MLB Player News

Devenski devoted the offseason to re-working the mechanics of his delivery, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Devenski, an All-Star in 2017, watched his ERA balloon to 4.18 in 2018, when he was relegated to work in games that already were decided and was left off both of Houston's postseason rosters. Video study revealed some "issues here and there," per the right-handed reliever, specifically with his legs and hips. Devenski has yet to throw a bullpen session, so we may need to wait until spring training to learn whether the mechanical adjustments return him to his 2017 form.

Bukauskas was invited to the Astros' major-league camp Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bukauskas missed time early in the season due to a back injury, but he impressed upon his return, compiling a combined 2.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 71:24 K:BB across 14 starts (59 innings) with five different affiliates (rookie ball to Double-A). The 22-year-old figures to open the 2019 season with either Double-A Corpus Christi or Triple-A Fresno, though Bukauskas could reach the majors in some capacity if he continues to dominate in the upper minors.

Farquhar signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Monday, Jon Heyman of FancredSports.com reports.

Farquhar suffered a major health scare in 2018, so this is an encouraging development for the soon-to-be 32-year-old. The right-hander owns a career 3.92 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 272.1 major-league innings, so he should have a good shot at claiming an Opening Day bullpen gig, though nothing is guaranteed given the Yankees' impressive bullpen depth coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Farquhar's return.

Almonte was designated for assignment by the Angels on Sunday.

Almonte has been removed from the 40-man roster to make room for the addition of Cody Allen. Almonte appeared in eight games out of the bullpen for the Angels a season ago, struggling to a 10.29 ERA and 1.71 WHIP with seven punchouts over seven frames.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said "it'll be awhile" before Smith (shoulder) will be able to pitch in games, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Smith is recovering from shoulder surgery that he underwent in June and isn't expected to be ready for the early part of the 2019 season. The hope is that the right-hander will be able to pick up a throwing program sometime during spring training, after which a more concrete timetable for his return could emerge. Smith posted a 3.77 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 14.1 frames in 2018 before getting hurt.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Barnes is a candidate to close for the Red Sox in 2019, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

With Craig Kimbrel still a free agent, Dombrowski named Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Steven Wright and Tyler Thornburg as internal options who could potentially take over as Boston's closer in 2019. Barnes and Brasier are apparently the two frontrunners for the gig, though the Red Sox could also bring in another capable back-end arm prior to the start of the season. The 28-year-old righty compiled a 3.65 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 61.2 innings of relief in 2018.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Brasier is a candidate to close for the Red Sox in 2019, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Dombrowski also mentioned Matt Barnes, Steven Wright and Tyler Thornburg as potential internal options for closer, though he noted Brasier and Barnes are the two frontrunners for the gig. Brasier is coming off an impressive 2018 campaign that saw him post a 1.60 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB across 33.2 innings of relief with the Red Sox. Assuming Boston doesn't sign a capable ninth-inning arm prior to Opening Day, Brasier will compete for the closer's role in spring training.

Ottavino agreed to a contract with the Yankees on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. According to Jon Heyman of FancredSports.com, the deal is worth $27 million over three years.

Ottavino joins an impressive relief corps in New York that already features the likes of Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances and Zach Britton, among others. The veteran right-hander should immediately slot into a high-leverage setup role after posting a shiny 2.43 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 13.0 K/9 across 77.2 innings of relief with the Rockies in 2018.

Curtiss was traded from the Twins to the Angels on Tuesday in exchange for minor-league infielder Daniel Ozoria.

Curtiss was cast off the Twins' 40-man roster Monday after Minnesota signed Blake Parker. The righty has thrown 15 major-league innings over the last two innings, allowing 12 runs, though his 2.77 ERA in 55.1 frames at the Triple-A level last season gives at least some reason for optimism. He'll be competing for one of the final bullpen spots in Los Angeles. Parker Bridwell was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Ames signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Tuesday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Ames is 27 years old and has yet to reach the majors, so this is very much an organizational depth signing. At the two highest levels of the minors last season in the Brewers' and Nationals' organizations, Ames posted a 4.74 ERA in 38 innings. He did strike out a good number of batters, posting a 29.7 percent strikeout rate, but his 13.3 percent walk rate holds him back from having a real major-league future.