan acquitted himself well in his latest audition for the last bullpen spot, needing just eight offerings to get through his one frame and striking out Miguel Cabrera on three pitches to put an exclamation point on his successful appearance. Considering fellow roster-spot candidate Hunter Wood surrendered a solo home run to Cabrera and gave up three hits overall an inning earlier, Pagan may have taken the lead in the battle that should be decided by the early part of the week.

Hudson will sign a major-league deal with the Blue Jays on Sunday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Hudson was released by the Angels on Friday after joining the team on a minor-league deal in February. The 32-year-old had a 4.11 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 44:18 K:BB over 46 innings with the Dodgers last season and figures to serve in a middle relief role with the Blue Jays.

Wittgren was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Wittgren was acquired from the Marlins in February after being designated for assignment and will somewhat surprisingly start the season at Triple-A. The 27-year-old had a 2.94 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 31:15 K:BB over 33.2 innings with Miami last season and figures to join the Indians at some point in 2019.

Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Phillips didn't allow a run through eight Grapefruit League appearances (9.2 innings), racking up a 10:3 K:BB in the process. Still, the Orioles want the right-hander to spend more time in the minors after struggling to a 13.11 ERA in his big-league debut last season (11.2 innings).

Alvarado fired a scoreless sixth inning in which he also recorded a strikeout during a Grapefruit League win over the Pirates on Friday.

Alvarado has been sparsely utilized by manager Kevin Cash this spring, with Friday's outing only his second appearance of the exhibition slate. The 23-year-old southpaw has thrown just 13 total pitches but recorded three strikeouts, and he remains on track to see the bulk of save opportunities despite the Rays not officially designating him as a full-time closer.

VerHagen is expected to head to the injured list to open the year with a strained forearm, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

VerHagen had been dealing with a shoulder issue earlier in spring and is now apparently battling a new problem. The issue isn't considered a serious one but the Tigers have little reason to risk further injury, especially considering that injured-list trips can be backdated by three days at the start of the year, meaning VerHagen could be eligible to return just a week into the season.