MLB Player News

Rodriguez allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out one over two innings in Monday's spring game against Tampa Bay.

Rodriguez battled command issues and needed 45 pitches to get his six outs. It was surprising that the outing was cut short after the left-hander threw five innings in his previous start, but manager Alex Cora didn't want to belabor things for his ace, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. Instead of going deeper into the game, Rodriguez finished his work in the bullpen.

Kopech allowed two hits and struck out two over 1.1 innings in Monday's spring game against the Giants.

Kopech entered the game in relief of Lucas Giolito and stranded the two runners he inherited to end the fifth inning. He followed that up with a bases-loaded strikeout (looking) to end the sixth. The right-hander, who has allowed one run and struck out seven over 5.1 spring innings, will serve as a reliever to start the 2021 season.

Giolito allowed two hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.2 scoreless innings in Monday's spring game against the Giants.

Giolito referred to the outing as a "grinder day," per Daryl Van Schouwen of Chicago Sun-Times. It was the second consecutive outing that required the right-hander to execute good pitches in tense situations, which is good preparation for the regular season. Giolito ran his pitch count to 85 with one more spring start remaining before he takes the ball for Opening Day on April 1.

Rodon will open the season as the White Sox's fifth starter after the team sent Reynaldo Lopez to the alternate camp Monday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

This should be no surprise to those who have looked at the spring numbers. Rodon outpitched Lopez, who had a 9.00 ERA and 1.82 WHIP over four outings and 11 innings. For his part, Rodon has tossed nine scoreless innings this spring, allowing just four hits without a walk while striking out 10.

Gilbert was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Gilbert only threw two official innings this spring as the team seeks to manage his workload. However, he pitched well at Double-A Arkansas in 2019 and also impressed at the alternate site last season. As a result, he's nearly major-league ready and should join the team's rotation sometime relatively early on in the campaign.

Teheran (back) does not believe his injury is serious, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Teheran started experiencing back tightness in the first inning of Monday's start and exited the game after only 30 pitches and two frames of work. However, he stretched his back out after exiting the contest and believes he could have re-entered the game. Teheran has made the case for a role in the rotation with his performance this spring and it doesn't appear that this injury will disrupt that.

Teheran exited Monday's outing after experiencing tightness in his back, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Teheran left the game after completing two innings on 30 pitches. His exit was deemed precautionary by the team, but no further details were provided. Teheran has reportedly shown increased velocity this spring in his battle for a rotation spot, though any time he is forced to miss would weaken his chances.

Boyd was named the Tigers' Opening Day starter Monday and will get the ball April 1 against Cleveland, William Ladson of MLB.com reports.

The veteran lefty earns the honor for the second season in a row. He wouldn't get the nod on many teams following a season in which he struggled to a 6.71 ERA, but the Tigers' wave of young pitching prospects hasn't been fully established yet, making him the clear top choice with Spencer Turnbull sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols.

The Royals reassigned Lynch to their minor-league camp Monday.

Kansas City sent several of its top prospects back to minor-league camp Monday, as Lynch was reassigned along with infielder Bobby Witt, outfielder Kyle Isbel and pitcher Jackson Kowar. Lynch will likely open the 2021 campaign at Triple-A Omaha or Double-A Northwest Arkansas after posting a 2.99 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 96 strikeouts over 96.1 innings across three lower-level affiliates in 2019.

Arihara started five innings in a "B" game Sunday but failed to record three outs in four of them, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Arihara had all kinds of issues in the game that kicked off at 10 AM. He began by walking three and hitting one batter during a first inning in which he failed to get an out. The right-hander struggled to get a grip on the ball and was seen applying hand cream after the first inning to get a feel for the ball. "More than the ball slipping, I didn't like the way my body was moving today," he said through an interpreter. "I felt like my weight transformation had me diving forward too much and my arm speed couldn't get where I would like. I want to be able to perform, and today was frustrating." This was the second time this spring that Arihara has referred to having an issue gripping the ball.