MLB Player News

Red Sox starting pitcher Joe Kelly (biceps) pitched three innings in a minor-league intrasquad games, according to Comcast SportsNet Northeast. He allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. Of his 53 pitches, 31 were strikes.

Athletics pitcher Jesse Chavez allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings while striking out one in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Giants.

Chavez, who was on the mound just two days after the birth of his daughter, is happy with his performance this spring, the Bay Area News Group reports.

"I feel good," Chavez said. "I’ve put some men on, but I’ve pitched out of some jams. I’ve showed them I won’t let it snowball."

Chavez believes he needs to improve at changing the eye level of batters.

"I’ve got to get them to change eye levels better," Chavez said. "The last two or three starts, I haven’t been able to do that. The pitches that I’m trying to elevate they’re fouling off (instead of swinging and missing) and that runs up my pitch count."

Chavez has posted a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings as he competes for a spot in the rotation.

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez allowed just five hits and one walk in six scoreless innings while striking out four in Thursday's spring start against the Rockies.

Martinez is battling for the final spot in the team's rotation and did a good job making his case Thursday, limiting the Rockies to just one extra-base hit.

"Nick threw the ball very well," manager Jeff Banister said after the outing, per MLB.com. "He showed all four pitches, pounded the strike zone, had a five-pitch inning and a seven-pitch inning. He was effective with everything he threw. It was an impressive night for Nick."

Martinez allowed a run in his spring debut but has delivered 8 2/3 scoreless innings in his last two appearances to lower his spring ERA to 0.84.

The Rays reassigned right-hander Ronald Belisario, right-hander Andrew Bellatti, right-hander Bryce Stowell and infielder Eugenio Velez to minor-league camp, according to the Tampa Tribune.

Rays pitcher Alex Colome (pneumonia) completed a 25-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday, and is scheduled for another session on Friday, according to the Tampa Tribune. Colome was hospitalized with pneumonia last week, and is behind  in his preparation for the season. His Opening Day status remains up in the air.

White Sox pitcher David Robertson hasn't pitched in game since Saturday due to soreness, pitching coach Don Cooper said, per the Chicago Tribune. The soreness Robertson is experiencing is in his forearm, but he said he isn't concerned.

"I'm not going for MRIs or anything like that," Robertson said.

Robertson threw a side session Thursday which went well, reports CSN Chicago. Manager Robin Ventura said Robertson's soreness was typical for spring training and he's not concerned with his Opening Day status.

Astros reliever Josh Fields told reporters that his groin strain has calmed down after he's been evaluated every day, per the Houston Chronicle.

"I don't think it'll be too long before I'm off the mound again," Fields said.

Fields has been sidelined since Monday -- his only appearance of the spring -- with a groin issue. He indicated that he remains uncertain if he'll be ready by Opening Day.

"I don't know. I don't think we've gotten there yet. I'm hoping, hopeful," Fields said.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon told reporters that every bullpen role is up for grabs except for Fernando Rodney's role as the closer, per the Tacoma News Tribune.

"One thing I expressed to the guys in that bullpen is the Rodney is etched in stone. Nobody else," McClendon said.

Rodney converted 48 of 51 save chances, with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP over 66 1/3 innings of relief in his first season in Seattle.

Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances is struggling this spring, but he wants to finish strong heading into opening day, reports MLB.com.

Betances, 27, has an ERA of 6.75 thus far through spring. In six outings, he has allowed seven hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched. His performances in the Grapefruit League have frustrated the right-hander.

"I'm obviously frustrated," Betances said. "I mean, it's been four outings where every time out, I've given up a run. Today I felt better, but you've got to make a better pitch than that to [Juan] Lagares. It's frustrating, but I'm sure I've got four more outings left and I'll do whatever I can to be better for the season."

Competing for a spot in the Rays' starting rotation, Matt Andriese threw 75 pitches over five innings Wednesday against the Twins, allowing no earned runs, three hits, six strikeouts and one walk.

Andriese retired his first six batters before allowing a double to Twins third basemen Eduardo Nunez.

"I thought I commanded the strike zone with the sinker today," Andriese said. "Just throwing all of my pitches for strikes. The cutter was good on both sides of the plate and the sinker as well."

Andriese's numbers for the spring include a 1.10 ERA, 10 strikeouts and six walks in 16 1/3 innings.