MLB Player News

Athletics pitcher Jesse Chavez told reporters that "the writing is on the wall" and indicated that he'll likely start the season in the bullpen.

"I think they had their minds made up from the beginning. But we'll see what happens," Chavez said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Chavez allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out six over six innings of work on Wednesday against the Angels. He posted a 4.50 ERA, a 1.75 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB ratio over 16 innings this spring. If he is demoted to the bullpen as a long reliever and spot starter, the A's will likely go will left-hander Drew Pomeranz as their fifth starter.

Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly was able to toss four innings in a minor league game Wednesday, reports the Boston Globe.

Kelly has been dealing with a biceps injury for the past few weeks of spring training and was able to throw 65 pitches in his appearance Wednesday. It is still yet to be determined whether Kelly will begin the season on the disabled list.

The Rangers reportedly believe they have their starting rotation set for the beginning of the season, reports the Dallas Morning News.

The rotation will go Yovani Gallardo, Colby Lewis, Ross Detwiler, Nick Martinez, and Derek Holland.

Detwiler and Martinez will have beat out Nick Tepesch, Ross Ohlendorf, Anthony Ranaudo, Lisalverto Bonilla and Anthony Bass for two open spots in the starting rotation this spring.

 Martinez posted a 4.20 ERA in four appearances this spring with 11 strikeouts. Detwiler posted a 4.15 ERA with eight strikeouts in three appearances this spring.

Blue Jays manager Jon Gibbons confirmed that Todd Redmond and Colt Hynes are on the team to start the season, according to TSN.ca on Wednesday. Barring any changes to the rosters, the last spot on the roster will come down to second baseman Ryan Goins and pitcher Liam Hendriks.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters his rotation will line up with Dallas Keuchel on Opening Day against Indians, followed by Scott Feldman on Wednesday and Asher Wojciechowski on Thursday. Collin McHugh will open a three-game set at Texas on Friday, followed by Roberto Hernandez on Saturday, per the Houston Chronicle.

Rays manager Kevin Cash reiterated that he won't name a closer for now, and will take a closer-by committee approach to start the season, per the Tampa Tribune on Wednesday.

"We're not going to name a closer," Cash said. "There's going to be guys that we'll lean on to pitch in those (high) leverage situations. It just doesn't make sense to me to come out and name a closer when the game can be on the line in the seventh and eighth inning."

Brad Boxberger, who saved two games last season, was deemed as the favorite by Cash earlier this spring to see the ball in the ninth while Jake McGee is sidelined with an elbow injury. Grant Balfour and Ernesto Frieri have combined for 152 out of 164 career saves on Tampa Bay's active roster.

Cash indicated that he will revisit his closer approach once McGee returns from injury.

"We'll revisit it," Cash said, "but it's too early to tell."

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that pitchers Alex Colome (illness) will throw a live batting practice on Friday, while Drew Smyly (shoulder) will face live hitters Wednesday and Saturday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Red Sox pitcher Matt Barnes is scheduled to pitch on Thursday against the Twins, according to the Providence Journal on Wednesday. Barnes dealt with food poisoning earlier this week. He has a 5.25 ERA through 12 innings of work this spring.

The Astros announced that Brett Oberholtzer, Josh Fields and Brad Peacock will all start the season on the 15-day disabled list, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Oberholtzer  is dealing with a blister on his left index finger, and will have his DL stint backdated to March 31.

"It's a blister. It's not an arm injury," Oberholtzer said. "I just have to wait until the skin heals and take a little time and get back at it. ... I'm just day to day right how, obviously. I'll just wait until the skin heals up and gets right and allows me to make pitches comfortably and not deal with any side effects from the skin."

Fields is working his way back from a groin injury, and will have his DL stint backdated to March 27.

"I was trying to push it pretty hard, but I felt like I was going about it in a wise way," Fields said. "I made pretty quick progress. The fact that they've laid something out for me like that I think is going to help of 'OK, I can relax. I have a plan now of when I'm supposed to be back and just make sure everything is good and right.'"

Peacock, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, will start the first game of the season at Triple-A Fresno, per MLB.com. His DL will be backdated to March 30.

Rays pitchers Alex Colome (illness), Jake McGee (elbow surgery) and Matt Moore (Tommy John surgery) were each able to throw bullpen sessions Tuesday as a part of their rehab, reports the Tampa Bay Times.

"(Colome) looks like he feels really good," manager Kevin Cash said. "It's exciting to see."

The trio has yet to see any action this spring as they recover from elbow injuries.