The Boston Herald has announced that it has hired Evan Drellich to join Michael Silverman and Jason Mastrodonato on their Red Sox beat. Drellich had previously been with the Houston Chronicle, where he covered the Astros. Before that, he had written about the Red Sox for MLB.com and MassLive.com. We at MLBTR wish Drellich the best of luck as he returns to Boston. Here’s more from the American League.
- The Rangers have tried to sign young infielder Rougned Odor to an extension, but the two sides found themselves far apart and talks are no longer active, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman tweets. Heyman reported in October that Odor and the Rangers would discuss a deal. Odor, who only recently turned 22, posted a .261/.316/.465 line in 2015 that was perhaps even more promising than it sounds, given the trajectory his season took — he struggled for the first six weeks of the season, headed down to Triple-A Round Rock, posted a 1.065 OPS there, and then batted .292/.334/.527 in the big leagues from June through the end of the year.
- Earlier today, we noted that one potential competitor for a spot in the Royals’ bullpen, Ross Ohlendorf, had opted out of his contract, giving the Royals 48 hours to place him on the roster or release him. Another potential competitor for one of the bullpen spots Ohlendorf is trying to win is Chien-Ming Wang, who has looked good in Spring Training. Wang’s opt-out date is May 1, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star tweets. That means that, unlike with Ohlendorf, the Royals have a bit of time to figure out how they want to use him.
- Athletics pitcher Jarrod Parker has “no doubt” he will attempt to return to the mound, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes. Parker was once one of the game’s most promising starters after two strong seasons with the A’s in 2012 and 2013, but since then his career has become a mess of injuries. Last month, Parker re-fractured the medial epicondyle in his right elbow. He has already had two Tommy John surgeries and has missed the past two seasons, and in April he’ll undergo what sounds like a somewhat experimental surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to see if it’s possible his UCL can be repaired.
Jarrod Parker=The Bionic Man…I hope he makes it back
Loved Wang on the Yanks but it speaks to the lack of quality pitching in MLB that he even has a chance to make the Royals. I wish him the best but his numbers have been atrocious for years.
If Jonny Venters can have three TJ’s and be throwing 98 for the Rays right now, Parker still has a chance at a big league career.
Until he is healthy enough to pitch for any length of time, the fact he is throwing 98 in spring training means very little. Its only one step. Glad he is currently healthy tho.
The Red Sox are so good they’re even attracting other teams beat writers now lol.
That sucks about Odor. Was hoping they could get him signed to a team friendly deal but he’s going to be a star and he knows it.
I really feel bad for Parker, he’s worked so hard 2 times to get back to what he had just for it to be knocked down again. I really hope he gets better and has a decent career in maybe relief for the As
When is Odors current contact up?
The Rangers control Odor for another 5 years. He is scheduled to become arbitration eligible after the 2017 season and a free agent after the 2020 season.
Cool, well there’s still time.
I hope Parker was smart with the money he has made so far.
tough for Parker i really liked him and hoped he would make it back. If he does itll be one helluva road