MLB Player News

Shaw retired two hitters, one via strikeout, in Thursday's exhibition contest against the Rockies.

Shaw's been smacked around a bit this spring (.387 BAA) and has failed to record a clean inning over his seven appearances. He's a bit behind as manager Terry Francona took a reserved approach with the right-hander due to this year's extended spring training schedule. Look for last season's league leader in appearances (75) to ramp up his game in the final days of camp.

Zych (biceps) recorded a perfect inning while facing Rangers minor leaguers Thursday, his first in-game action since October surgery for a biceps tendon transfer, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports.

The right-hander tossed only 12 pitches (eight strikes) while inducing two groundouts and striking out the last of three Double-A Frisco batters. Zych is expected to suit up for his first Cactus League action March 27 and could get in one more spring outing afterwards that would line him up for a regular-season debut soon afterward. Considered a fantasy sleeper for saves in recent years, he now has a steeper hill to climb behind Edwin Diaz and, when healthy, Steve Cishek (hip), though Zych's big strikeout ability may make him useful sometime this season in leagues that value non-closer relievers.

Green boasts a 1.50 ERA through 12 innings of work this spring.

Only two of his five appearances in Grapefruit League action have been starts, but Green's spring performance has been a cut above the other contenders for one of the final rotation spots, so it would appear he's currently on the inside track. The 25-year-old has some experience working out of the bullpen in the majors though, so he could stay up in the big leagues even if he's skipped over in the rotation battle.

Schultz has stumbled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over six Grapefruit League appearances (5.1 innings).

Schultz entered camp as a favorite to win a middle-relief role, but his fate looks much different as spring nears its end. In 2015, the righty was a key contributor (3.56 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and .205 BAA) over 43 innings for the Jays. After that campaign, Schultz underwent offseason hip surgery and has struggled to return to form. With no options remaining on his contract, the 31-year-old would be exposed to waivers (and likely picked up) if he doesn't break camp with the MLB team.

Lee remains in the competition to replace Chris Tillman (shoulder) in the Opening Day rotation, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

The O's No. 10 prospect has put together a respectable Grapefruit League season, managing a 2.77 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 13 innings. In all likelihood, Lee will be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk where he'll continue to refine his craft in 2017. Regardless, the 24-year-old left-hander has made his mark this spring and may have even earned himself a midseason shot in the big leagues.

Pomeranz will start Friday and is set to throw about 60-65 pitches against the Blue Jays, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Pomeranz hopes to get up to four innings Friday after leaving his previous start early due to triceps tightness. He's cutting it close to be ready for the first turn through the rotation, but the Red Sox will slot him in as the fifth starter which they will not need until the sixth game of the season, April 9 in Detroit. Conceivably, he'll get another two spring outings and be ready for that game. The other option is to place him on the DL and have Kyle Kendrick fill in. From a roster-management perspective, the Red Sox would like to keep Kendrick at Triple-A Pawtucket rather than have him make one start in Boston, so they have plenty of incentive to get Pomeranz ready for the Tigers.

Burdi allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one over one-third of an inning Thursday.

Burdi's expected to the start the season at Triple-A Charlotte, but the fact he's still in major league camp is a good sign. The 2016 first-round pick (26th overall) should make it up to Chicago at some point this season, but first he'll work on commanding his 100 mph gas in Charlotte.

Graveman was named the Opening Day starter for the A's on Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With regular ace Sonny Gray (lat) sidelined for the start of the season, Graveman will take the mound on Opening Day for the A's. The 26-year-old posted a 4.11 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 184 innings (31 starts) last season with the A's.

Tonkin gave up a run over two innings in Wednesday's spring training loss to Houston. He's competing for a final spot in the bullpen with J.T. Chargois and Alex Wimmers, Patrick Reusse of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Tonkin has a 4.35 ERA this spring and nine strikeouts in 10.3 innings, but he's allowed six walks. He allowed 12 home runs and had an ugly 5.02 ERA in the majors last year, but had a promising 10.1 K/9. The final bullpen spot may not be decided until the final days of spring training.

Chargois has given up eight runs over eight innings this spring and may not make the final 25-man roster, Patrick Reusse of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Chargois had a 1.29 ERA with 41 strikeouts against just eight walks in 35.0 innings last year at Triple-A, but struggled in the majors with a 4.70 ERA and ugly 17:12 K:BB ratio. With a high 90s fastball and strong strikeout rate (10.5 K/9 at Triple-A), Chargois could be a needed high-power arm in the bullpen, but it looks like he may need time at Triple-A to begin the season.