MLB Player News

Mushinski was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

He's clearing out to make room for waiver claim Miguel Diaz. Mushinski has allowed four runs (two earned) over 1.1 innings with the Astros this season.

Speas was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Friday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Robbie Grossman. Speas has a big arm, so he could draw interest via trade or waivers from a club hoping it can help him with his control issues.

Curry (illness) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out seven over 2.2 innings in his rehab start Thursday versus Triple-A Omaha.

Curry came down with a respiratory virus late in spring training, so he's getting back up to speed in the minors. The right-hander is not guaranteed to join the major-league roster once activated from the injured list -- it's possible the Guardians option him to Triple-A Columbus to allow him to continue to build up as a starter, or they could keep him in the big-league bullpen as a multi-inning reliever.

Romano (elbow) threw his second bullpen session Thursday and is expected to throw live batting practice soon, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander continues to progress in his throwing program, and he could be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment after one or two live sessions versus hitters. Romano doesn't have an official timeline for his return from the injured list, but a mid-April activation seems realistic at this point.

Swanson (forearm) threw a live batting practice session Thursday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It's the next step for Swanson as he works his way back from right forearm tightness. A rehab assignment would appear imminent, although it's not yet clear when exactly that will happen. Swanson is eligible for activation April 9.

The Blue Jays selected Espino's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

The 37-year-old right-hander will give the Jays a fresh long relief arm, taking Wes Parsons' spot on the roster. Espino has collected a 5.01 ERA in 94 appearances (41 starts) over parts of five major-league seasons.

Loaisiga was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Yankees on Friday, retroactive to April 4, with a right flexor strain.

Per Greg Joyce of the New York Post, manager Aaron Boone said it's a "significant" strain. Loaisiga will meet with doctors Friday, and surgery would seem to be on the table. The right-hander ended last season on the injured list with an elbow issue and has a long history of arm problems.

Jansen's velocity is down close to three mph on his cutter to begin the season, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Jansen didn't get in much work during spring training due to a back issue and is still building up toward his usual form. He labored through back-to-back outings Tuesday and Wednesday, needing 20-plus pitches in each, but that he was able to pitch on consecutive days is encouraging. Jansen has converted both his save chances so far with a 0.00 ERA in three innings, albeit with a 5:5 K:BB.

Holton pitched two scoreless innings of relief in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets. He allowed a hit and struck out one.

Holton has now logged 4.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts across three appearances to begin the season. The lefty doesn't seem like a top option for save chances at the moment, but it is a fluid Detroit bullpen, with Alex Lange, Jason Foley, Shelby Miller and Andrew Chafin all seemingly in the mix to close out games. For now, Holton looks like a strong setup option who could be a decent source of holds.

Miller (2-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets. He walked two and struck out four.

Miller has been great so far, as he's now logged six scoreless innings and six strikeouts across four appearances. While Jason Foley appears to have taken hold of the closer role for now, Miller could push his way into the role if he continues to pitch this well. The veteran righty only has one MLB save, however, which came last season with the Dodgers, so he doesn't have a ton of experience closing out games. Miller will be locked in as an excellent setup option who could see some save opportunities here and there in a fluid Detroit bullpen.