MLB Player News

Avila agreed to a contract Wednesday with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, SI.com reports.

Avila will head overseas after he elected free agency in January rather than accepting an outright assignment to the Guardians' Triple-A affiliate. The 28-year-old righty made 54 appearances in the big leagues in 2024 between stops with the Padres and Guardians, logging a 3.81 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 82:36 K:BB in 82.2 innings. Though he worked exclusively as a reliever last season, he could transition back to a starting role as he heads to Japan.

Lawrence changed the grip on his sweeper this offseason, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence entered 2024 as one of Colorado's better relievers, but he struggled to a 6.49 ERA and 1.78 WHIP across 59.2 innings and quickly lost his role as closer. He consulted with pitching experts at Rapsodo Baseball this offseason, who determined that Lawrence was releasing the ball off of his index finger rather than his middle finger when throwing a sweeper. With the adjustment, Lawrence is hoping to regain his 2023 form that resulted in 11 saves and 11 holds.

Moreta (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Sunday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Moreta is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in March of 2024. The right-hander will now be forced to miss the first two months of the 2025 season while on the 60-day IL. The transaction opened a spot on the 40-man roster for newly-signed outfielder Tommy Pham.

Farmer has joined Atlanta's spring training camp as a non-roster invitee, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Farmer appeared in 61 games, including one start, with the Reds in 2024, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 70 strikeouts over 71.0 innings. He'll now get a chance to prove himself with Atlanta ahead of the 2025 season.

Garrett agreed to a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Sunday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Garrett joined the Angels on a minor-league deal for 2024 but had a 5.08 ERA at Triple-A Salt Lake and made just six appearances in the big leagues. The left-hander will need a strong showing in camp to make Toronto's Opening Day roster, otherwise he's likely to open the campaign at Triple-A Buffalo.

Garcia (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander was shut down from throwing for a few days after reporting to camp with nerve irritation in his left forearm, but he's poised to get back on the mound Tuesday. Assuming Garcia doesn't experience a recurrence of the injury, he should have plenty of time to be fully built up for Opening Day.

The Angels placed Stephenson (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Stephenson is still working his way back from the Tommy John procedure he underwent in May and isn't expected to make his return until July. Therefore, the Angels will temporarily strip him of his 40-man roster spot and give it to Kenley Jansen (shoulder), who officially signed his one-year deal with Los Angeles on Saturday.

Ramirez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Twins on Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Ramirez appeared in 13 games for the Rays last season, posting a 4.35 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 20.2 innings. He'll now attempt to win a spot in Minnesota's bullpen during spring training, though it's likely he'll begin the season at Triple-A St. Paul as organizational depth.

The Mets placed Smith (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Smith signed a one-year deal with the Mets on Wednesday that includes a club option for 2026. However, he isn't expected to pitch until very late in the season, if at all, after undergoing a Tommy John and internal brace hybrid procedure in July, so New York will move him to the 60-day IL to conserve a spot on its 40-man roster.

Brash (elbow) will throw a light bullpen session Saturday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Saturday will mark the first time Brash has thrown off a mound since he underwent an internal brace procedure on his right elbow last May. He's not expected to be ready for regular-season action until mid-April at the earliest, but a return to mound work is still an encouraging sign.