MLB Player News

Jimenez lost weight in the offseason and worked on developing a more repeatable, consistent delivery, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

After posting a 12.32 ERA and 2.11 WHIP in 19 innings at the MLB level last season, Jimenez looks like a new pitcher in spring training. Through five innings of work, he hasn't allowed an earned run and has struck out eight. "I feel a lot better now," Jimenez said. "Just mechanically, my arm feels good. Everything just seems right." Of course, spring training success doesn't always carry over into the regular season, but it's at least a positive sign that the 23-year-old could take a step forward this year.

De Leon underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After seeking a second opinion on his elbow last week, De Leon ended up having the surgery, as expected. He'll be out all season and should be taken off of draft boards in single-season leagues. His dynasty-league appeal is very limited as well, as he was a mediocre prospect to begin with and is now out for over a year with no guarantee that he'll return to his former self once his rehab is complete.

The Tigers reassigned Montgomery to their minor-league camp Tuesday.

He gave up three runs (two earned) in 5.1 innings over his six Grapefruit League appearances. The right-hander's quality work wasn't enough to convince the team's brass that he was worth adding to the 40-man roster, so he'll presumably report to Triple-A Toledo to open the season and serve in long relief.

The Tigers optioned Jimenez to High-A Lakeland on Tuesday.

Detroit opted to protect Jimenez, a 22-year-old reliever, from the Rule 5 draft and added him to the 40-man roster over the winter after he put up a 2.13 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 60 strikeouts across two levels in 2017. Since most of Jimenez's best work came at Low-A West Michigan, he'll open the 2018 campaign in the Florida State League, where he saw his performance dip a bit following a midseason promotion.

Santiago will start a minor-league game Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

What makes this minor-league game newsworthy is that Santiago will get his own start on the same day that Carson Fulmer starts the White Sox's Cactus League game. Santiago's piggy-backed on a game started by Fulmer three times and, on two occasions, cleaned up a mess of Fulmer's making. Fulmer has not thrown well this spring, with 13 hits, four home runs and seven walks allowed in five innings. He was presumed to be the fifth starter to open the season, but by giving Santiago an opportunity to open a game, the White Sox appear to be considering him to replace Fulmer in the projected starting rotation.

Gonsalves was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Brandon Warne of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Gonsalves reached Triple-A last year for the first time, struggling to a 5.56 ERA in a small, 22.2-inning sample. The 23-year-old lefty was much better in 87.1 innings at Double-A Chattanooga, posting a 2.68 ERA and striking out 27.3 percent of batters while walking 6.5 percent. He'll attempt to conquer Triple-A again this season and with strong performances could push for a call-up later this season.

Curtis was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Curtis had an impressive season at Triple-A last year with a 1.85 ERA and 12.3 K/9. He struggled in his first trip to the majors with a 8.31 ERA while allowing nine hits and two home runs in 8.2 innings. However, he had a 10.4 K/9 in the majors. He should be back in the majors at some point this summer due to his velocity (95.2 mph average fastball) and decent control.

Chavez retired all nine batters faced and struck out two over three innings in Monday's start against the Royals.

This was Chavez's second spring start and fourth overall appearance. The Rangers signed him Feb. 23 -- nine days after pitchers and catchers reported -- with the idea that Chavez could be a swing pitcher, capable of both starting and relieving. Texas' starting rotation is in flux after Cole Hamels, Doug Fister and Matt Moore. Martin Perez (elbow) is expected to join them when the team feels he's ready. That leaves a fifth starter job and possibly another should manager Jeff Banister stick with the plan to sometimes use a sixth starter. Chavez is in the mix for one of those final two spots along with Bartolo Colon and Mike Minor.

Machado was optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the Royals on Monday, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports.

The 24-year-old right-hander appeared in four spring training games, tossing 5.2 innings and giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks. Although he was once thought to have a shot at the Opening Day roster, Machado is now on track to start the season with the Royals' Triple-A affiliate.

Barlow was sent down to the minors Monday night, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports.

Barlow leaves big league camp after throwing 5.2 innings and giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out six. He figures to start the season with the Royals' Triple-A affiliate.