MLB Player News

Blackburn has posted a 1.88 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 12:7 K:BB over 14.1 innings spanning five appearances (including two starts) during Grapefruit League play.

The WHIP and walks aren't going to excite anyone, but Blackburn has at least managed to mostly keep opponents from crossing home plate. The veteran hurler is slated for his first full season with the Yankees after joining the club in late August last year. Blackburn will likely serve in middle and long relief during the regular season, and his previous experience as a starter gives the Yankees insurance in case a spot start is needed along the way.

Urena could make the Angels' Opening Day roster, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Urena has pitched just one game above the Double-A level, so he came into camp as a long shot to break camp with the big-league club. However, the right-hander has had a decent spring, posting a 4.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB over 15.2 innings spanning six appearances (including one start). Beyond those surface numbers, Urena has hit triple digits with his sinker and hasn't yet given up any long balls. He's worked mostly as a starter in the minors, though Urena's profile could fit that of a high-leverage reliever. Whether or not he makes the season-opening 26-day roster could hinge on whether Alek Manoah (finger) and Grayson Rodriguez (arm) begin the campaign in the Angels' rotation.

D'Arnaud is expected to serve as the Angels' No. 2 catcher behind Logan O'Hoppe this season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

D'Arnaud served in the same role during his first season with the Angels last year and finished the campaign with a .598 OPS along with six homers and 21 RBI across 231 plate appearances. He struggled to make contact, posting a career-worst 32.0 percent strikeout rate. O'Hoppe is viewed by the Angels as a potential long-term stalwart behind the plate, so d'Arnaud isn't a threat to usurp the younger catcher's playing time.

The Orioles optioned Kremer to minor-league camp Saturday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Kremer gave up five earned runs over nine innings during his three Grapefruit League appearances. He was beat out for the final spot in Baltimore's rotation by Zach Eflin, who struck out 10 batters and walked one in 7.1 shutout frames this spring. Kremer has maintained a fairly consistent 4.14 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over the past three seasons for the O's, and he'll likely be the first choice to return to the majors if the big club's rotation depth is tested.

The Yankees optioned Schuemann to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

The Yankees acquired Schuemann in a trade with the Athletics in February, and the 28-year-old will officially begin his time with the organization at Triple-A. He slashed .321/.486/.429 with an RBI, six runs scored and two steals over 14 Grapefruit League games but owns just a .603 OPS over parts of two MLB seasons.

The Yankees reassigned DeJong to minor-league camp Saturday.

Although he won't be part of the Yankees' Opening Day roster, DeJong has previously said that he doesn't plan to opt out of his contract. He'll begin the season as infield depth at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after putting up a .732 OPS in the Grapefruit League.

Sandoval (elbow) will throw three innings in a minor-league game Monday, MLB.com reports.

Sandoval never got into a Grapefruit League game this spring while rehabbing from Tommy John elbow surgery. Both Sandoval and Kutter Crawford (wrist) are expected to throw in games Monday, and both will serve as starting depth once deemed ready.

Crawford (wrist) will throw three innings in a minor-league game in Fort Myers on Monday, MLB.com reports.

Crawford has been throwing live batting practice during spring training but has not appeared in a game. Another of Boston's injured starters will throw Monday, as Patrick Sandoval (elbow) is expected to pitch three innings in a minor-league game.

Casas (knee) has been cleared to run the bases and slide, MLB.com reports.

Casas, who took at-bats in a minor-league simulated game earlier this week, has cleared another hurdle. He's expected to stay behind in extended spring training until ready to begin a rehab assignment.

Coulombe was sent home from Red Sox camp Saturday due to an illness, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The nature of Coulombe's illness isn't known, but assuming he's able to recover quickly, he should still be in good shape to make the Opening Day roster. The veteran reliever signed with the Red Sox a little over a week ago and made his Grapefruit League debut Thursday.