MLB Player News

Gomez (shoulder) was reassigned to minor-league camp, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Gomez battled through a shoulder injury and hadn't pitched since March 7 until he got back on the mound Friday against the Mariners. He allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over 8.1 innings this spring.

Santiago allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six in Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Santiago had been vying for the final spot in the rotation, but lost out to Carson Fulmer, as reported by Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday. However, on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of the Chicago Tribune reported that the identity of the final starter was being withheld until after Saturday's action. Both Santiago and Fulmer, who threw in a minor-league game, pitched Saturday. Whatever happens, Santiago will be part of the team. If Fulmer's the fifth starter, then the 30-year-old left-hander will be a long reliever who can spot start if need be.

Torres failed to win an Opening Day roster spot, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

The Indians would like to keep Torres within the organization, but the club will have to figure out a new deal for the 35-year-old in order to make that happen. During 67 games with the Brewers last season, Torres posted a 4.21 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 72.2 relief innings. Expect a decision on his future within the coming days.

Belisle earned a roster spot in the Indians' bullpen, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Belisle signed a minor-league deal with the club last month and was able to impress the organization throughout spring training, securing a low-leverage relief role to open the 2018 season. During 62 appearances with the Twins last year, he logged a 4.03 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with a 54:22 K:BB over 60.1 innings.

Scott was sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, Jason Mastrodonato of The Boston Herald reports.

Scott failed to secure one of the final spots in Boston's Opening Day bullpen and will journey back to Pawtucket for the onset of the 2018 campaign. Last season, he appeared in 57 big-league contests, logging a 3.79 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 35.2 innings of relief. Expect to see him back in Boston in the event of an injury.

Johnson allowed two hits and one walk while striking out five over 4.2 scoreless innings against the Yankees.

Johnson celebrated the announcement that he'll be part of the rotation that starts the regular season by shutting down a Yankees lineup that looked like the one they'll trot out for the regular season. The left-hander's soft tosses baffled the Yankees on Friday just as they have throughout the spring. Johnson's 1.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP was more than enough to earn himself a spot in the rotation. It may not be a lengthy stay as Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) and Drew Pomeranz (forearm) are on the verge of returning. At that point, Johnson is expected to join the bullpen as he is out of minor-league options.

Pomeranz (forearm) tossed three innings in a minor-league game Friday but is unlikely to be stretched out in time for the regular season, Chad Jennings of the Boston Herald reports. "That's about as good as I could have hoped for today," Pomeranz said. "I've been working on a lot of stuff mechanically, just keeping it clean. I wasn't out there trying to burn it out, but I think it was coming out of my hand pretty good."

Pomeranz is headed for the disabled list to start the season, but it's not expected to be a lengthy stay. His injury along with Steven Wright (knee) being assessed a 15-game suspension for domestic violence leaves Boston's rotation for the start of the regular season undetermined. Brian Johnson was named Friday to join Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello, with the fifth spot coming down to Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) or Hector Velazquez. If Rodriguez can get his pitch count up before Opening Day, he'll join the rotation. If not, Velazquez will make at least one start.

Merritt will begin the 2018 season on the disabled list due to a "tired arm," Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Manager Terry Francona also said that Merritt was battling a knee issue during the offseason, which followed him into spring training. Though that injury appears to be behind him, Merritt is set to miss an extended period of time with an arm issue. Francona did not provide a timetable so an expect an update on Merritt's status once he's able to resume throwing.

Johnson will open the season as a member of Boston's rotation, Chad Jennings of the Boston Herald reports.

A spot was opened up for Johnson with Eduardo Rodriguez (knee), Drew Pomeranz (forearm) and Steven Wright (knee) all battling injuries. Johnson made five starts for the Red Sox last year, posting a 4.33 ERA with a 5.26 xFIP. He avoided walks (6.6 percent walk rate) but didn't strike out enough batters (17.4 percent strikeout rate) to be anything more than a back-end starter. Barring an unexpected jump in his performance level, Johnson will likely be back in the minors soon or in a long-relief role, limiting his fantasy value.

Kimbrel threw an inning against Orioles minor leaguers Thursday, Chad Jennings and Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald report.

Kimbrel looked sharp against some high-level Baltimore prospects, striking out all three batters faced. Only one of them made contact, fouling off a pitch. This was Kimbrel's first game action since returning from personal leave. He's scheduled pitch Sunday and again Tuesday. Both he and the team are confident he'll be ready to go by the start of the regular season.