MLB Player News

Fujinami is flying back to Japan on Friday to attend to a family matter, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander agreed to a one-year, $3.35 million deal with the Mets in early February, but he won't be with the team for the start of spring games due to the family issue. Fujinami is expected to be back with the club in plenty of time to get ready before Opening Day.

Brebbia (calf) has been fitted with a walking boot and is getting around on a scooter, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Brebbia strained his right calf while walking back to the mound during a live batting practice session Wednesday. While he finished the session and said he feels unaffected while pitching, trainers have told Brebbia it will likely be a few weeks before he's back at full strength. The reliever didn't rule out pitching before then since he's able to throw pain-free, but the White Sox probably aren't going to clear him for games until he's able to field his position at 100 percent. It's looking likely the issue will result in an injured list stint, but a clearer timeline should emerge as camp progresses. Brebbia is in the mix to close games for the White Sox this season.

Foster (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday.

The right-hander is recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent last April and will be sidelined for at least the first two months of the 2024 campaign. Foster is aiming to return sometime over the summer.

Hernandez hasn't thrown off a mound in two weeks because of right shoulder soreness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The good news is that Hernandez is expected to be cleared for a bullpen session soon and should still be able to get in enough work before the end of spring training. The hard-throwing right-hander had a terrific first half and dreadful second half in 2023 and will be trying to work his way back into high-leverage appearances.

Kelley signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Kelley has been knocked around in parts of four major-league seasons, collecting a 6.75 ERA and 45:21 K:BB over 50.2 frames. The 31-year-old figures to begin the 2024 season at Triple-A Tacoma as relief depth.

White (elbow) will play catch this weekend and is scheduled for a bullpen session early next week, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander was shut down from throwing for a few days early this week due to posterior right elbow discomfort, but his quick return is an encouraging development. White made his MLB debut last season and posted a 5.09 ERA and 44:15 K:BB over 40.2 innings, and he should have a chance to earn a spot in Detroit's Opening Day bullpen.

Winckowski will compete for a rotation spot this spring, Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe reports.

Winckowski had a strong season as a reliever in 2023, but the Red Sox feel his stuff can hold up over longer outings. The right-hander is in the mix for Boston's final rotation spot along with Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck. Winckowski came up through the system as a starter, so pitching multiple innings is familiar.

White threw his first bullpen session of the spring Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

White missed all of the 2022 season and much of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was able to return late last season but struggled with command by compiling just a 36:28 K:BB across 33.1 minor-league innings. White relayed having more confidence in the health of his arm this spring, and he could have the opportunity to reach the majors in a relief role at some point in 2024.

Brebbia suffered a right calf strain while throwing a live batting practice session Wednesday, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

The White Sox didn't specify an exact timeline for Brebbia's return, but the team is hopeful that the 33-year-old reliever will be ready for Opening Day. Brebbia posted a 3.99 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 38.1 innings with the Giants last season, and he's expected to be in the mix for saves for Chicago in 2024.

White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz said Thursday that Knebel (shoulder) is a bit behind other relievers in camp, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Knebel is coming back from right shoulder surgery that he had back in August of 2022. He is considered healthy but will need to throw a few more bullpen sessions before being cleared to appear in Cactus League games.