MLB Player News

The Rangers are among the clubs with some level of interest. McKirahan, 25, was a Rule 5 selection from the Cubs this winter, and they’ll have to return him to the team if he doesn’t break camp with a team. With a crowded bullpen, it seems the Marlins would rather get something in return for McKirahan rather than giving him back to the Cubs.

Puk told reporters afterwards that he’s completed four bullpen sessions during his rehabilitation process from last year’s Tommy John surgery. He also added that he could potentially be ready to return to Arizona’s high-leverage mix by late May.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Palencia is responding well to treatment and there’s a chance he could be activated in two weeks. The 26-year-old closer hit the shelf last Friday with what was believed to be an oblique strain, but additional imaging revealed a shoulder issue. The fact that he’s going to be cleared to resume throwing and the club doesn’t believe it’s a major issue is reassuring. Caleb Thielbar is the favorite to close for the Cubs until his absence.

Bradford hasn’t thrown for two weeks as a result of renewed tightness in his surgically-repaired elbow, but a followup MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage. The 28-year-old lefty is still rehabbing from last year’s Tommy John surgery. This latest setback pushes his return timetable back even further, but he’s expected to resume throwing at some point soon.

Wade was in Rangers camp as a non-roster invitee. The versatile 31-year-old was cut loose after hitting .226 in 16 games for Triple-A Round Rock over the past few weeks.

The Astros can’t afford another hit to their outfield depth. Harris was hit by a pitch on the left hand during a fifth-inning at-bat before leaving the contest. Journeyman reserve outfielder Daniel Johnson, who signed a minor league contract literally two days ago, took over in left field. You can’t make this stuff up.

Ryan O’Hearn takes over at first base with Jake Mangum heading out to right field. Horwitz is presumably day-to-day for now. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

Yesavage threw 64 pitches (37 strikes) in his likely final rehab outing at Triple-A Buffalo. He finished with two strikeouts and also walked four batters. The results weren’t inspiring, but the 22-year-old top prospect is one of the most exciting young arms in the sport. He’ll figures to make his season debut early next week against the Red Sox at the Rogers Centre.

As far as rehab outings go, this one was impressive. Strider’s fastball velocity ticked up significantly from early spring outings as he averaged 95.9 mph on his heater while topping out at 98.1 in this one. The 27-year-old former fantasy ace sustained his velocity throughout the 65-pitch outing while generating 15 swinging strikes, with 10 of those coming on his slider. He’ll likely require at least one additional tune-up to further increase his pitch count before returning to Atlanta’s rotation for his season debut in early May.

It’s a really troubling sign that Holliday is having persistent hand issues as he attempts to ramp up towards his season debut after suffering a hamate fracture back in spring training. The 22-year-old was pulled off a rehab assignment earlier this month with lingering wrist soreness and this latest setback is another step in the wrong direction. He’ll presumably undergo further evaluation and possibly even imaging to determine the severity but there should be a high level of concern here.

Carroll, who is back in right field and batting second, appears ready to roll after making an early exit from Sunday’s series finale against the Blue Jays with lower back tightness. The 25-year-old fantasy star is hitting .300/.390/.600 with 15 runs scored, 12 extra-base hits, including three homer runs, 16 RBI an two steals through 20 games this season.