MLB Player News

Guerra was diagnosed with a Grade 1 UCL sprain Thursday and will be sidelined 2-to-4 weeks as a result, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Guerra missed the end of the 2020 season for personal reasons, and he could be sidelined to begin the 2021 campaign due to his elbow injury. While the right-hander could begin throwing prior to Opening Day, he'll likely require time to build back up before he's cleared to return to game action. Guerra made 14 relief appearances for San Diego last year and posted a 10.13 ERA and 2.25 WHIP over 13.1 innings.

Castillo has been diagnosed with a UCL tear that will require Tommy John surgery, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Castillo suffered a setback while throwing his first live bullpen session of the year Tuesday, and he'll miss the entire 2021 campaign after being diagnosed with a torn UCL. The southpaw has dealt with various injuries in recent years and will now face a lengthy recovery process going forward.

Sims (elbow) threw 10 fastballs off a mound Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Rosecrans notes that Sims took part in a modified flat-ground bullpen session called a "short box" drill, which features a catcher on the plate or slightly in front of it. That activity could be the final step before Sims resumes pitching traditional bullpen sessions. Once he completes a few bullpen sessions, Sims will advance to facing hitters in live batting practice or simulated games before he receives clearance to make his spring debut. The 26-year-old still looks to have a good chance at being ready to go for Opening Day.

The Blue Jays announced Thursday that Baker is dealing with a Grade 1 right elbow sprain, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.

Baker's injury reportedly includes some ligament damage, but the Blue Jays are confident the right-hander is only dealing with a minor setback. That said, Baker will likely be shut down from throwing for at least a few days before the Blue Jays reassess his condition.

Abreu will be away from camp for "several days" due to health and safety protocols, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Abreu entered spring training in better shape than he was last season and made his spring debut in Sunday's loss to the Marlins. He allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk while failing to strike out any batters across two relief appearances. It's not yet clear when the right-hander will be able to return to the team.

Harvey (elbow) is listed among the available relievers for Thursday's spring game against the Mariners.

Harvey missed the second half of the 2020 season due to a right elbow sprain and was outrighted off the 40-man roster at the end of October. However, the righty is apparently healthy to begin spring training and is scheduled to make his spring debut in relief Thursday. Harvey is competing at major-league camp in 2021 after tossing 3.1 scoreless innings across four relief appearances for Colorado last year.

Pearson was diagnosed Thursday with a Grade 1 right groin strain, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Pearson suffered the injury during his spring debut Monday against the Pirates. The Blue Jays don't sound particularly concerned, but they understandably intend to be cautious with their top pitching prospect. He's been shut down for now. While the team hasn't yet commented on his availability for Opening Day, it was always likely Pearson would have his innings managed in some form this season, so it's possible he's brought along slowly and starts the year on the injured list.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Thursday that Rainey is dealing with a minor muscle strain near his right collarbone and has yet to resume mound work, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Rainey ended the 2020 campaign on the shelf with a right flexor strain, but the 28-year-old has been bothered by a different injury since reporting to spring training a couple weeks ago. According to Martinez, Rainey was shut down for a few days to begin camp, but he's since been cleared for long toss from 90 feet. Based on where Rainey currently stands in his recovery, Martinez believes that the right-hander is still on pace to make about six or seven appearances this spring, which would put him on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Manager Kevin Cash said Honeywell (elbow) will throw bullpen sessions Friday and early next week before the Rays decide on the next step in his rehab program, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Honeywell is on the comeback trail after undergoing a procedure in mid-December to address mild discomfort in his right elbow. The 25-year-old is said to be progressing well, but the Rays are likely inclined to bring him along slowly, considering that he hasn't thrown a pitch in an official game in any of the past three seasons. Before requiring his latest procedure, Honeywell underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, another surgery in 2019 after fracturing his right elbow, and a nerve decompression procedure last May.

Topa threw his second scoreless inning of the spring in Wednesday's exhibition matchup with the Padres.

Topa has all of six big-league appearances under his belt, but he threw the ball well as a rookie last year, and the Brewers believe he could be a key part of their bullpen in 2021. Topa stands 6-foot-4 and averaged 97.5 mph with his heater last year, so it's not hard to see why the team is high on him.