MLB Player News

Tests revealed that Smith suffered a torn UCL during his live batting practice session Wednesday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Smith was a long shot to break camp with the Tigers as things stood before, but now it seems like he's in danger of missing the entire 2019 season, if not more. No official word has come out from the Tigers, though this is the kind of injury that frequently needs Tommy John surgery to fix. More information will likely come out in the coming days as Smith and the team determine his next steps.

Peters is scheduled to start Saturday's Cactus League opener against the Giants, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Peters, who was claimed off waivers by the Angels earlier in the offseason, will open up spring action for his new team. The southpaw is expected to serve as rotation depth in 2019 after struggling across seven appearances (five starts) for the Marlins in 2018 (7.16 ERA and 17:15 K:BB in 27.2 innings).

Jimenez has been nursing some minor muscle soreness in his right arm since reporting to spring training last week and will be eased into Grapefruit League action, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Jimenez was at least able to complete his third bullpen session of the spring Tuesday, so the arm issue shouldn't be viewed as a major concern. He'll still need to progress to facing hitters in live batting practice before the Tigers sign off on his spring debut, which could happen as soon as next week. Jimenez is projected to serve as the top setup man for closer Shane Greene this season.

Manaea (shoulder) is beginning his throwing program well ahead of his original timeline, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea underwent shoulder surgery in mid-September and was originally expected to miss all of 2019. Reports in December suggested that he could be back around the All-Star break, and this development lends more credence to that more optimistic timetable.

Smith had his shoulder checked out Wednesday after feeling something during a live batting practice session, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The severity of the issue is not yet clear. The 30-year-old is a long shot at best to break camp with the Tigers, with just four big-league games under his belt. Any time lost to injury this spring would only serve to decrease his already slim chances.

Brasier (toe) could return to the Red Sox's spring training facility Wednesday night or Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

As initially suspected, Brasier's infected toe doesn't appear to be of any long-term concern. He figures to be back in camp soon with his eyes on the vacant closer gig.

Jurado will toe the rubber to start the Rangers' spring training opener Saturday against the Royals, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 23-year-old is in the mix for a rotation spot this spring after making the jump from Double-A straight to the big leagues last season. Jurado is seemingly facing an uphill battle, however, as the Rangers have plenty of veteran starters in camp to fill out the rotation. The right-hander will have to prove he's better than the 5.93 ERA he produced in 54.2 frames (eight starts, four relief appearances) with Texas last season if he wants to break camp with the major-league squad.

Yacabonis is viewed as a starter by Orioles manager Brandon Hyde but could also be used in long relief, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Yacabonis has started seven games and relieved in 19 so far in his two-year big-league career, but he hasn't had much success in either role. He owns a 4.76 ERA as a starter and a 5.29 ERA out of the bullpen. He doesn't appear to be a favorite for a rotation spot and is unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact in either role.

Brasier went back to Boston on Tuesday to get an infection on his pinky toe looked at, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

It doesn't appear that the issue is a serious one, so Brasier should be able to remain in the closer conversation for the Red Sox. If he does end up missing time, Matt Barnes could win the job by default unless the team brings in a proven closer.

Chavez credits a tweak he made in his delivery that produced a career-best 2.55 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 2018, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

While he was with the Rangers early in 2018, at the behest of pitching instructor Hector Ortiz, Chavez lowered his arm angle slightly and released the ball more like an infielder. This resulted in an uptick in velocity and more movement on his fastball. From that point until he was traded to the Cubs on July 19, the right-hander compiled a 2.31 ERA while holding hitters to a .215 batting average in 35 innings. The success continued with the Cubs, for whom he had a 1.15 ERA in 39 innings. Back with the Rangers in 2019, Chavez figures to be a key piece in the bullpen.