MLB Player News

The Rays optioned Pagan to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Pagan was the Rays' final cut of spring training after he lost out on his bid for the last available spot in the bullpen, which went to Adam Kolarek. Manager Kevin Cash emphasized that Kolarek's left-handedness was the main impetus behind the roster decision, as it will afford the Rays more flexibility for matchup purposes late in games. Pagan will likely be among the first relievers called up from the minors when the Rays require further reinforcement in the relief ranks.

Lopez will serve as the second pitcher in Chicago's rotation to begin the 2019 season, Jack Magruder of The Sports Xchange reports.

Lopez sits behind only Carlos Rodon in the starting rotation and is scheduled to make his 2019 debut against the Royals on Saturday. He posted a 5.74 ERA with 14 punchouts over 15.2 frames in spring training.

Armstrong (oblique) played catch Monday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Armstrong is apparently recovering well from his Grade 1 oblique strain, as he made 25 throws at 70 feet Monday and will advance to 90 feet Tuesday. While the right-hander remains without a timetable for his return, he's optimistic he'll be ready to return shortly after his 10-day IL stint is up. Once healthy, he figures to fill a setup role for the Mariners.

Puckett posted March 13 on his personal Instagram account that he underwent Tommy John surgery.

Puckett didn't pitch at all in 2018 while trying to rehab from elbow pain but ultimately opted to go under the knife this spring after failing to show significant improvement. The 2016 second-round pick has yet to pitch above the High-A level and will likely turn 25 years old by the time he's ready for competitive action, effectively taking him off the radar as a prospect.

Norris will open the season in a long-relief role, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Norris couldn't win a rotation spot even after Michael Fulmer was ruled out for the year due to Tommy John surgery, as Spencer Turnbull outperformed him over the course of the spring. Norris will remain on the big-league roster and could be the first pitcher called on when the Tigers need a spot starter.

Betances (shoulder) played catch Monday, Coley Harvey of ESPN.com reports.

Betances felt good during Monday's throwing session, which was his first since being shut down with a shoulder impingement last week. The southpaw is poised to open the season on the injured list, though his stay isn't expected to be an extended one. Look for his return timeline to come into focus as Betances moves further along in his throwing program. Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino and Chad Green should split setup duties while the reliever is on the shelf.

Beeks fired three perfect innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Braves on Sunday, recording seven strikeouts.

Beeks seemingly was out to prove why manager Kevin Cash felt he was befitting of an Opening Day roster spot despite a mostly ugly spring line. The promising left-hander cruised through a Braves lineup replete with regulars while impressively mowing down seven of the nine hitters he faced on punchouts. The performance embodies the potential the Rays see in Beeks, who'll likely serve in multiple capacities on the team's eclectic pitching staff this season.

Axford (elbow) re-signed with the Blue Jays on a minor-league deal Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Reports suggested that such a move was coming soon after Axford was released Saturday, and the veteran will indeed be able to return to his hometown team. The release and re-signing allowed the Blue Jays to avoid paying the reliever a retention bonus, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports, but Axford was evidently happy enough to stay home despite that treatment. He's currently rehabbing from a stress reaction in his elbow and does not have a clear return date.

Frare has been named to the White Sox's Opening Day roster, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Manager Rick Renteria set the team's bullpen for Opening Day, and Frare was one of eight relievers the White Sox will carry to start the season. The 25-year-old left-hander, who made his major-league debut in 2018 as a September callup, will take up a spot in middle relief. He had a 7.88 ERA over eight spring innings.

Scott was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Scott had a poor spring, allowing eight runs in nine innings with a 6:6 K:BB. The lefty posted a strong 31.7 percent strikeout rate in 53.1 innings at the big-league level last season and could still play a significant role in the Orioles' bullpen later in the year.