MLB Player News

Wang has a minor leg strain and won't participate in Friday's throwing session, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Wang signed a minor-league deal with the Athletics at the start of February but will have to wait to get his first throws in at spring training. The injury doesn't appear overly concerning as the 26-year-old attempts to earn a roster spot with Oakland.

Alexander agreed to a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old lefty split 2018 between Double-A and Triple-A in the Tigers' organization, producing a 4.44 ERA in 140 combined innings. Alexander will get some exposure to the major-league coaching staff to start camp, though it's unlikely that he breaks camp in the majors given that he has yet to pitch above Double-A in his professional career.

Infante has yet to report to spring training from his native Venezuela, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

There is a lot of political unrest in Venezuela right now, delaying the visa process for a number of major leaguers. However, Infante is also dealing with an illness that doesn't allow him to leave the country just yet, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. This situation is unlikely to cause a lengthy absence, however, though it's unclear when he'll be back in the United States.

Betances has not arrived at spring training due to the birth of his child, George A. King III of the New York Post reports.

The reliever's wife gave birth Wednesday, so it comes as little surprise that he is with her following the momentous life event. The Yankees are unsure when Betances will report, but this delay is unlikely to inhibit him once he does join the team.

Merryweather (elbow) is expected to begin the season at extended spring training, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2018 and still seems to be on track in his recovery program. As a starter, his rehab naturally takes a little longer than that of a reliever, but it doesn't seem like the Blue Jays have any concerns over his progress so far. Once he's healthy, Merryweather will likely head to Triple-A Buffalo after posting a 6.58 ERA in his first 78 frames at the level back in 2017.

Borucki is in the running for the last spot in the Blue Jays' rotation, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

According to general manager Ross Atkins, four pitchers are guaranteed spots in the rotation: Aaron Sanchez, Marcus Stroman, Matt Shoemaker and Clayton Richard. That leaves one spot for a number of young starters, none of whom were mentioned by name. Borucki seems like the frontrunner for the time being after posting a 3.87 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 17 starts -- 11 of which were quality starts. Others in the mix likely include Sean Reid-Foley, Thomas Pannone and Sam Gaviglio, though the players with a realistic shot to grab the final spot will likely become clearer as spring training rolls along.

Smith (shoulder) was limited to simulating a throwing motion with a towel Tuesday as Red Sox pitchers and catchers reported to spring training this week, the Boston Herald reports.

Smith is targeting a day next week to resume throwing a baseball, but it could be months before he is game-ready again after he suffered a subluxation of his pitching shoulder upon throwing his glove at the dugout wall following his removal from a game in May. With a minor-league deal and no 40-man roster spot, Smith could wind up pitching at Triple-A once he's ready to pitch this season before earning an opportunity in the Boston bullpen.

Axford signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Keegan Matheson of Baseball Toronto reports.

Axford is back in Toronto, where he opened the 2018 campaign before being traded to the Dodgers in July. The veteran reliever posted a 4.41 ERA and 8.8 K/9 across 51 innings with the Blue Jays last season. Axford figures to have a good shot at winning an Opening Day relief role with Toronto.

Diekman signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Royals on Wednesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. The deal includes a mutual option for 2020.

Diekman opened the 2018 campaign with the Rangers, posting a 3.69 ERA and 11.1 K/9 across 39.0 innings before being dealt to the Diamondback prior to the trade deadline. The southpaw struggled with Arizona, but is a solid bounce-back candidate in 2019 given his overall body of work over the past three seasons (3.92 ERA and 10.6 K/9 across 117 innings). Diekman should fill a high-leverage role for the Royals.

Hill is a candidate to see occasional save opportunities in 2019, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Manager Ned Yost was noncommittal when asked about naming a closer Wednesday, implying he may take a different approach to the ninth inning in 2019. Should Yost decide to use the team's top relievers in more flexible roles, Hill could see occasional save opportunities when the situation calls for a left-handed pitcher. That said, Brad Boxberger and Wily Peralta also represent endgame options for the Royals, and Hill posted a 4.53 ERA and 8.3 K/9 across 45.2 innings last season, so there are likely better options for those looking for a flier.