MLB Player News

Yarbrough has exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Blue Jays now have 24 hours to either add Yarbrough to their roster or release him. Yarbrough pitched well last season for Toronto after being acquired via trade, posting a 2.01 ERA and 26:7 K:BB over 31.1 innings.

The Blue Jays optioned Loperfido to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Loperfido was thought to be a frontrunner to either play center field if Daulton Varsho (shoulder) wasn't ready or left field if Varsho was on the active roster, but he ultimately didn't make the cut. The 25-year-old has slashed .207/.303/.414 with no home runs and a 9:4 K:BB over 14 games this spring.

The Blue Jays optioned Jimenez to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Jimenez was in contention for a backup infielder spot but ultimately didn't make the cut. The 23-year-old will receive regular reps at Buffalo.

Story was scratched from Friday's Grapefruit League lineup versus the Pirates due to lower-back tightness, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

It's the second time this month that Story has had to be scratched from the lineup because of a back problem, which is not ideal. He missed nearly a week of action the first time around, but it's not clear how long he might out this time. The Red Sox should have more on Story's condition later Friday.

Malloy was scratched from the lineup for Friday's split-squad game against the Yankees due to an illness, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old was penciled in to bat leadoff but will instead sit out due to a stomach bug. Malloy likely isn't in danger of missing Opening Day and should be back in action within a few days.

Manzardo was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup due to left shoulder inflammation, SI.com reports.

The severity of the injury is unclear, but Manzardo will be withheld from the lineup for at least one game. The 24-year-old will have a few opportunities to play in exhibition games ahead of Opening Day in Kansas City on Thursday.

The Rays optioned Bigge to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Bigge has permitted just two runs with a 6:1 K:BB over seven innings during Grapefruit League action but nonetheless will begin the season at Durham. The hard-throwing righty should be back in the big-league bullpen sooner rather than later.

The Rays optioned Orze to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Orze has been excellent during Grapefruit League play, posting a 1.42 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 6.1 frames. However, he has minor-league options remaining, and the Rays will take advantage of that.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Henderson (side) will take live batting practice Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hyde admitted Thursday that Henderson is "running out of time" to be ready for Opening Day, but he doesn't appear far off from being cleared for game action. Even if the 23-year-old begins the season on the injured list, he doesn't seem likely to miss much time given where he's at in his rehab program.

Manager A.J. Hinch announced Friday that Maeda (illness) will begin the season working out of the bullpen, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Maeda has been dealing with an illness this week, but there's been no indication it will affect his availability for the start of the season. The right-hander had a 19:1 K:BB across 12.2 innings during spring training, but he served up four home runs and eight earned runs overall. Maeda should serve as a long reliever and potential spot starter when the Tigers deal with rotation injuries.