MLB Player News

Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer was unable to toss a bullpen session Sunday, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.

Maurer is dealing with tightness in his back, and was expected to throw Sunday. He said his back felt better, but wasn't good enough to start throwing. He'll be re-evaluated Monday.

Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz is drawing rave reviews during camp, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Manager Bob Melvin has been leading the charger, saying he believes Pomeranz may excel now that he's away from Denver. Pomeranz had a tough time with the Rockies, posting a 5.20 career ERA over 136 2/3 innings. He came to the club from the Indians, and was considered a top prospect at the time.

After a few tough seasons, Pomeranz prospect shine has worn off. He'll fight for a spot in the A's rotation, but is currently on the outside looking out. Reports have been positive, though, so perhaps there's a chance he'll surprise everyone once games begin.

Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer is throwing a bullpen session Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Maurer was held out with a stiff back Friday, and will look to get things back on track. Last season, he posted a 6.30 ERA in 90 innings.

Mariners right-hander Brandon Maurer felt back stiffness on Friday and cut short his workout, per MLB.com. He cancelled his bullpen session.

Maurer is battling for a spot at the end of the rotation.

Orioles pitcher Liam Hendriks has been claimed by the Blue Jays.

Hendriks was designated for assignment Wednesday. He was seen leaving the O's facility Friday. Hendriks posted a 6.85 ERA in 47 1/3 innings.

Red Sox pitcher Rubby De La Rosa reported to camp in better shape, according to WEEI.

De La Rosa is currently listed as 10 pounds below his playing weight last season. He has also lost seven percent of his body fat during the offseason. De La Rosa has been encouraged by his progress thus far. "I worked hard," De La Rosa said. "I feel better." He went on to add that compared to last season, he feels tremendous. 

De La Rosa is expected to open the year in Triple-A, but could work his way onto the major-league roster. His innings will likely be limited again. Last season, De La Rosa posted a 5.56 ERA in 11 1/3 innings in the majors.

For the third time since December, pitcher Liam Hendriks was designated for assignment. The Orioles were the latest team to take him off the 40-man roster Wednesday after the Twins and Cubs did so in the offseason.

Twins reliever Ryan Pressly has decided to get rid of his changeup, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Pressly said he actually stopped throwing the pitch around midseason, but will not bring it back for 2014. He threw five pitches out of the bullpen, and has decided to limit his repertoire in order to be more effective. 

Last season, Pressly posted a 3.87 ERA in 76 2/3 innings.

Athletics starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz said he's confident his struggles with mechanical issues is over, according to MLB.com.

"I think if I would've come into camp like I did last year, there'd be a lot more to change," Pomeranz said. "I don't expect to change much this year. I actually feel better this year than I have in a long, long time. Probably better than I did the whole time with Colorado, which is a good thing, because I was struggling to find myself there.

"I have a better plan with my mechanics. I feel like I know what I'm doing a lot more now. I was just searching last year to feel right. Repeating my mechanics was difficult. I was always trying to do something different to make it click."

The A's are eager to see what the 2010 first-round pick can do after giving up Brett Anderson in a trade with Colorado to land the left-handed hurler.

"He has a lot of upside still," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's only 25. The ability is there. Refining it is our job. Giving him confidence is also our job."

Astros manager Bo Porter said Monday the competition for the closer's role is wide open between Josh Fields, Matt Albers, Chad Qualls and Jesse Crain, according to the Houston Chronicle. However, Porter acknowledged Qualls experience as a closer carries some value.

Crain, however, might have a tough time competing for the job this spring since Porter said Monday there is still no timetable for when Crain will throw off a mound. The veteran reliever is still recovering from right biceps surgery in October.