MLB Player News

Bard did not need to have the meniscus repaired as initially expected during his arthroscopic left knee surgery Wednesday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

He merely had a cleanup performed instead, which has shortened his timetable to return from 5-to-7 weeks down to four weeks. A stint on the injured list still seems likely for Bard, but it might now be a relatively short one. Once healthy, the 38-year-old could eventually be in the mix for saves in Colorado's bullpen.

The Phillies designated Moore for assignment Wednesday.

Moore will lose his spot on Philadelphia's 40-man roster as a result of Spencer Turnbull officially signing with the club Wednesday. Moore appeared in three games for the Phillies last season, surrendering seven earned runs in 3.1 innings while striking out two batters and walking five. He found consistent success in the minor leagues, however, making it possible another team gives him a look off the waiver wire.

Warren (elbow) agreed to a one-year contract with the Giants on Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Warren was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Angels last week, but it didn't take long for him to latch on with a new team. The right-hander missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, so he's likely to also be sidelined for the first half of 2024.

The Nationals announced Wednesday that Thompson is dealing with an elbow injury and will be shut down from throwing for at least the next two weeks, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The right-hander apparently suffered the injury over the winter, and his availability for Opening Day is now in question. Thompson made a career-high 51 appearances for the Nationals last season but struggled to a 5.50 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 44:22 K:BB over 54 innings, so he's hardly guaranteed to make the roster even if fully healthy.

Naughton (elbow) is behind schedule this spring as he completes his rehab from left flexor tendon surgery, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The southpaw had the operation last June. Naughton was removed from the Cardinals' 40-man roster over the offseason but is in camp as a non-roster invitee. He'll likely begin the season at Triple-A Memphis but could eventually be a factor as a lefty option out of the St. Louis bullpen.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak saied Wednesday that Middleton isn't in Cardinals camp due to a stomach bug, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The illness looks to be a minor setback for Middleton, who should be able to get back up to speed quickly. The reliever inked a one-year contract with St. Louis earlier this month and is slated to handle middle-relief work.

Fleming signed a one-year, split contract with the Pirates on Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 27-year-old will earn $850,000 if he's in the majors. Murray writes that the Pirates plan to use Fleming as a long reliever who could occasionally make a spot start. The left-hander holds a career 4.88 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 144:69 K:BB across 223.1 major-league innings covering parts of four seasons.

Patino isn't yet at Padres camp due to an issue with his visa, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Patino rejoined the Padres off waivers in December after spending the past three campaigns in the American League. It's not clear what his role with San Diego will be this season, though his experience as both a starter and middle reliever could be useful for what currently projects to be a thin rotation. The visa issue isn't likely to impact Patino's readiness for the start of the regular season.

Peralta is not currently in Padres camp due to an issue with his visa, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Peralta signed a four-year deal with San Diego on Jan. 31, and he's expected to be a key high-leverage reliever for the club this season. Though the native of the Dominican Republic hasn't yet been able to join his teammates in camp, the issue isn't likely to impact his readiness for the start of the regular season.

Chirinos signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Tuesday, which includes an invitation to spring training, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Chirinos was effective across 25 starts combined between the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Rays, but a combination of struggles on the field and a serious elbow injury have derailed his opportunity in the majors since then. The Marlins have a deep rotation so Chirinos isn't likely to find immediate opportunity, though he could be a leading candidate for spot starts when injuries occur if he can stick in the organization.