MLB Player News

Suarez is likely to begin the season on the injured list because of arm stiffness and joint inflammation, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

An MRI revealed no structural damage for Suarez, but the right-hander hasn't been able to throw since March 12, and he's unlikely to be ready for the regular season. Suarez was expected to be a big part of the San Diego bullpen behind Josh Hader, and it now appears we won't see him pitch for the Padres before the middle of April.

Fujinami will start once a week on Saturday's to open the season, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Previous reports indicated that Fujinami would start every six days, meaning they could use a five-man rotation in weeks when they have an off day. The decision to lock Fujinami into a once-a-week role to ease his transition from Japan means the Athletics may be forced to turn to six starters on a regular basis, though the team has yet to clarify its full plans. Assuming he does indeed exclusively pitch on Saturday's, Fujinami's first three outings will be home against the Angels, away against the Rays and home against the Mets.

The Twins reassigned Hoffman to minor-league camp Saturday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Hoffman has an opt-out in his minor-league contract, and this could lead to him deciding to test free agency. The right-hander dealt with elbow troubles in the early part of camp, and he posted a 3.60 ERA over five innings in the Grapefruit League before the demotion.

The Twins reassigned De Leon to minor-league camp Saturday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

De Leon's highlight this spring was 5.2 perfect innings for Puerto Rico against Israel in the World Baseball Classic. The former top prospect will likely head to Triple-A St. Paul to be a part of that club's rotation, and there's very little likelihood of fantasy relevance in 2023.

Hughes (knee) threw off a mound Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Hughes has dealt with left knee inflammation throughout spring, which may wind up sending him to the injured list. Saturday's session was a sign of progress, but it remains unclear if he'll have time to finish his build-up process before Opening Day.

Thornton was optioned to Triple-A by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Thornton will begin the season in the minors after posting a 6.48 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 8.1 innings in the Grapefruit League. The right-hander was relatively effective with a 4.11 ERA over 32 appearances with Toronto in 2022, but he'll be an up-and-down option for the Blue Jays to begin -- and likely end -- the 2023 campaign.

Otto (lat) has been shut down for three weeks and may wind up on the 60-day injured list, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Otto went down with what was originally referred to as lat tightness in mid-March. His injury is evidently much more serious than that, as it's unlikely he's ready for game action until late May.

Hatch was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Hatch came up short in his bid to make the Opening Day roster. The right-hander struggled in Florida to the tune of a 9.35 ERA and 2.08 WHIP over 8.2 innings of work, and he'll head to Buffalo to begin his journey as an up-and-down option for Toronto in the 2023 campaign.

Jackson was released by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Jackson pitched well this spring with a 0.00 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over eight Grapefruit League appearances, but Toronto decided not to keep him around the organization. The 35-year-old is now free to sign with another club, and he likely will be looking at a minor-league deal at this stage of the year and his career.

Pearson was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Pearson will begin the season in Triple-A after forging a 3.24 ERA over six Grapefruit League appearances with a 13:5 K:BB and 1.56 WHIP. The talented right-hander will head to Buffalo as a relief option, and if he pitches well in that role he could help the Toronto bullpen in the early part of the season.