MLB Player News

McHugh will pitch in a minor league game Wednesday, Glenn Sattell of MLB.com reports.

McHugh pitched two innings Friday in what Sattell referred to as a simulated game while Jodie Wagner of the Houston Chronicle called it a minor league game. Whatever the terminology, McHugh came out of Friday's outing well and is on a schedule toward the regular season.

Chavez threw 68 pitches in a minor league game Friday, while his main competition, Bud Norris, was told he will no longer follow a starting pitcher's rest schedule, the Orange County Register reports.

Chavez was already considered the frontrunner to win the Angels' fifth starter job, but the organization's usage of the pitchers Friday only increases that likelihood. The 33-year-old pitcher won't generate much fantasy buzz outside of deep leagues, but there is strikeout potential in his arm as a potential streamer or as a cheap DFS option in strong matchups. We will have to wait for an official announcement to be made, but Chavez appears to be the pitcher to target if you were following this competition.

Yates' new split-finger fastball may be the secret behind his Cactus League success, the Orange County Register reports.

Yates is currently a favorite to win one of the Angels' remaining bullpen spots with his current 1.50 ERA and 7:1 K:BB over six innings this spring. The soon-to-be 30-year-old attributes his newfound success to a splitter he has been incorporating into his arsenal. That being said, the career 5.25 ERA pitcher will have to show sustained success at the major league level before earning higher-leverage opportunities in the Angels' bullpen.

De Leon will start Saturday's game against Venezuela.

Saturday marks De Leon's first appearance of the World Baseball Classic as Puerto Rico looks to remain undefeated. He was recently optioned to Triple-A after an uneven stint in major league spring training in which he was touched up for 12 earned runs across four starts (17.0 IP). De Leon has exhibited swing-and-miss stuff, however, as he fanned 19 batters in those four outings.

VerHagen was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, MLive.com reports.

VerHagen is expected to join the Mud Hens' rotation. The 26-year-old underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery on his shoulder last July, and he's still working his way back to full strength. VerHagen struggled before the surgery last season, but he posted a 2.05 ERA across 26.1 MLB innings in 2015 and could get the call sometime this season if he pitches well in Toledo.

Farmer was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, MLive.com reports.

Farmer is likely to work in the Mud Hens' rotation and he could be an option for the Tigers down the line. Last year, he made 14 appearances for Detroit, posting a 4.60 ERA and 27 strikeouts across 29.1 innings.

Kelly will be Boston's primary setup man if Tyler Thornburg (arm) is not ready by the regular season, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The Red Sox still feel Thornburg will be ready for the start of the season, though he may not be ready for the high-leverage situations for which they acquired him. In that event, Kelly will move up from the seventh inning to set up closer Craig Kimbrel.

Pressly has thrown five scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks in five appearances in spring training. He could be a contender for the closer role, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

With Glen Perkins likely to begin the season on the DL and no timetable set for his return, Brandon Kintzler should begin the season as Minnesota's closer. However, it sounds like Pressly has been impressive enough this spring that he could figure into the mix if Kintzler stumbles.

McHugh (arm) made his spring debut Friday, throwing two innings in a minor league game, Jodie Wagner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

At most, McHugh can get in three starts before the regular season, which seems like the bare minimum needed to build up his pitch count. If McHugh does break camp with Houston, manager A.J. Hinch will likely use him as the fifth pitcher in the rotation, but let's see how the arm responds to Friday's outing before penciling him into the initial rotation of the regular season.

Zych (biceps) will throw another live batting practice session Sunday, Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com reports.

Zych continues to steadily progress from offseason biceps surgery, though he's still unlikely to be ready for Opening Day as the team eases him back into regular pitching activities. The right-hander is expected to serve an important role in the Mariners' bullpen upon his return, so look for him to return to game action soon if all goes well.