MLB Player News

Kimbrel cut his session of live batting practice short Saturday due to quadriceps soreness, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

It doesn't appear to be a serious issue, and the veteran closer is penciled in to throw again Monday. Assuming Kimbrel experiences no further issues, it shouldn't be long before he's cleared for game action.

Taylor (back) is listed as an available pitcher for Saturday's Cactus League game versus the Rangers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Taylor pitched just 17.2 innings last season with the Royals, posting an unsightly 8.15 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB. He was shut down after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in July. Taylor had a couple of good seasons with the Red Sox before injuries wiped out most of his last two campaigns. He'll need a strong spring to compete for a roster spot in the Royals' retooled bullpen.

Hernandez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Saturday's session marked the first time Hernandez has thrown off a mound in two weeks as he works his way back from right shoulder soreness. The Royals kept the intensity relatively low to begin with, and Hernandez will require several more mound sessions before potentially returning to play in spring training games.

Bradford allowed a run on two hits and struck out one over two innings in Friday's spring start against the Royals.

Bradford, who is the leading contender to be fifth starter, was the lone Ranger to throw multiple innings. The right-hander followed Dane Dunning, who pitched a perfect first inning. Bradford ceded a two-out solo home run in the second inning before a 1-2-3 third inning. He may open the season in the rotation, but it's not expected to be a full-season assignment. Texas has three injured starters due back at various points during the season. Additionally, Bradford's track record -- 6.95 ERA, .884 OPS, 1.6 HR/9 over 33.2 innings as a starter in 2023 -- suggests the back end of the Rangers' rotation could be in flux.

Paddack has added a cutter to his arsenal and threw it four times in his spring debut Friday against the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Paddack threw 1.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk. "I've seen guys throw it, but I've never thrown it," Paddack said. "I'm trying to learn how to use it in certain counts, aggressive hitters, behind in the count, whatever that might be."

After making a full recovery from his May 2022 Tommy John surgery, Paddack returned to action for the Twins in late September and struck out eight while allowing three earned runs across five innings over two relief appearances. He then struck out six over 3.2 scoreless frames during Minnesota's postseason run. Adding another pitch to his repertoire could help him return to his 2019 form, when he had a 3.33 ERA and 26.9 percent strikeout rate over 140.2 innings for the Padres. While he's penciled in as the No. 4 starter, Paddack's innings may be limited in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery.

Brash hasn't thrown since Tuesday and will remain shut down through the weekend after he said his right arm "just didn't feel great" the day after a bullpen session, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Brash's bullpen session Tuesday was his second this spring, and he didn't bounce back as hoped Wednesday. He's been doing daily rehab and lifting weights, and the M's believe he will be able to resume a throwing program next week. For what it's worth, Brash said he's dealt with something similar in the past and is not concerned. It's a worrisome development, but there's plenty of time for him to get back up to speed before Opening Day. The Mariners are also currently without fellow setup man Gregory Santos (lat), so there could be some early-season hold opportunities available for other relievers.

Brentz is listed as available for the Royals' Cactus League opener versus the Rangers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Brentz looks ready to get back into contention for a spot in the Royals' bullpen after missing most of the last two seasons. He's recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2022, and it doesn't look like he'll be hampered by the lat strain that ended his comeback attempt in 2023.

Vespi was able to focus on strength and conditioning in his offseason workouts this past winter, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

A year ago, Vespi was rehabbing from sports hernia surgery, which led to lower intensity in his workouts. The southpaw appeared in nine games with the Orioles last season, posting a 4.30 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB over 14.2 innings. He's once again competing for a bullpen job in 2024, though the O's have a lot of potential major leaguers in camp, which could make his path to the 26-man roster a tricky one.

Brebbia (calf) has been fitted with a walking boot and is getting around on a scooter, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Brebbia strained his right calf while walking back to the mound during a live batting practice session Wednesday. While he finished the session and said he feels unaffected while pitching, trainers have told Brebbia it will likely be a few weeks before he's back at full strength. The reliever didn't rule out pitching before then since he's able to throw pain-free, but the White Sox probably aren't going to clear him for games until he's able to field his position at 100 percent. It's looking likely the issue will result in an injured list stint, but a clearer timeline should emerge as camp progresses. Brebbia is in the mix to close games for the White Sox this season.

Foster (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday.

The right-hander is recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent last April and will be sidelined for at least the first two months of the 2024 campaign. Foster is aiming to return sometime over the summer.