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MLB Rumors: Yankees Consider SP Gio Gonzalez After MRI Reveals Luis Severino's Shoulder Injury

Keep up with the latest news and rumors around baseball.

The biggest fireworks show of the MLB offseason is over, but the baseball world is still awaiting where star closer Craig Kimbrel will land ahead of the new season. With spring training in full swing, it shouldn't be much longer before the trusty reliever signs with a new squad.

Here's the latest news and rumors around baseball:

• With starter Luis Severino sidelined, the Yankees like free-agent pitcher Gio Gonzalez and "might be inclined" to call his agent Scott Boras. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)

• Royals catcher Salvador Perez will officially have Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. (Royals announcement) 

• Luis Severino's MRI showed rotator cuff inflammation. The Yankees will shut the starter down for two weeks to receive an injection and anti-inflammatories before he resumes his throwing program. (Bryan Hoch, MLB.com)

• Miguel Sano underwent a debridement procedure on Tuesday morning at the Mayo Clinic because of a cut on his lower Achilles area. He won't begin the season with the Twins. (Betsy Helfand, St. Paul Pioneer Press)

• Luis Severino was scratched from his spring training start due to "shoulder discomfort." (Yankees announcement)

• Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, who's retiring after the 2019 season, reached an agreement with ESPN to serve as a contributing analyst. He will debut during ESPN's spring training coverage in late March. (ESPN)

• The Yankees have considered signing starter Gio Gonzalez for rotational depth, even prior to Severino's shoulder discomfort became apparent Tuesday. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)

• ESPN analyst Jessica Mendoza is joining the Mets baseball operations department as an advisor. (Mets)

• Bryce Harper will hit in simulated games against pitcher Jerad Eickhoff on Wednesday, then minor-league pitching on Thursday, in preparation for his spring debut on Saturday. (Scott Lauber, Philadelphia Inquirer)

• The Cubs have restructured Brad Brach’s contract due to viral infection. (The Athletic)

• Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (left shoulder) was "pretty excited" with his progress following Monday's throwing session. Manager Dave Roberts said he is "trending in the right direction" ahead of Opening Day, but it's unclear if he'll be ready to play. (Ken Gurnick, MLB.com)