MLB Player News

Javier was optioned to minor-league camp, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 22-year-old was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft in November, and he's set to begin another season in the minors. Javier made his way to Triple-A Round Rock by the end of 2019 and allowed only two runs with a 16:4 K:BB over 11 innings.

Snell (elbow) felt good after a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Snell required a cortisone shot in his elbow last week, fueling fears that he could be out for the start of the regular season. The Rays played down those concerns, noting that the shot was on the outside of the lefty's elbow rather than near the tendon, which would be more worrisome. Assuming he still feels good Saturday, Snell could get back into game action as soon as Monday.

Giolito (chest) is starting Friday's Cactus League game versus the Cubs, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 25-year-old was listed as Friday's expected starter, and he's now confirmed for his spring debut after battling a strained chest muscle over the past few weeks. Giolito should have plenty of time to get stretched out over a few more starts in his preparations for Opening Day.

Kikuchi threw three scoreless innings Thursday against the Padres, giving up no hits while walking two and striking out five. His velocity was up to 96 mph in his final frame, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com.

He started the game in the 92-94 mph range with his fastball before it started humming at 96. Last year he averaged just north of 93 mph on his four-seam fastball in March, April and May before it ticked down to 92 mph in the final four months of the season. When he was dominating in Japan, his fastball was a mid-90s pitch, so if he can sit in that range again, Kikuchi could be in for a post-hype breakout. He has given up three earned runs on four hits and five walks while striking out 10 over 6.2 innings in three spring outings.

Walker reported no ill effects after throwing 31 pitches in an intersquad game Wednesday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has taken very deliberate steps all spring in an effort to ensure he's fully ready for his first taste of Cactus League action. Given Walker got through his latest test without issues, the veteran is now likely to make his spring debut against the Brewers on Monday, with official confirmation likely to come within the coming days.

Kaprielian was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The 26-year-old was one of six total Athletics pitchers removed from big-league camp Thursday. Kaprielian posted an impressive 1.63 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 26:8 K:BB across 27.2 innings (five starts) with Double-A Midland during 2019.

Gonzales will pitch in an intersquad game Friday rather than start the Mariners' Cactus League matchup against the Dodgers, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old is expected to throw 3-4 innings during an intersquad game at the team complex Friday afternoon. The sudden change of plans is not injury-related and Gonzales will likely make his third Cactus League outing sometime next week. The southpaw will look to build upon a career-low 3.99 ERA last season during his fourth campaign in Seattle in 2020.

Milone (neck) could throw a side session Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

He was scratched from a scheduled sim game Tuesday due to a left trap injury. It sounds like he is hopeful to get a side session in this week, but it is not a guarantee.

Paxton (back) said Thursday that he's been able to do rotational exercises with a medicine ball, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

The activity represents a small sign of progress for Paxton, who will begin the season on the injured list while he recovers from a February procedure to remove a cyst from his spine. The southpaw is optimistic that he'll be cleared to begin a throwing program over the weekend or early next week, which would put him on pace to return from the IL in late April or early May if he can avoid any setbacks during the buildup period.

Chiang (side) is listed as an available option out of the bullpen for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

While it's unclear if Chiang will be used Thursday, his inclusion on the lineup card indicates that he's moved past the side soreness he experienced early in camp that has thus far prevented him from making his spring debut. A non-roster invitee, Chiang isn't expected to win a spot in the Tigers' Opening Day bullpen and will most likely get assigned to Triple-A Toledo to begin the campaign.