MLB Player News

Padres manager Mike Shildt told 97.3 The Fan this week that "there is a possibility" Matsui (back) will be ready for San Diego's opening regular-season series in South Korea.

Matsui hurt his back near the end of February, and a subsequent MRI revealed inflammation. The Japanese reliever was able to work up to throwing a bullpen session Tuesday, and he felt well enough to toss 30 pitches after initially being scheduled for 20, though he didn't throw at full effort, per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Matsui said after the session that he wasn't sure if he'd be ready to pitch in San Diego's opening regular-season game March 20, stating, "I need to go out there and throw 100 percent. I just want to see how I feel tomorrow and how the body responds." Shildt offered a similar sentiment the following day and said the team would subsequently be assessing Matsui's next step. While the manager expressed some optimism about the southpaw's potential to be ready to pitch in the Seoul Series, he was also clear that the issue is still hazy, explaining, "It's too early to say...with any weight to it."

Hartwig was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets on Friday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Hartwig tossed three scoreless innings this spring but nonetheless finds himself on the outside looking in for a roster spot. The 26-year-old reliever held a 4.84 ERA in 28 appearances out of the Mets' bullpen in 2023.

Hjelle received a second opinion on his right elbow Friday and will be shut down from throwing for one week, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 26-year-old was expected to be shut down for at least a couple weeks after being diagnosed with a UCL sprain earlier this week, so the second opinion appears to have brought encouraging news. Hjelle still figures to begin the season on the injured list, but the shorter shutdown should allow for a quicker return.

Johnson was optioned to minor-league camp by the Orioles on Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Johnson missed most of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he ended the year healthy and made one scoreless appearance this spring before getting cut. The 25-year-old needs to make up for lost time in the minors but could push to debut at some point in 2024.

Mejia was optioned to Double-A Hartford by the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Mejia was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and permitted two runs in three appearances this spring. His control needs work, but Mejia misses bats and will turn 24 this season, so he could push for his big-league debut sometime in 2024.

Chivilli was optioned to Double-A Hartford by the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Chivilli made a nice impression this spring with three scoreless appearances, but the 21-year-old needs some more development. He'll return to Hartford, where he finished last season.

The Tigers optioned White (elbow) to Triple-A Toledo on Friday.

White has been held out of game action all spring due to elbow soreness, ending his chances of making the Tigers' Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old had a 5.09 ERA over 40.2 frames in his first taste of the big leagues last season.

Wood started a rain-shortened Cactus League matchup against the Guardians on Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk over 2.1 innings while recording five strikeouts.

The game was called due to rain in the top of the third inning, but not before Wood turned in a markedly better performance than in his Cactus League debut against the Royals last Friday. The veteran southpaw had allowed three earned runs on four hits, including two homers, and a walk over two innings in that start. However, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Wood felt much more in command while needing just 23 pitches to record his first six outs Thursday. "I was just trying to pump the zone," Wood said. "I've been working on a few things I've been trying to get reps with. I felt good. I felt like I commanded it pretty solidly today. I'm just going to keep building up and getting ready to go."

Peralta was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte by the White Sox on Friday.

Peralta allowed two runs over 3.1 innings during Cactus League action. The left-handed reliever could wind up making a good number of appearances for the White Sox this season, but he's set to begin the year at Charlotte.

Gibaut (forearm) hopes to begin throwing off a mound Sunday or Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gibaut said Friday that he feels "a night and day difference" in his right forearm as he recovers from a pronator strain. The reliever still doesn't have a timeline for his return and Opening Day remains very much in question, but he looks to be trending in the right direction.