MLB Player News

Szapucki is undergoing tests Thursday after experiencing soreness in his right elbow, Evan Webeck of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Szapucki has appeared in only one Cactus League game this spring, and that was back on February 26. There should be more clarity on the issue by early next week.

Effross (elbow) began a throwing program Monday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Effross is at the beginning stages of a long road back from last October's Tommy John surgery. There might be an outside chance he makes it back late in the 2023 season, but the better bet is that he'll be held out until 2024.

Snider has allowed a hit and struck out three over three innings through three Cactus League appearances.

Snider is in contention for a low-leverage role in the the Royals' bullpen. The 27-year-old righty struggled in his first taste of major-league action a year ago, posting a 6.55 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 22:15 K:BB over 34.1 innings, though he also added seven holds and a 4-2 record. It's still too early to tell if he'll make the roster, and given his career 5.92 ERA at the Triple-A level, he could regularly be moved between Kansas City and Omaha this season.

Hentges (shoulder) showed progress in his medical evaluation Wednesday, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hentges has been out for a week already with left shoulder inflammation, but manager Terry Francona was encouraged by Wednesday's check-up. "It was really, really encouraging," Francona told mlb.com. "To the point that they're going to let him do dry work and stuff." A stint on the injured list hasn't been ruled out yet, but it doesn't appear Hentges will be out for long even if he misses the start of the season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Hudson (knee/ankle) is "still a ways away" from pitching in live games, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hudson made it through a live batting practice session Wednesday without issue, but the Dodgers will continue to bring him along carefully as he completes his recovery from surgery last June to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He also came down with some right ankle tendinitis in February and is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Manager Brandon Hyde has been impressed with Akin in spring training, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The numbers back up Hyde's feelings -- Akin has allowed two hits and a walk while striking out two over three innings across two Grapefruit League games. Hyde added that he wants to have several multi-inning relievers break camp with the Orioles, which indicates Akin has a good chance of being in that group. He covered 81.2 innings over 45 appearances (one start) in 2022, pitching to an excellent 3.20 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 77:20 K:BB.

Hall (back) has a chance to be ready for Opening Day, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com on Thursday.

Hall does not have enough time to be stretched out to start as he returns from a lower-back injury. However, the Orioles might ultimately decide to keep him around in a multi-inning relief role rather than send him to Triple-A Norfolk. Hall threw a bullpen session Wednesday and is on track for a live batting practice session in the next few days.

Trivino will begin the season on the injured list with a right elbow ligament strain, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

The strain is considered mild but is expected to cost Trivino at least the first month of the season. It's another blow to the Yankees' right-handed relief corps after Tommy Kahnle (biceps) went down earlier this week. Trivino pitched well after being acquired at last year's trade deadline with a 1.66 ERA across 25 appearances. When healthy, he's slated for a setup role and could even earn the occasional save.

Munoz (foot) is expected to need one or two more live batting practice sessions before appearing in a Cactus League game, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said that the team is "slow-playing" Munoz following offseason foot surgery, but the flame-throwing reliever is "looking good" and "feels great." Munoz will be in the mix for saves again this season alongside Paul Sewald. He has the potential to be a lockdown closer if given the job, but his manager has a track record of not settling on one guy.

McGough allowed one walk and struck out three over a scoreless fifth inning in Wednesday's spring game against Texas.

Wednesday's base on balls is the lone blemish for McGough, who has yet to allow a run or hit over four Cactus League innings. "He has the ability to mix his pitches and throw them all for strikes. And the ability to understand when he needs a swing and miss moment and when he needs to bury a pitch," manager Torey Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The 33-year-old right-hander pitched the last four seasons in Japan, serving as the closer for the Yakult Swallows. The Diamondbacks signed him to compete for a role in late-game situations, and McGough has shown himself capable.