MLB Player News

Merryweather (ribs/back) underwent additional testing Monday and it was determined that he is dealing with a rib stress fracture in his back, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Merryweather was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right shoulder strain, but manager Craig Counsell announced his updated injury status Monday, stating that the right hander will be shut down from throwing for four weeks. Merryweather is now set to be on the shelf well past the minimum stay on the IL and in the meantime, Daniel Palencia will likely stick around the major-league bullpen.

The Dodgers optioned Varland to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Varland will return to Triple-A after being recalled by the Dodgers on April 6. He pitched against the Cubs on April 7, when he gave up two runs (one earned) on one hit over 0.1 innings. Prior to his call-up, Varland appeared in three games for OKC, giving up two runs on one hit and one walk over 3.2 innings.

Antone will undergo surgery Friday to repair a torn tendon and partially torn ligament in his right elbow, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone has already had Tommy John surgery twice, with the second one occurring in 2021. He had numerous setbacks after the latter operation and has made just nine appearances at the major-league level since 2022. Now Antone is facing another season-ending surgery.

Antone was placed on the 15-day injured list by the Reds on Monday with right elbow inflammation.

Antone had to be pulled from an appearance Sunday versus the Mets and was sent for an MRI. It's not clear whether the results of the imaging are in, but at minimum he'll be on the shelf for the next couple weeks. Antone has been plagued by elbow issues over the past three seasons.

Ramirez was designated for assignment by the Mets on Monday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Ramirez has been blasted for seven earned runs over 5.1 innings for the Mets this season. Cole Sulser will absorb his spot in the bullpen.

Walker (1-0) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Sunday over the Padres.

Walker set down the heart of the Padres' order without problems, and the Giants rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning to make him the pitcher of record. The right-hander allowed a run in his season debut, but he's pitched 4.2 scoreless innings since then. He's allowed four hits and one walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings on the year, and it appears he'll be trusted with some late-inning assignments in close games after serving in a fireman role last season.

Raley walked two in a scoreless seventh inning Sunday to record his third hold of the season in a win over the Reds.

The southpaw has been one of the few bright spots for the Mets to begin the season. Raley has posted a 0.00 ERA and 4:3 K:BB through his first 4.1 innings, picking up holds in all three of his team's wins. The 35-year-old racked up a career-high 25 holds in 2023, and he's well on his way to matching or topping that number this year.

Nardi struck out two in a perfect seventh inning during Sunday's win over the Cardinals.

The southpaw threw eight of 12 pitches for strikes against St. Louis' 5-6-7 hitters, giving Nardi only his second scoreless outing in five appearances to begin the season. Tanner Scott has been very shaky as well, but Nardi hasn't looked like much of a candidate to take over ninth-inning duties if necessary, stumbling to a 16.62 ERA over 4.1 innings. His 6:1 K:BB does offer some hope of a turnaround, however.

Jimenez struck out two over 1.2 perfect innings Sunday to record his second hold of the season in a win over the Diamondbacks.

The right-hander entered the game in the sixth inning and needed only 21 pitches (16 strikes) to carve up the heart of Arizona's order. With Raisel Iglesias unavailable after pitching two straight days, it was Pierce Johnson and not Jimenez who got the save Sunday, and the latter hasn't pitched any later than the seventh inning through his first four appearances this season. Jimenez has been sharp in his role, posting a 2.08 ERA and 4:1 K:BB through 4.1 frames, but he appears to be no higher than fourth or fifth in the packing order in the Atlanta bullpen.

Kranick (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Low-A St. Lucie on Sunday.

Kranick wasn't able to get through his scheduled inning of work, getting pulled after recording two outs following two hits and a walk. How many more rehab appearances he requires figures to depend on whether the Mets plan to stretch him out as a starter. Kranick also has options remaining, so he's not a given to join the big club once activated.