MLB Player News

Puk (groin) threw off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been held back a bit by left adductor tightness but has been able to take some steps forward in his recovery. The left-hander should be cleared for games soon if he can avoid setbacks. Acquired from the Athletics last month, Puk is expected to be in the mix for saves as part of Miami's closer committee this season.

Scott (biceps) resumed throwing off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Scott has been slowed by some discomfort in his left biceps but has apparently made some progress of late. He should be cleared for game action soon and could get in enough work to be ready for Opening Day. Scott is expected to be part of the Marlins' closer-by-committee approach in 2023.

Merryweather stands a decent chance of securing an Opening Day bullpen role with the Cubs, particularly because he's out of minor-league options, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Merryweather was claimed off waivers back in January, and he's now competing for a role with the Cubs in spring training. The righty struggled last season with a 6.75 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 26 games with the Blue Jays, so he'd likely slot in as a low-leverage option if he makes the team, putting him off the fantasy radar for the time being.

Brazoban (personal) threw his first bullpen session in Marlins camp Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Brazoban had a delayed arrival to spring training because of visa issues, but those were cleared up this past Tuesday and he said he felt "a lot closer than I thought I was going to feel" during his first official workout with the team. The 33-year-old should be ready to fill a long-relief role for Miami come Opening Day.

Matzek (elbow) is recovering from a bulging disc in his back, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The bulging disc is in addition to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery. Matzek underwent the reconstructive elbow procedure in October and will miss the entire 2023 campaign. He should be fully recovered from both issues come the start of spring training in 2024.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Thursday that Hudson (knee/ankle) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Hudson has advanced to full-intensity bullpen sessions, but the Dodgers will continue to slow play his recovery from surgery last June to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He suffered a minor setback last month in the form of right ankle tendinitis, though that now seems to be in the rearview. The veteran reliever should be an option for Los Angeles by mid-April if there are no further road blocks.

Gilbreath (elbow) said Thursday that he will likely require Tommy John surgery, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Gilbreath is still seeking more opinions on his left elbow, but the writing is probably on the wall for him to go under the knife. He missed time down the stretch in 2022 due to what was diagnosed as a flexor strain, then aggravated the injury when he began mound work this spring at Rockies camp. If the 26-year-old has surgery, he would miss the entire 2023 campaign as well as the start of next season.

Nelson allowed two walks and one hit without retiring any batters in a Cactus League contest against Texas on Wednesday.

Nelson missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it's no surprise that he was rusty in his first spring outing. The right-hander is attempting to win a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen to enter the campaign after re-signing with the club on a one-year contract in mid-February. Manager Dave Roberts indicated after Nelson's outing Wednesday that he's not concerned about the veteran hurler, suggesting that the rainy weather and poor mound condition may have prevented him from getting comfortable, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Gibaut has struck out all six batters he's faced this spring, including the three he faced Wednesday against the A's.

Gibaut joined the Reds last year as a waiver claim from the Dodgers, who had previously claimed him from the Guardians. He mostly worked in low-leverage roles while appearing in 33 games with the Reds, striking out 48 batters in 34.2 innings, albeit with 18 walks and 38 hits allowed.

Bard was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League appearance against the Royals due to a small cut on his right thumb, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Bard struggled in the appearance, walking a pair while recording just one out. It doesn't sound like the laceration on his thumb is much of a concern, though. "It's early. He's still getting into shape. He's gotta get in shape a little bit sooner for the WBC. But he'll be fine," manager Bud Black said. Bard is due to leave to pitch for Team USA in the WBC in about a week and Black surely would like his closer to get in another Cactus League appearance or two before then.