MLB Player News

Covey allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.2 innings Saturday against Texas.

The Rule 5 selection from Oakland got his second spring start while putative rotation member James Shields threw a simulated game in the back fields of Camelback Ranch. Covey's bid for a spot in the rotation is a long shot and certainly took a hit Saturday. He could emerge as a bullpen arm with a strong spring, but the 25-year-old who has not pitched above Double-A now sports a 6.43 ERA in seven spring innings.

Devenski could be used in a hybrid relief role, pitching multiple innings anywhere from the fourth inning on, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Ever since last season's playoffs, when Indians manager Terry Francona used reliever Andrew Miller in high-leverage situations regardless of the inning, some teams are considering adopting a similar strategy and Houston manager A.J. Hinch thinks Devenski is built for this role. The right-hander was tied for the major league lead with 20 relief appearances of at least two innings last year and led the league with 10 relief outings of three innings, going 2-0 with a 1.01 ERA and a save in those outings. The Astros have stretched out Devenski as a starter this spring, but it looks like his greatest value to the team is in a multi-inning relief role.

Hart pitched a clean inning and struck out two Saturday versus the Pirates.

Hart's been impressive this spring through six one-inning appearances. He's limited opposing hitters to a .100 BAA while giving up just one run on two hits and a walk. All indications suggest the 26-year-old southpaw has gained the confidence of upper management and will head into Opening Day with a full-time bullpen gig.

Barnes entered Saturday's game against the Phillies to face one batter and struck out Tommy Joseph on three straight pitches.

Through three Grapefruit League appearances, Barnes has allowed one hit and two walks while notching two punchouts in 2.1 innings. He's fighting for a middle-relief role, but his low usage level this spring leads to the belief that the team isn't overly interested in what Barnes brings to the table.

Norris struck out three in 3.2 innings in Sunday's loss to the Yankees, allowing three hits and his first two earned runs of the spring.

Norris has now pitched a total of 8.1 innings this spring, and he's allowed just five hits and two earned runs. The young lefty looks like he's locking up the No. 4 spot in Detroit's rotation, and he's an interesting pitcher to watch this season due to his upside.

Fulmer (ankle) has been removed from Team USA's pitching pool for the World Baseball Classic, Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer had already been posited as unavailable for the second round as he recovers from a sprained ankle, but it seems he won't get the chance to compete regardless. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus says the right-hander will return to Grapefruit League action Sunday as he continues to prepare for the beginning of the 2017 season.

Andriese struck out three and gave up one earned run on two hits and two walks over 1.2 innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates on Friday.

Andriese missed some bats but also struggled with command, making life a bit harder on himself during his brief stint on the mound. The right-hander fired 44 pitches and faced just nine batters, giving up a run-scoring single in the first to David Freese for his one run. Slated for the fifth starter role, Andriese blamed the lack of control on rustiness, considering he hadn't seen live game action in 10 days. He'll look to bounce back in his next start against the Red Sox on Wednesday, which will be his regular turn in the rotation.

McHugh (arm) is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's another great step towards a full recovery for McHugh, who has been delayed throughout camp by a "dead arm." The right-hander says the session will help him determine whether he's able to begin pitching in Grapefruit League games and he remains determined to be ready for his first start in the rotation. "I think we're on schedule, maybe a little bit ahead," he said. There's still plenty of camp left for McHugh to prepare for the season, where he's expected to be a central part of the Astros' rotation.

May has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his pitching arm, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

May says he will seek a second opinion before deciding how to proceed, but signs point to Tommy John surgery in the near future. The 27-year-old felt a twinge while pitching in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game and a subsequent MRI revealed the worst-case scenario. It's the latest career setback for the right-hander, who battled through back issues throughout the 2016 season en route to a 5.27 ERA over 44 games. With May likely done for the season, the door is open for Jose Berrios to take over the fifth spot in the Twins' rotation, but he could face competition from Tyler Duffey.

Lopez allowed one hit and one walk while striking out four over 4.1 scoreless innings in Friday's game against the Brewers, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The results are nice, but spring training is more about the journey. Lopez told reporters he focused mainly on his changeup and staying tall in his mechanics. The right-hander's fastball lived in the 91-94 mph range as Lopez builds toward the 96 mph his four-seamer averaged during an 11-game stint in the majors last season. With Jose Quintana competing in the World Baseball Classic and Carlos Rodon on a slower path, Lopez will continue to get his work in at major league camp and build toward an expected start at Triple-A Charlotte.