In a recent edition of , ESPNs Buster Olney predicted will sign with the Angels , based on conversations with peoplewho know Blake and Snells apparent enjoyment of pitching in southern California. Olney added the natural depending on where the money falls caveat, and things could also change depending on how the pitching market might yet play out, in regards to injuries suddenly changing the outlook for a would-be contender. Agent Scott Boras said this week that hed been hearing from some new suitors in regards to Snell and since Spring Training opened, though both pitchers remain unsigned as were now into the second week of March. The Angels to Snell back in December, with Susan Slu ser of the San Francisco Chronicle writing at the time that Snell was their priority as a front-of-the-rotation pitcher to replace . There hasnt been much public movement between the two sides since, though the Halos also havent done anything else to upgrade their rotation, as their offseason pitching moves have been largely focused on bullpen additions. The Angels have traditionally been reluctant to sign pitchers to big multi-year commitments, though since Snell to taking a shorter-term contract (likely with at least one opt-out clause), this could help find common ground towards a landing spot in Anaheim. Other items from around the AL West It has been about three weeks since was shut down due to calf sorene s, and the Rangers arent yet ready to him ratchet up his running program , Chris Capuano Jersey according to Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today ( ). Another MRI on Jung indicated some improvement with his calf, but the team is still being cautious, which is understandable given Jungs important role as the starting third baseman. Jung has already made his mark with a big rookie season that included an All-Star nod and a World Series ring, with Jung hitting .308/.329/.538 slash line in 70 postseason plate appearances. It seems po sible that Jung might need to start the season on the 10-day injured list if he mi ses much more Spring Training time, though the injury doesnt appear to be overly serious. is at the Mariners spring camp in something of an unofficial coaching mentorship role, writes. MLB Trade Rumors has learned that Pollock is still exploring his playing options and hasnt officially retired, though since the longtime outfielder just turned 36, it isnt a surprise that he might be exploring whats next once he does decide to hang up the cleats. Pollock played in 49 games for Seattle last season before being traded to the Giants at the deadline, and hit only .165/.215/.308 in 144 total plate appearances. Pollock has an .892 OPS over 422 PA just as recently as the 2021 season, though he had a subpar year with the White Sox in 2022 before his bigger performance dropoff last year. told and other reporters that he threw around 60 pitches during a bullpen se sion on Friday, and is up to lower-90s velocity on his fastball. It seems like another positive step for Verlander as he continues to ramp up after a minor shoulder problem delayed his start to Spring Training. The Astros have that Verlander will begin the season on the 15-day IL, though that placement is just to give him more time to get ready, rather than any true concern over his health. Since both Verlander and have been slowed by shoulder i sues, the Astros rotation is a bit of a question mark as Opening Day approaches. While the team gauges what arms might fill in for Verlander or France on a temporary basis, notes that Houston will be in particular need of starters due to a busy early schedule. The Astros play 20 games in the first 21 days of the season, and Rome feels the club could even go with a six-man rotation in April to keep everyone as fresh as po sible. That would open the door for and to both make the rotation if France also needs some IL time, or one of Blanco/Bielak could work as a long reliever. Rhys Hoskins Jersey