MLB Player News

Vasquez was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Vasquez looked sharp in five spring appearances, as he fanned seven hitters in five scoreless innings of work. The Twins have sent him to Triple-A for now, although he could certainly surface with the big-league club when the bullpen needs reinforcements at some point.

Hentges was optioned to Double-A Akron on Friday.

Hentges made 23 starts for High-A Lynchburg last season and had a 3.27 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 122 strikeouts over 118.1 innings. The Indians added the 22-year-old to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. He made two appearances at major-league spring training.

Mejia was optioned to Double-A Akron on Friday.

Mejia appeared in two games with the Indians this spring and allowed two runs on two hits and a walk over two innings. Cleveland added the 22-year-old to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft after he posted a 3.13 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 97:20 K:BB over 15 starts at Low-A Lake County last season.

Palumbo was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Palumbo had spent the start of spring in big-league camp. The 24-year-old made 11 starts last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, reaching Double-A for the first time for a pair of appearances.

Hernandez was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Hernandez had been in big-league camp for the first few weeks of spring, though he was never likely to break camp with the team. He'll need to conquer the upper levels of the minors first before being given his chance, as he finished 2018 with a mediocre 4.92 ERA in 12 starts for Double-A Frisco.

Yarbrough (groin) is expected to pitch in Sunday's spring game against the Red Sox, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Yarbrough exited a game Feb. 28 with left groin tightness but a successful bullpen session Thursday put him on track for a quick return. Assuming the 27-year-old is able to pitch with no issues Sunday, he should have plenty of time to be prepped for the start of the regular season.

Brasier (toe) threw a bullpen session Thursday and is in line to play in a game next week, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Brasier is working his way back from a toe infection, and the Red Sox hope he can be ready for the start of the regular season. He and Matt Barnes are the primary candidates to replace closer Craig Kimbrel this season.

Perez threw live batting practice Thursday for the first time this spring, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Perez was placed on an individualized throwing program, one that scrapped the team's plan to stretch him out as a starter. He could compete for the final spot in the bullpen once he gets into a game, which is expected to happen by the middle of next week.

Colome allowed one hit over one scoreless inning Thursday against the Brewers.

Colome has been unscathed in three spring outings with Thursday's hit being the first demerit on his record. Everything points to the 30-year-old right-hander closing out games for the White Sox.

VerHagen is being evaluated Thursday for what the team is calling dead arm, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

He had a rough outing Wednesday, and it is being attributed to whatever is going on with him physically. Consider him day-to-day for now.