MLB Player News

Fulmer (elbow) has begun throwing off a mound, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Fulmer is coming up on the one-year anniversary of his UCL revision surgery and is tracking toward being ready to go for spring training. The right-hander inked a two-year, minor-league contract with the Red Sox in February and could open the 2025 season in the big-league bullpen, barring any setbacks with his recovery.

Stratton (forearm) is expected to be healthy for the beginning of spring training, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Stratton missed the final couple weeks of the regular season and the playoffs with a right flexor strain, but he's expected to recover with an offseason of rest. The veteran reliever holds a $4.5 million player option for 2025, which he seems likely to exercise after posting a lackluster 5.55 ERA and 44:33 K:BB over 58.1 innings in 2024.

McArthur (elbow) is expected to be ready for the start of spring training, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

McArthur was diagnosed with a Grade 1 UCL sprain in his right elbow in mid-September, resulting in a premature end to his season. While a Grade 1 sprain is the least severe, there is always going to be some long-term concern when UCL damage is involved. For now, though, the expectation is McArthur will be ready for spring training after some rest and rehab.

Brasier will be the Dodgers' opening pitcher Monday in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Brasier also served as an opener in Game 4 of the NLDS versus the Padres, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. Landon Knack is in line for bulk relief on Tuesday against the Mets.

Avila is on the Guardians' roster for the ALCS versus the Yankees, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Avila was not on Cleveland's ALDS roster, but after it used its bullpen heavily against the Tigers it makes sense to add some more relief protection. The 27-year-old Avila is capable of pitching multiple innings, having tallied 74.2 frames over 50 appearances while posting a 3.25 ERA during the regular season for the Guardians.

Ottavino is not part of New York's roster for the National League Championship series against the Dodgers.

Ottavino had a rough regular season by his standards, posting a 4.34 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 60 appearances. He saw few high-leverage opportunities in the second half of the campaign and notched just one hold over his final 20 games. Ottavino's omission from the NLCS roster makes room for the return of Jeff McNeil (wrist), who was added to the roster after ending the regular season on the injured list.

Vesia (ribs) isn't included on Los Angeles' NLCS roster, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Vesia exited Game 5 of the NLDS against the Padres due to a rib cage injury, and the issue is going to prevent him from playing during the National League Championship Series. His absence could be significant for the Dodgers, as Vesia was the team's top left-handed bullpen option during the campaign, posting a 1.76 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 87:33 K:BB over 66.1 innings while tallying five saves and 14 holds. Righty reliever Brent Honeywell (finger) is replacing Vesia on the roster for the NLCS, per Toribio. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Vesia could return if the team advances to the World Series.

Kelly (shoulder) is unavailable for the NLCS against the Mets, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Kelly was expected to be out until the World Series with the shoulder issue, and that has now been confirmed. He last pitched Sept. 27 and suffered a setback in early October when he attempted to ramp up.

Graterol (shoulder) is unavailable for the NLCS against the Mets, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Graterol was placed on the injured list Sept. 26 and has apparently made little progress toward a return. Manager Dave Roberts didn't offer an opinion as to whether Graterol would be available if the Dodgers advance to the World Series.

Vesia (ribs) is unlikely to be available for the NLCS against the Mets, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Vesia left Game 5 of the NLDS with an injury that has since been clarified as a rib cage issue. Manager Dave Roberts added that he hopes to have Vesia back if the Dodgers advance to the World Series, but for now, the team will be without one of its best left-handed relievers.