After moving to the bullpen with the White Sox down the stretch last year and finding great success with a 2.75 ERA and a 39% strikeout rate in 36 innings of work after converting to relief, right-hander Michael Soroka now figures to get another crack at starting in D.C. after signing a one-year deal worth $9MM. Soroka made his spring debut for his new club yesterday, posting … [Read more...] about Nationals Notes: Soroka, Wood, Garcia
AL East Notes: Varsho, Bello, Orioles
Daulton Varsho underwent rotator cuff surgery in late September, with the expectation that he would likely start the season on the 10-day injured list, even if his absence wouldn’t stretch too far into April. That timeline isn’t much clearer now that Spring Training is well underway, but Varsho logged his first Grapefruit League action yesterday, going 1-for-3 with a homer … [Read more...] about AL East Notes: Varsho, Bello, Orioles
Orioles Building Up Roansy Contreras As Potential Starter
The Orioles intend to build Roansy Contreras back up as a starting pitcher this spring, manager Brandon Hyde told reporters (including Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun). The 25-year-old righty worked in a multi-inning relief role between the Pirates and Angels last year. It’s not clear how long this will last. Contreras is certainly not a lock to stick on Baltimore’s roster … [Read more...] about Orioles Building Up Roansy Contreras As Potential Starter
10 Out Of Options Players To Watch This Spring
One of the most interesting elements of spring training every year, at least for those of us who feast on roster construction minutiae, is the collection of players who are out of minor league options. MLBTR just released a full list of such players earlier today. In many instances, a player being out of minor league options is inconsequential. Justin Steele, Isaac Paredes and … [Read more...] about 10 Out Of Options Players To Watch This Spring
Nationals Designate Stone Garrett For Assignment
The Nationals announced Thursday that they’ve designated outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment. His roster spot goes to righty Kyle Finnegan, whose one-year deal to return to the Nationals is now official. Garrett, 29, has appeared in parts of three big league seasons between the Nats and D-backs. He’s a lifetime .276/.341/.492 hitter in the majors, good for 25% better than … [Read more...] about Nationals Designate Stone Garrett For Assignment