MLB Player News

Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer threw 19 pitches in an inning of work in a minor-league game Tuesday, MLB.com reports. He's been out since early March due to tightness in his neck and back.

"I'm just trying to get the feel back for all four of my pitches, but it felt pretty good for the first time," Maurer said. "I'm finally pain free with everything."

Maurer is expected to throw three innings in his next outing, and he's likely headed to the disabled list to continue his rehab.

Yankees pitcher David Robertson tossed a scoreless inning in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Phillies, walking one while allowing no hits and recording no strikeouts.

Robertson has surrendered just one hit and two walks while striking out five in six innings over seven appearances this spring. He's inheriting the closer job from all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera in 2014.

The Rays said X-rays were negative for starting pitcher Matt Moore, who had to leave his start Sunday against the Red Sox after getting hit in the face by a comebacker. He has mild soreness and went through a light workout Monday, but he is not expected to miss a start, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Rays pitcher Alex Colome was suspended 50 games by MLB for testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Colome was optioned to Triple-A Durham in early March.

Injured Mariners pitchers Taijuan Walker (shoulder), Stephen Pryor (triceps) and Brandon Maurer (back) are slated to pitch in a minor-league game Tuesday. Manager Lloyd McClendon said Walker is scheduled to throw three innings. 

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore said Monday morning he feels fine after getting hit by a comebacker on the lip Sunday against the Red Sox, per the Tampa Bay Times. He is still scheduled for X-rays Monday, but his jaw doesn't hurt and he's been able to eat with no problem.

The Twins made several roster moves Monday, which included releasing veteran reliever Matt Guerrier. The Twins also optioned pitcher Ryan Pressly, pitcher Michael Tonkin and catcher Chris Herrmann to Triple-A Rochester. 

Lastly, the Twins reassigned six players to minor-league camp. They were Matt Hoffman , Aaron Thomspon, Deolis Guerra, Wilkin Ramirez, Doug Bernier and Deibinson Romero.

Athletics starter Jesse Chavez was not at his best on Sunday against the Cubs in Cactus League play.

Chavez had a hard time keeping the ball in the park, surrendering homers to Junior Lake and Luis Valbuena in the sixth frame. He was charged with five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out six over 5 2/3 innings of work.

Chavez has a 2.74 ERA and 14:4 K:BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings. He is slated to follow Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir in the rotation at the start of the season.

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore dodged a serious injury Sunday against the Red Sox after getting struck in the face by a comebacker off the bat of Xander Bogaerts.

The Rays announced Moore sustained a laceration on his lip and received a couple of stitches, but he showed no concussion symptoms. Moore said he will get more X-rays Monday to see if his jaw or roots of his teeth are fractured.

Moore suffered the injury on the final out in the fourth inning. His glove might have partially deflected the baseball before it made contact with his lip, per MLB.com. Moore tracked down the ball and threw to first for the out. He walked off the field under his own power.

Moore allowed one run on no hits and four walks in four innings. He struck out four. He has a 3.77 ERA in five spring starts.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin announced outfielder Craig Gentry (back), reliever Fernando Rodriguez (elbow) and reliever Ryan Cook (shoulder) will begin the season on the 15-day disabed list. However, both players will be eligible to return April 5.