MLB Player News

The Red Sox optioned Taylor to Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Taylor, a southpaw reliever, made just one appearance for Pawtucket in 2018, instead spending most of the campaign at Double-A Portland. He could get his first taste of the big leagues at some point this season if the Red Sox require another left-handed option out of the bullpen.

Miller allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out three over 2.2 innings Monday against the Angels.

Miller, who is working his way back from Tommy John elbow surgery, went as long as his 50-pitch count would take him. "I was in better counts for the most part today compared to the last start when I was falling behind more than you're taught to do. So my main goal today was getting ahead in counts. I still need to get the ball down and on the corners a little better," Miller told T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. The 28-year-old right-hander should get another three starts before the regular season, giving him just enough time to ramp up to 80-90 pitches and five innings.

Hamilton had a "little setback" with his right shoulder, which was injured in a recent automobile accident, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Hamilton has been removed from the White Sox's pitching grid through Friday as a result. The right-hander was involved in the accident at the beginning of training camp and has made only one appearance during Cactus League action.

Boxberger retired one of the four hitters he faced in his relief appearance Monday in the Royals' 6-2 loss to the Rangers. He gave up two hits and one walk and struck out a batter.

Per Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star, Boxberger was making his first appearance since Feb. 26 after a minor leg injury prompted the Royals to hold him out of action. The right-hander is seemingly healthy again, but his outing Monday didn't help his case for emerging from spring training as the Royals' closer. The Royals are unlikely to name a ninth-inning man until the conclusion of camp -- if at all -- but Wily Peralta may have the early edge on the gig.

Yarbrough (groin) struck out two in a perfect inning Monday against Philadelphia.

Yarbrough missed a good chunk of spring training while nursing a groin issue, but he managed to return to action Monday and looked strong. The 27-year-old should still have plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day and will likely serve as a primary hurler when the Rays implement an opener.

Putnam continues to nurse a hamstring injury and isn't close to pitching in a game, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Putnam suffered the injury while participating in a drill at the beginning of March, although it's unclear as to when he might return to the mound. "He's feeling better," manager Alex Cora stated. "He's playing catch. He hasn't been able to get back on the mound." While Putnam wasn't expected to win a roster spot entering camp, this injury will make doing so nearly impossible. He should begin the 2019 campaign with Triple-A Pawtucket when healthy.

Armstrong will open Monday night's spring game against Kansas City, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Wade LeBlanc has been scratched from his scheduled outing Monday due to the possibility of rain. In his stead, Armstrong will pitch at least the first inning and will be followed by other Seattle relievers.

Swanson was sent to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Swanson received an invite to major-league camp after finishing his 2018 season in Triple-A. He posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a 78:14 K:BB over 72.1 frames. After picking up some valuable experience in big-league camp, he'll head to Triple-A in preparation for the upcoming season.

Staumont was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Staumont recorded a 3.51 ERA for Omaha last season, striking out an impressive 31.3 percent of batters but walking far too many at 15.8 percent. He'll need to improve his control if he's to make an impact at the big-league level.

Mengden was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

The move is something of a surprise, as Mengden seemed to have a good shot at the Athletics' fifth starter job. He could still win that job, as Oakland's unusual start to the season (an early two-game series against the Mariners in Japan on March 20-21 followed by six days off) means the team may simply want an extra hitter or reliever on the roster until a fifth starter is needed.