MLB Player News

Brebbia (calf) went through fielding drills Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

It comes one day after Brebbia pitched an inning in a minor-league game. Fielding his position was how Brebbia strained his right calf back in late February, so it's a good sign that he got through it Wednesday with no apparent issues. However, the reliever's readiness for Opening Day remains very much in question.

Alcala was removed from a Grapefruit League appearance Wednesday versus the Tigers with a right hand injury, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The reliever had a comebacker deflect off his pitching hand before going into his glove. He initially stayed in, but it affected the grip of his pitches, so he was removed. Consider Alcala day-to-day for now.

The Orioles optioned Vespi to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Vespi has pitched well this spring, allowing just two runs with a 9:0 K:BB over seven innings, but that wasn't enough to crack the Opening Day bullpen. The left-handed reliever will head to Norfolk for now while waiting for another shot with the big club.

Marsh could be considered the favorite to open the season as the Royals' fifth starter, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Jordan Lyles came into camp as the favorite for the gig but has been slowed by lower-back tightness. While Lyles is healthy now and slated to start Thursday's Cactus League game, he might not be built up enough to begin the season in the rotation. Meanwhile, Marsh has dazzled with a 1.93 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB over 14 spring innings. Daniel Lynch is also in the mix for the No. 5 spot.

Murphy is expected to require season-ending surgery to repair a UCL tear in his left elbow, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Murphy will receive a second opinion first just to be sure, but the expectation is that he'll need an operation. It's unclear at this point whether it will be Tommy John surgery or perhaps an internal brace procedure, but either one would knock him out for the duration of the 2024 season.

Pop could break camp in the big-league bullpen if Jordan Romano (elbow) or Erik Swanson (forearm) need to begin the season on the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Pop still has minor-league options remaining, so it was expected he would begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo, but there may be a need for him right away to begin the campaign. The 27-year-old right-hander made 15 appearances for Toronto in 2023, and while he struck out 14 batters in 13.2 innings, six walks and four homers allowed contributed to a 6.59 ERA. Pop would work in low-leverage situations should he begin the campaign in the majors.

Pearson's chances of breaking camp on the big-league roster would improve significantly if Jordan Romano (elbow) or Erik Swanson (forearm) need to begin the season on the injured list, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The one-time top prospect appeared to be on the outside looking in for a spot in the bullpen this spring, but the Blue Jays could have one or two unexpected vacancies to fill. Pearson still wouldn't be expected to handle a high-leverage role, but a hot start to the campaign could change his usage. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted a 9:3 K:BB through seven spring innings and has been working a splitter into his repertoire in camp as a complement to his premium fastball, but ultimately Pearson's control and command will determine if he can establish himself as a reliable big-league arm.

Brentz was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain in his left hamstring Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Brentz missed all of last season due to a lat injury he suffered while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and he's now in line to be sidelined for the next six weeks. The 29-year-old southpaw was having a rough spring before getting hurt, surrendering nine earned runs in just 4.1 innings.

Ortega is returning to Houston on Tuesday to be evaluated for an elbow injury, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Ortega was claimed off waivers by Houston in late October after finishing last season on the injured list with a back strain, and he's now dealing with an elbow injury. The 27-year-old is likely to begin the season on the injured list if he requires any sort of shutdown period.

Martin (groin) was throwing 95-to-96 mph during a minor-league game Tuesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

That's right around what he averaged with his four-seamer last season, which seems like a good sign as he works his way back from a groin injury. Martin is expected to pitch in another game Friday, although it's not clear whether that will be against minor- league hitters or in a Grapefruit League contest. He's tracking toward being ready for Opening Day, and it's possible he'll be needed to close if Kenley Jansen (back) isn't ready.