MLB Player News

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Friday that Nardi (elbow) will be behind at the start of spring training after something flared up over the offseason, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

McCullough didn't disclose the nature of the injury, but it's probably safe to assume it's related to the left elbow injury that caused Nardi to miss the final five-plus weeks of the 2024 season. The skipper noted that the team is still waiting for further clarity on the severity of Nardi's injury. If healthy, Nardi could be in the mix for saves in 2025. He held a 5.07 ERA but a 70:18 K:BB over 49.2 innings last season.

The Giants re-signed Del Pozo to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Del Pozo inked a minor-league deal with the Giants last June as he continued his rehab from Tommy John surgery but never pitched in a game in 2024. He appears healthy now and will look to return to the majors for the first time since 2021, although an initial assignment to Triple-A Sacramento is likely.

The Tigers designated Englert for assignment Friday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

A 40-man roster spot needed to be freed up with Jack Flaherty's deal becoming official. Englert has collected a 5.45 ERA and 57:22 K:BB in 77.2 innings over the last two seasons with Detroit. The 25-year-old has a 29.1 percent strikeout rate and 7.4 percent walk rate in the minors and has minor-league options left, so he could draw some interest via trade or waivers.

The Nationals signed Poche to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

It's a bit of a surprise that Poche had to settle for a minor-league deal, as the left-hander has collected a 3.27 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 158:59 K:BB over 156.2 innings across the last three seasons. He has a good chance to make the Opening Day roster and could even get high-leverage opportunities in a Nationals bullpen that lacks established arms.

Wesneski is expected to begin the 2025 season in Houston's rotation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros have four clear starters in their rotation, though none of Lance McCullers (forearm), Cristian Javier (elbow) and Luis Garcia (elbow) will be ready to begin the campaign. That will open the door for Wesneski, who the club acquired as a part of the Kyle Tucker trade. Wesneski has pitched primarily as a reliever during his time in the big leagues, but he has a respectable 4.21 ERA paired with 14.8 K-BB% across 109 innings as a starter. His status could change if the Astros acquire another starter late in the offseason, though McTaggart suggested that is unlikely.

The Giants signed Trivino (elbow/shoulder) to a minor-league contract Thursday with an invitation to spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Trivino had Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 and had to shut down a rehab assignment this past September due to a shoulder issue. However, he looks to be healthy now and reportedly looked good during an audition for clubs in January. Trivino hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022, so he seems likely to begin the 2025 season in the minors and hope to earn a promotion.

Hernandez could take over the high-leverage role left open by the absence of Joe Jimenez (knee) in the Atlanta bullpen, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez posted a 2.50 ERA and dazzling 26:10 K:BB over 18 innings in the majors last season, collecting three wins and a hold in 16 appearances. Jimenez, who recorded a career-high 27 holds in 2024 while serving as one of the top set-up men for closer Raisel Iglesias, is expected to miss most or all of the season while recovering from October knee surgery. Pierce Johnson will handle some of those late-inning assignments, but Hernandez could be an under-the-radar holds source in 2025.

Marte signed a contract with the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball on Wednesday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Marte originally signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners in November, but the Dragons will pay Seattle a release fee, and the 30-year-old reliever will instead take his talents to Japan on a $1.25 million deal. Marte owns a 5.64 ERA and 1.61 WHIP across 113.1 career big-league innings.

Maldonado cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas, Jason Burke of SI.com reports

After being DFA'd on Thursday to make room for Elvis Alvarado, Maldonado will officially stick around in the Athletics' farm system as organizational depth. The 26-year-old spent most of his time with the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate last season, turning in a 4.66 ERA and 1.48 WHIP across 46.1 innings.

Covey cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Covey was DFA'd on Thursday to make room on the roster for Ryne Stanek, but the former will remain in the Mets organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. He posted a 1.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 15 innings with Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate last season, and he could find his way back to the big leagues if he performs similarly at Syracuse.