MLB Player News

The Royals have been linked to a handful of veteran right-handed starters like Wacha, Lucas Giolito, Marcus Stroman, and Jack Flaherty. Wacha would seem to be a more reasonable target as the 32-year-old doesn’t seem likely to command a large contract despite a strong season in 2023 that saw him register a 14-4 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 24 starts. That’s after a strong 2022 season where he went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with the Red Sox. Wacha has leaned more heavily on his change-up over that span, which has fueled a mini career rebound. He figures to be a solid rotation piece for whichever teams signs him this off-season.

Kershaw’s role with the club is mostly unknown at this point and will reportedly remain fluid, but this is a fantastic next step for the legend. Having someone with Kershaw’s experience in the building will always be a plus and it’s wonderful that he can still fulfill a role with the only team he’s even known even after his playing career ended last season.

Holliday is the last of the spring training broken hamate trio yet to return. Playing in his first rehab game is a great step towards that, poor results notwithstanding. A return to the Orioles within the next week or so when’s eligible to return from the 10-day IL looks incredibly likely. Blaze Alexander is expected to retreat to the bench when Holliday is ready to return.

After being scratched with elbow soreness on Opening Day and allegedly set for an MRI, Pavin Smith will be in the Diamondbacks’ lineup as their designated hitter on Friday. As of now, he appears to be their favorite option at that spot against right-handed pitchers. Tim Tawa will retreat to the bench with Smith’s return.

This is the first real update we’ve had on Jobe’s status in a long time. The best case scenario to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last June was likely a late season return this year and Tigers’ president of baseball operations Scott Harris said the team was hoping he could be back in September at the Winter Meetings. Progressing to long-toss is the first step in that process and the electric young right-hander could find a small role during the Tigers hopeful playoff push.

Kwan hasn’t started a regular season game in center field since his rookie year. He slid to that spot exactly one time last season and played there a good bit during spring training ahead of this season, hinting that this was something the Guardians were considering. He’s an exceptional outfielder so there’s no reason to think he can’t be at least passable there. Kwan playing center will open up left field for CJ Kayfus in this game as the Guardians try to get some more thump in their lineup.

The White Sox released Wade Jr. after spring training when he didn’t make the big league club. After taking a week to survey his other options, he’s back with them and will report to Triple-A Charlotte. He made a strong case to get a major league roster spot in camp with a .289/.429/.605 slash line over 49 plate appearances and is just one year removed from a two-season stretch with a .777 OPS working as a strong-side platoon starter with the Giants.

Hader was scheduled to throw a bullpen and it went off without a hitch, which is great considering how back and forth his health status has been of late. If he stays on track, the expectation is that he would face live hitters in a few weeks before likely going on a rehab assignment. If everything goes perfectly, he could be back by the beginning of May. Keep an eye on his status though because things have not gone perfectly since his shoulder injury towards the end of last season.

It’s nice to here that Rodriguez is with the team as they opened the season and actually throwing to some degree. This is the first report on him since he was placed on the injured list with dead arm and shoulder inflammation and we know that based on his extensive injury history that any morsel of good news is worthwhile.

Chafin was cut loose by the Twins at the end of spring training despite their lack of compelling bullpen options. Now, he’ll try to catch on with the Reds as an additional lefty to add to their mix. He probably still has something in the tank too after putting up a 2.41 ERA across 42 appearances with the Nationals and Angels last season while still displaying strong swing-and-miss stuff. Walks became an issue for him though with 19 over 33 2/3 innings.

It’s nice to hear that Yates’ surprising trip to the injured list with knee inflammation appears to be a minor issue. After throwing a bullpen, it likely won’t be long before he’s back with the club. Jordan Romano secured the save for them on Opening Day with a scoreless ninth inning and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be ahead in the pecking order for saves when both are in the bullpen together.