MLB Player News

Castro (knee) threw a successful bullpen session Monday and is scheduled to pitch Friday against the Pirates, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Everything went off without a hitch in Castro's bullpen, clearing the way for him to make his 2018 Grapefruit League debut later in the week. After spending the previous three seasons as a reliever, the 23-year-old is stretched out and set to compete with the likes of Gabriel Ynoa and Mike Wright for the Orioles' final rotation spot in camp.

Flynn (groin) is listed as the starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Giants.

Flynn is fully healthy and set to make his 2018 Cactus League debut after ending the 2017 season on the 60-day disabled list due to a groin strain. The 27-year-old, who posted a 5.40 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 50 innings with Triple-A Omaha last season, will look to earn a low-leverage bullpen gig with an impressive showing in camp.

Farmer looks to be a longshot to make Detroit's starting rotation for the 2018 season, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Farmer has just one minor-league option remaining after bouncing between the minors and big leagues throughout his short career. Although Farmer finished last season as a member of the rotation, the Tigers have brought in Mike Fiers and Francisco Liriano during the offseason to bolster their pitching staff. The 27-year-old will need to show consistency and improved command to have any shot of making the Opening Day roster. Farmer could also start the year in the bullpen if he fails to win a spot in the rotation.

Norris is expected to compete with Francisco Liriano for a slot in Detroit's starting rotation, Anthony French of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Norris was originally expected to have a good shot at becoming a member of the starting rotation, but his chances have diminished after the Tigers signed Liriano to a one-year deal Friday. The 24-year-old left-hander is out of minor-league options but could be on the outside looking in if Liriano earns a starting spot. Norris will have to bounce back this spring after struggling to a 5-8 record and 5.31 ERA in 18 starts just a season ago.

Scott (elbow) is scheduled to make a relief appearance in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Scott may be eased along this spring a little more slowly than the rest of Boston's relief options while he recovers from October arthroscopic elbow surgery, but his availability this early in Grapefruit League play likely means he's in little danger of missing Opening Day. The 28-year-old will have a strong argument for a LOOGY role out of the Red Sox's bullpen after compiling a 3.79 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 35.2 innings with the big club a season ago.

Johnson will start Sunday against the Orioles.

The left-handed Johnson, who is out of minor-league options, was expected to compete for a role in the bullpen but could end up in the rotation to start the season. Manager Alex Cora told Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe that Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) and Steven Wright (knee) are unlikely to open the season on the 25-man roster. That leaves a hole in the starting rotation. Cora cited Johnson along with right-hander Hector Velazquez and left-hander Roenis Elias as potential spot starters to begin the season, according to Boston Herald's Chad Jennings.

Belisle agreed Sunday to a minor-league contract with the Indians, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

Belisle will have to settle for a minor-league deal this season after posting a 4.03 ERA and recording nine saves with the Twins in 2017. Per Heyman, the veteran reliever will earn $1.5 million if he reaches the majors in 2018 and would be eligible for further incentives. In a deep Tribe bullpen, it's difficult to envision Belisle finding fantasy relevance, even in most AL-only settings.

McHugh allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over two innings in Saturday's spring game against Atlanta.

McHugh commanded well, throwing strikes on 22 of his 30 pitches and used his entire repertoire. It was an encouraging start for the right-hander, who's hoping to use a good spring to facilitate a trade. Houston's projected starting rotation does not include McHugh, so if he wants to avoid the bullpen, his best shot would be with another team.

Rumbelow exited Saturday's game against the White Sox with a cut on his right thumb, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The 26-year-old reliever allowed three hits and an earned run in two-thirds of an inning. He is competing for a job in the Mariners bullpen after being dealt from the Yankees in November. The injury seems unlikely to have a major impact on his chances of earning a big-league job.

Layne signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Saturday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Layne is set to rejoin the Red Sox after spending the past season and a half with the Yankees. Across 19 relief appearances (13 innings) for New York last year, Layne compiled a 7.62 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 9:8 K:BB. He's just one season removed from posting a respectable 3.63 ERA across 44.2 innings of work, so he could lock down an Opening Day bullpen role with an impressive spring, though he'll more likely spend the year as organizational bullpen depth for Boston.