MLB Player News

Devenski is expected to prepare for a starting role this winter, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Both Devenski and Michael Feliz will prepare as starters but one or both could transition back to relief. General manager Jeff Luhnow acknowledged that that the organization has not determined whether the players are starters or relievers long term. Devenski was excellent last season, posting a 2.16 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 104:20 K:BB over 108.1 innings (2.34 FIP). He seems like the better bet of the two to stick as a starter, and if he does, Devenski should gain steam as a popular late-round target in drafts.

Mantiply was claimed off waivers by the Yankees on Tuesday.

Mantiply struggled mightily at the major league level following a surprise September callup from Double-A, but his minor league numbers are actually fairly impressive. Mantiply likely won't be a major contributor at the major league level at the beginning of the 2017 season, but if he can replicate his strong 2016 campaign at the Triple-A level, the left-hander could be a candidate to move into the Yankees bullpen toward the end of the season thanks to his historically excellent control.

The Red Sox are anticipating a June 1 return date for Smith (elbow), the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham reports.

He had Tommy John surgery on May 24, and as a reliever he could reasonably return roughly 12 months later. Smith probably won't see high-leverage work right away but could pitch his way into a setup role by July or August.

Kiekhefer was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Friday.

Kiekhefer was stellar out of the bullpen for Triple-A Memphis in the Cardinals organization (2.08 ERA, 2.11 BB/9 in 2016), and although he didn't find as much success at the major league level, his performance still intrigued the Mariners enough to warrant a roster move. The left-hander doesn't overwhelm anyone with strikeouts, but his excellent command could help him vie for a bullpen spot in Seattle out of spring training.

VerHagen (shoulder) was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list Friday.

VerHagen underwent thoracic outlet surgery in July, although it's unclear how far he is in his recovery process. Regardless, the right-hander now has his spot on the 40-man roster back and will likely be ready to compete for a bullpen spot from the beginning of spring training.

Smith (forearm) was activated from the 60-day DL on Thursday.

Although he was activated from the disabled list, there's no timeframe for Smith's eventual return. Smith underwent Tommy John Surgery in May, but has begun throwing activities. A more clear indication as to when he'll be back should be available closer to spring training.

Weber was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old righty made two starts in the big leagues and five at Triple-A in the Braves organization last year, but he primarily worked in relief. It is unclear how the Mariners will deploy him, but he has limited upside in both roles.

Robertson has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to clean up his meniscus, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Robertson apparently was pitching through the ailment for a while, although it didn't seem to inhibit him much during the season as he posted 37 saves. The White Sox are confident that the right-hander will be able to pitch without restriction when spring training rolls around, so this procedure likely will not affect his outlook for the upcoming season.

Staumont, who solved his ongoing struggle with inconsistent command in the second half of 2016, could be in the mix for a roster spot with the Royals in spring training, the Kansas City Star reports.

The Royals may opt to give Staumont more time to develop in the minors to begin the year, but one other path would be for him to work out of the bullpen to open 2017 with the hope of a transition to a starting role later in the season. Staumont can touch 100 mph with his fastball, and his success from late-August on with Double-A Northwest Arkansas included a six-start stretch with only 12 walks in 34.1 innings after he issued 96 walks in 89 frames between High-A and Double-A over the first four-and-a-half months of the season. Additionally, Staumont has posted an 11:4 K:BB in 10.1 innings on the mound in the Arizona Fall League in October.

Strahm will be in the mix for a starting rotation spot with the Royals during spring training, the Kansas City Star reports.

He pitched exceptionally well in the bullpen after being called up by the Royals in 2016, but general manager Dayton Moore is looking for internal candidates to round out the team's rotation. Strahm started 18 of the 22 games he pitched at Double-A in 2016, piling up a 107:23 K:BB in 102.1 innings with Northwest Arkansas. If he fails to win a job out of camp, the makeup of the Royals' bullpen may ultimately determine if Strahm remains stretched out as a member of the rotation at Omaha to begin the season.