MLB Player News

Norris allowed five earned runs over four innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. He gave up six hits and three walks, while striking out two.

Norris actually picked up the win, but that's only because the Tigers exploded for 18 runs in this one. The lefty is in the mix for the team's final rotation spot with Michael Fulmer headed for Tommy John surgery, but his 6.75 spring ERA isn't doing him any favors. Meanwhile, his primary competition for the role, Spencer Turnbull, has a sparkling 1.80 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 15 innings this spring. Norris could end up as a long reliever or Triple-A starter if the Tigers opt to reward Turnbull for his strong spring.

Romano returned to the Blue Jays on Sunday after going unclaimed on waivers, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Romano was a Rule 5 pick with Texas but will make his way back to Toronto after being informed he would not make the Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old spent the majority of 2018 at Double-A New Hampshire and had a 4.13 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 125:41 K:BB over 137.1 innings (25 starts).

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).