MLB Player News

Bird (oblique) threw his first bullpen session of the spring Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Time appears tight for Bird to get ramped up by Opening Day, but he reportedly still has a chance. He recorded a 4.91 ERA in 47.2 innings of relief as a 26-year-old rookie last season.

Pint (oblique) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Pint was added to the 40-man roster in November and seemingly had a chance to push for a bullpen spot, but the mild oblique strain he's been dealing with has taken him out of Opening Day consideration. Per Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post, he's been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, but the fact that he's progressed to a bullpen session means he should have the chance to push for his debut early in the year.

Coleman has allowed one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out six over three innings across three Cactus League appearances.

Coleman was one of the Royals' more effective relievers in 2022, posting a 2.78 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 71:37 K:BB and 16 holds over 68 games. The walk issues are still popping up this spring, and Coleman's 3.87 FIP last year suggests regression could be on the way if he can't improve at limiting baserunners.

Bautista (shoulder/knee) is aiming to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday versus the Blue Jays, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Bautista is expected to get in at least one live batting practice session before he is ready for game action. He's been throwing bullpens for the last two weeks after battling shoulder and knee soreness early in the spring. Despite debuting late in the spring, the closer is still on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Raley was diagnosed with a low-grade left hamstring strain Saturday.

Raley was removed from the American roster for the World Baseball Classic on Friday, but the reason was initially undisclosed. It now looks likely that he could open the season on the injured list, though the Mets have yet to announce a timeline.

Canterino (elbow) was optioned to to Double-A Wichita on Saturday.

Canterino is expected to miss most of the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last August. The 25-year-old had a 1.83 ERA across 34.1 innings for Double-A Wichita prior to the injury.

Melancon allowed one hit and walked one while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Melancon authored his first scoreless appearance over three Cactus League outings. The reliever's 16.88 ERA this spring has manager Torey Lovullo exploring several options to close games in 2023.

Ginkel retired the two batters he faced in Friday's spring game against the Reds.

Ginkel has not allowed an earned run over five Cactus League outings (4.2 innings). The right-hander could be moving into the pole position to become Arizona's closer, given Mark Melancon's results this spring (16.88 ERA). Andrew Chafin (groin) and Joe Mantiply are also in the mix for saves.

Chafin (groin) is expected to throw a live batting-practice session Saturday.

Chafin was shut down for a couple of days this week with groin tightness. The reliever has allowed four runs, four hits and five walks over 2.2 Cactus League innings.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw live batting practice Friday, per 97.3 The Fan.

Pomeranz has been taking things slowly this spring after missing all of last season while recovering from flexor tendon surgery to his left arm. However, the southpaw tossed a number of bullpen sessions leading up to throwing to live hitters for the first time Friday, and he's aiming to begin pitching in games within the next few weeks. If his recovery remains on that timeline, Pomeranz could avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season.