MLB Player News

Athletics pitcher Fernando Rodriguez has progressed better than expected, according to CSN.

Rodriguez is coming off Tommy John surgery, but was able to toss a simulated game last week. He was initially ticketed to remain in Arizona for extended spring training, but the team has reconsidered after seeing his progress. There's still a possibility Rodriguez remains behind when the team leaves, but there's a chance he won't need it. 

Rodriguez posted a 5.37 ERA in 70 1/3 innings last season.

The Rays announced several roster moves on Thursday.

The team optioned pitchers Nathan Karns, Kirby Yates, C.J. Riefenhauser and Jeff Beliveau, infielders Vince Belnome and Hak-Ju Lee, and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier to minor-league camp. The team also re-assigned outfielder Mikie Mahtook to minor-league camp.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Esmil Rogers continued his quest to win a spot in the team's rotation Thursday against the Astros. Unfortunately, it was not his best effort.

Rogers was tagged for a spring-high four runs on five hits and two walks in three innings. The only bright spot was his spring-high six strikeouts. 

After giving up two runs on a Cesar Izturis single in the second inning, Rogers then served up back-to-back home runs to Carlos Correa and Jon Singleton to begin the third inning.

Rogers' ERA jumped from 4.50 to 7.00. He does have 12 strikeouts in nine innings, with 10 coming in his last two starts.

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore bounced back from a horrendous start Saturday against the Pirates to pitch much better his second time against Pittsburgh Thursday. After giving up six runs (four earned) in two-thirds of an inning Saturday, Moore tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday.

Moore allowed just two hits, but he did walk three batters. He also had three strikeouts. Moore lowered his spring ERA from 15.43 to 6.35. He has six strikeouts and five walks in 5 2/3 innings.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said starting pitcher prospect Matt Barnes, who has been slowed by a shoulder injury, threw from 120 feet Thursday, per MLB.com. 

"We expect him to be back on the mound by the end of the month," Farrell said. "How that affects his actual start at the minor-league level remains to be seen. But he's making excellent progress."

Indians closer John Axford made his fourth appearance of the spring Wednesday against the Padres. He retired the side in order in the fifth inning for his third hold this spring.

Axford has allowed one run on three hits (one home run) and two walks in four innings. He has six strikeouts and a 1.25 WHIP.

Yankees closer David Robertson hasn't gotten much work this spring, but when he has been on the hill, he's been very effective. Robertson hasn't allowed a run or hit in two spring appearances.

In fact, the only base runner to reach against Robertson came via a hit batter in his first appearance March 3. He has one strikeout in two innings.

Blue Jays pitcher Liam Hendriks was sent to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Claimed by Toronto in February, Hendriks make two appearances this spring, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three in three scoreless innings. He also recorded a save in each of his spring outings.

Angels pitcher Hector Santiago gave up two earned runs on five hits and one walk in 4 1/3 innings while striking out six in his team's 12-2 win over the Brewers Wednesday.

Santiago had a long wait after pitching two scoreless innings to open the game as his offense delivered eight runs in the bottom of the second. "Last year, when I was pitching, we didn't have very many big innings," Santiago told MLB.com after the start. "So, it's been a while. Now I know what it feels like to sit down for so long, and it seems like we're going to do that a lot. I'll take 40-minute innings all the time, as long as we're scoring some runs."

Santiago entered play Wednesday having allowed only an unearned run, and he owns a 1.64 ERA and 14:3 K:BB ratio through 11 innings.

Mariners pticher Brandon Maurer gave up four earned runs on six hits while striking out one and walking none in 2 2/3 innings in his team's 8-2 loss to the Royals Monday.

While Maurer wasn't as hittable in his spring debut, he did walk one and hit two batters in two innings of work. He owns a 9.64 ERA in 4 2/3 innings and is unlikely to win a rotation spot without a quick turnaround.