MLB Player News

Robertson (knee) has been the subject of trade talks between the White Sox and Nationals, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The Nationals wanted to include Robertson in their winter trade for Adam Eaton and looked close to sealing the deal last week before talks hit a stalemate. A Nationals official admitted to a stalemate and said no trade is imminent. With the White Sox in an obvious rebuild mode, Robertson represents a very likely trade chip. The question for fantasy players is whether he winds up as a closer on a new team or as a setup guy. Landing with the Nationals, who were rebuffed several times during the offseason in their attempts to sign an established closer, would likely mean Robertson stays in a closer role.

Pomeranz, who had a stem cell injection in his left elbow during the offseason, has yet to throw off a mound, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

The procedure delayed Pomeranz's normal offseason throwing program and the left-hander will be about a week behind other starters at the onset of spring training. As Red Sox manager John Farrell figures out the final two spots in the rotation -- Pomeranz, Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez are in the mix -- health will be the primary factor. If all three pitchers are throwing well, the decision of which two to keep will likely come down to roster flexibility. Rodriguez still has minor league options remaining while Pomeranz and Wright do not. It's possible Farrell could use Pomeranz in the bullpen, where he has vast experience, but he manager wants to keep the 28-year-old on a stater's track -- particularly after the organization gave up a top prospect (Anderson Espinoza) to land Pomeranz.

De Leon, acquired as part of the Jan. 23 trade that sent Logan Forsythe to the Dodgers, is likely to start the season in Triple-A Durham before a move to the big league club, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

De Leon is highly thought of but is unlikely to remain with the big league squad at the end of the exhibition slate, given the crowded nature of the pitching staff entering spring training. Naturally, injuries or personnel moves could alter the current make-up, but assuming no major upheaval, the 24-year-old righty is likely to start the season a step below the major league level. De Leon saw his first action in the majors last season, generating a 2-0 record, 6.35 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across 17.0 innings in Los Angeles.

Puk, the sixth overall pick in the 2016 first-year player draft, will be a non-roster invitee to spring training, David Schoenfield of ESPN.com reports.

The towering southpaw logged 32.2 innings of work across 10 starts last season at Short-A Vermont, posting an impressive 3.03 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 11.02 K/9 and a .185 average against. It was an encouraging start for a player viewed as a future ace, and he'll have a chance to take a significant step up in competition during the exhibition slate. Puk's control will be an aspect of his game to particularly monitor, as he posted a 3.31 BB/9 over his modest minor league stint last season.

Bass signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on Friday.

Bass returns to Texas after playing 33 games with the club in 2015. He spent last season in Japan, where he compiled a 3.65 ERA in 103.2 innings. The right-hander has a 4.40 career ERA and a 1.39 WHIP in five major league seasons and will be a long shot to make the squad out of spring training.

Diaz will pitch for Team Puerto Rico in this year's World Baseball Classic, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 22-year-old right-hander heads into the 2017 campaign as the Mariners closer after tallying 18 saves in 21 chances last season, along with an 88:15 K:BB and 2.79 ERA over 49 appearances. Diaz will join a Team Puerto Rico pitching staff that includes Twins hurlers Hector Santiago and Jose Berrios and the Mets' Seth Lugo.

Adams was acquired by the Angels for cash considerations Friday.

The recently DFA'd Adams was hit hard over 19 appearances with the Indians last season, notching a 9.82 ERA and 1.85 WHIP in 18.3 innings. However, he's just one year removed from a much stronger campaign in which he recorded a 3.78 ERA and a more palatable 1.50 WHIP. If Adams can regain his 2015 form, he could be a serviceable middle reliever in Anaheim.

Colome will pitch for Team Dominican in the WBC, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The Rays' closer will be a part of Team Dominican's WBC title defense, joining a deep pitching pool that includes the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez and the Giants' Johnny Cueto as linchpins, and the likes of the Braves' Bartolo Colon and the Pirates' Ivan Nova as second-tier options. Colome was a revelation for the Rays last season in the closer's role after Brad Boxberger struggled with multiple injuries, successfully converting 37 of 40 save chances and posting a sparkling 1.91 ERA over 56.2 innings.

Girodo was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Thursday, Blue Jays radio broadcaster Mike Wilner reports.

The move clears room on the roster for J.P. Howell, whom the Blue Jays recently inked to a deal. The 26-year-old failed to capitalize in his limited major league opportunities last season, posting a 4.35 ERA with a 5:2 K:BB ratio across 10.1 innings.

Axford will play for Team Canada in this year's WBC, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

The veteran reliever, who compiled 15 holds and three saves (in 10 chances) along with a 6-4 record and 3.97 ERA across 65.2 innings in 2016, will be part of a pitching staff that will include fellow major leaguers Andrew Albers and Kevin Chapman.