MLB Player News

Duffey gave up one run over four innings with two strikeouts and no walks in Friday's spring training win over Boston. He lowered his spring ERA to 6.48.

After manager Paul Molitor all but named Duffey as the fourth starter, he struggled a bit in two outings which raised some doubt of his status in the rotation. Duffey should begin the season as the No. 4 starter if he doesn't collapse in his final few spring outings.

Lee was optioned to Double-A Bowie on Friday, Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun reports.

The hard throwing right-hander was sent down to Double-A on Friday alongside fellow pitching prospect Parker Bridwell. Lee had his ups and downs this spring, only recording one strikeout while allowing six earned and 11 hits over 4.0 innings of work.

Colome could be in line for save opportunities with Brad Boxberger (abdominal) expected to miss at least eight weeks.

While manager Kevin Cash suggested the Rays could go with a closer-by-committee approach, it would only make sense if Colome got the first crack at managing the role, as he was slated to be the top setup option. While the 27-year-old put up a 3.94 ERA last season, much of the damage came during his time in the starting rotation. After finding his way into the bullpen near the middle of July, Colome was a lockdown pitcher, only giving up 11 in 37.1 innings.

Boxberger will be out at least eight weeks after he underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn abdominal abductor muscle, Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune reports.

While manager Kevin Cash believes the Rays will likely have more of a firm timetable for the injury in the coming weeks, this diagnosis comes as bit of a surprise considering the team initially considered it just a tight hamstring. Barring any sort of trade, the Rays are expected to use a closer by committee approach until Boxberger returns healthy, as the club has a plethora of bullpen arms including Alex Colome, Xavier Cedeno and Steve Geltz that could take the role over for the short term.

Burdi was reassigned to Minnesota's minor league camp.

Burdi made a strong impression in spring training with three scoreless innings. Burdi hits 100 mph on the radar gun and could be the high-velocity arm the Twins desperately need in the bullpen. He'll likely begin the season at Double-A and could jump to the majors early in the season if he improves his control( 6.6 BB/9 at Double-A last year).

Putnam (lower body) threw an inning against the Brewers on Wednesday.

Putnam suffered the injury a few days prior, but it did not keep him on the shelf long. Putnam's spring numbers are not great, but he has a strong hold on a bullpen slot.

Axford threw a scoreless frame on Thursday and has not allowed a run so far in four spring appearances.

Axford, along with Ryan Madson and Liam Hendriks, is one of the setup men the A's acquired to help rebuild their terrible 2015 bullpen. Axford will likely be called upon in the sixth or seventh inning most often, but is likely behind Madson for saves if Sean Doolittle should falter or get hurt. Axford could provide some value for leagues that count holds, but is not likely to help in saves.

Barnes threw 2.1 scoreless innings of relief Thursday, allowing two hits and striking out one against the Orioles.

Barnes has pitched seven scoreless frames this spring with eight strikeouts and one walk in five appearances. The conventional wisdom at the start of camp was that Barnes would open the season at Triple-A Pawtucket, but with a need for a temporary rotation fill-in, such as Steven Wright or Roenis Elias, for Eduardo Rodriguez (knee), an opening for a multi-inning reliever on the major league roster may arise.

Rumbelow allowed a run and four hits in one inning of work in Tuesday's spring training game.

Rumbelow made 17 appearances in the big leagues last season and will be vying for a spot in the bullpen throughout spring training. The suspension of Alrodis Chapman to begin the season could create the need for an extra reliever, but even still, Rumbelow will likely be limited to lower-leverage situations if he cracks the Opening Day roster.

Loup (forearm) threw off flat ground Thursday but is still without a timetable to begin throwing off of a mound and will not be ready for the start of the season, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

This is the left-hander's first time throwing a baseball since straining his flexor tendon earlier this month. Loup is making steady progress, but he'll have to wait awhile before pitching in a game again. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, Loup has been ruled out for the start of the season, which opens the door for lefties such as Randy Choate, Chad Girodo, and switch-pitcher Pat Venditte to take his spot as the second lefty behind Brett Cecil.