MLB Player News

Kimbrel allowed a hit, plunked a batter and struck out two while picking up the save Monday against the Pirates.

It was an unpleasant Opening Day performance for the veteran closer. Kimbrel worked his way into a full count before surrendering a well-hit double to the first batter he faced. The 28-year-old struggled with his breaking ball and needed 22 pitches to get three outs. Regardless, Kimbrel successfully completed the job and got his wheels rolling on the 2017 campaign.

McHugh (arm) will make a rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Fresno, the Houston Chronicle's Jake Kaplan reports.

McHugh is aiming for this to be his lone start in the minors before returning to the big-league rotation. The 29-year-old is currently on the 10-day disabled list and threw a 65-pitch simulated game Sunday. He did not appear in a spring training game until March 27, when he allowed three runs in 1.2 innings. The right-hander won 19 games in 2015, only to go 13-10 with a 4.34 ERA last season.

Hart made a team-high 11 appearances during spring play, managing a nifty 1.64 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 11 innings.

For the first time in his career, the 26-year-old enters Opening Day with a full-time gig in hand. Hart has put together solid minor-league numbers since being drafted by the O's in 2013. The left-handed specialist features a nasty arsenal of breaking pitches that he delivers from a low arm angle, which should help him carve out a nice niche in the bullpen.

Pruitt has the confidence of manager Kevin Cash despite struggling in his MLB debut against the Yankees on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Times reports. "It just didn't go his way," Cash said. "We're going to get him out there as soon as possible. We know he's going to get a lot of big outs for us this year."

The 27-year-old righty showed plenty of promise this spring, generating an 18:4 K:BB over 16.7 innings. However, his big-league debut was quite the opposite, as Pruitt allowed all three batters he faced to get aboard -- although one of those, Aaron Judge, reached on an error by Evan Longoria. Despite the Opening Day hiccup, it appears the Rays will be counting on Pruitt as an important component of their bullpen this season.

Farquhar fired a scoreless inning in Sunday's 7-3 victory over the Yankees, hitting Jacoby Ellsbury but also recording two strikeouts.

The veteran reliever came on in the eighth following a strong seven-inning stint by starter Chris Archer, and Farquhar set down Greg Bird and Matt Holliday on swinging strikeouts before plunking Ellsbury. However, he bounced back by promptly popping up Starlin Castro to end the inning. It was an encouraging start for the 30-year-old, who recorded 13 strikeouts over 11 spring frames but also generated a 4.91 ERA over his nine appearances.

McHugh (arm) said Sunday that he felt good following his 65-pitch simulated game that he threw a day earlier, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McHugh has been recovering from a dead arm that plagued him for nearly all of spring training. The fact he was able to get through a lengthy simulated game without any issues is a good sign that he could be nearing a return after his time on the 10-day disabled list expires. Assuming McHugh's arm is able to return to full strength, the 29-year-old will have a good shot at regaining a spot in Houston's starting rotation.

Colome struck out one in a spotless inning of work to earn his first save of the season Sunday against the Yankees.

Colome emerged as a top fantasy reliever last season as he nailed down 37 saves with a sub-two ERA, and he looked the part Sunday as he retired the side in order. He should have plenty of opportunities to pile up saves for a more competitive Rays team this year and is off to a fine start.

Sedlock will begin the season at High-A Frederick, Steve Melewski of MASN Sports reports.

Sedlock pitched just one inning for the Orioles this spring, and it was one to forget. He allowed four runs off five his, two of which were home runs. The club is being patient with Sedlock's development, so the prospect's rough spring outing isn't worth getting hung up on moving into the 2017 season.

Cleavinger will begin the 2017 season at Double-A Bowie, Steve Melewski of MASN Sports reports.

This will mark Cleavinger's first ever experience at the Double-A level. Between Low-A Delmarva and High-A Frederick in 2016, Cleavinger combined for a 3.07 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 37 games.

Schultz (elbow) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

Schultz has already been ruled out for the season and will require a 12- to 18-month recovery timetable after undergoing Tommy John surgery a few days ago, so it's likely he'll eventually be moved to the 60-day DL when the Blue Jays are in need of more roster flexibility.