MLB Player News

Axford agreed to a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Axford will look to resurrect his career north of the border after being cut loose by the A's this past season. Axford was once a high-profile closer in his prime but has been no more than a middling reliever over the past several years. The 34-year-old tossed just 21 big-league innings last season, posting a 6.43 ERA and concerning 15.6 percent walk rate with the A's. He'll likely be utilized in lower-leverage situations if he's able to play his way onto the Opening Day roster with a strong spring training performance.

Puk will attend the Athletics' spring training as a non-roster invitee, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Puk -- who is widely considered one of the top minor-league arms in baseball -- will attend his second big-league spring training with the A's this year after being selected sixth overall in the 2016 draft. The southpaw posted a 4.36 ERA (2.35 FIP) with a strong 30.8 percent strikeout rate over 64 innings with Double-A Midland after advancing from High-A Stockton in June. The 22-year-old is a must-own in dynasty formats and has a chance to make his big-league debut this summer.

Abreu underwent surgery on his appendix Wednesday, which will likely keep him sidelined for the next few weeks, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

The team hasn't released a timetable for the right-hander at this point in time but it's highly unlikely that he will still be on the shelf by early March. Abreu is one of the top prospects in the Yankees' system and was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. He has a good chance of beginning the 2018 campaign in Double-A Trenton but with spring training beginning Tuesday for pitchers and catchers, he will miss a little time in that regard. Expect an update on his status in the near future.

Runzler signed a minor-league contract with the Rays which includes an invitation to spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Runzler made eight appearances for the Pirates last year, striking out four batters and allowing two home runs over the course of four innings. It was his first major-league action since 2012. He's spent the majority of the past five seasons pitching in Triple-A, where he's had an xFIP north of 4.20 in each season. The veteran left-hander will look to earn a spot in the Rays' bullpen but doesn't look to be a favorite to secure a roster spot.

Ferrell will attend the Orioles' spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Ferrell pitched 9.1 innings over 11 games in the majors with the Tigers last season. Batters hit him with ease, as he gave up seven runs on five walks and 17 hits in that short time. Unfortunately, he didn't have the chance to improve, as a head injury cut his season short. Ferrell will look to get back on track at spring training with Baltimore.

Edgin (knee) received an invitation to attend Orioles spring training as a non-roster invitee, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

It had been expected that Edgin's knee would be in full health for spring training, and that appears to be the case. Edgin had a sound 3.65 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 46 games (37 innings) as a member of the Mets last season. However, he struck out just 27 batters in that time and wouldn't be poised to see many high-leverage situations, should he earn a spot in Baltimore's bullpen.

Rodriguez was invited to Baltimore's big-league camp as a non-roster invitee, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez threw at the Triple-A level as well as in the Show during the 2017 season, but struggled at both. In the majors, he owned a 6.33 ERA and 1.93 WHIP as a member of the Phillies' bullpen. He was then traded to the Rangers, where he had very similar results and threw to the tune of a 6.33 ERA and 1.81 WHIP at Triple-A Round Rock.

Giles won his arbitration case and will make $4.6 million in 2018, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

The Astros came in at $4.2 million but will have to fork over a little more money to their expected closer during this upcoming season. In 2017, Giles posted a 2.30 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 34 saves and a 83:21 K:BB in 63 appearances. Even though Giles struggled mightily during the club's postseason run, he is set to begin the 2018 campaign back in the ninth-inning role, but could be removed for Chris Devenski or Will Harris should troubles persist.

Tate has been invited to join the Yankees in spring training as a non-roster invitee.

The Yankees have a deep pitching staff and Tate has pitched just 25 innings above High-A ball, so it would be very surprising to see him win a major-league job this spring. The 23-year-old posted a solid 2.81 ERA in 83.1 innings split between High-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton last year, though he struck out just 6.8 batters per nine innings. He's likely still at least a year away from reaching the majors.

Fulmer (elbow) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Fulmer continues to ramp up his activity as he looks to get back to 100 percent after undergoing ulnar transposition surgery back in September. Barring any setbacks, the 24-year-old is expected to be ready for the start of spring training; a healthy Fulmer will look to return to his 2016 form that helped him win American League Rookie of the Year honors (3.06 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 159 innings).