MLB Player News

The Brewers placed Mears (illness) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Mears resumed pitching in minor-league games on the back fields of camp before spring training came to a close, but the reliever will open the season on the IL since he didn't have enough time to get fully ramped up after being set back by a stomach bug earlier in March. He'll be eligible for activation beginning April 8 and should be ready to join the Milwaukee bullpen at or around that date.

The Astros selected Montero's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Montero was removed from the Astros' 40-man roster last season but has made his way back on after a strong spring in which he struck out 10 batters and allowed a .194 batting average against over 8.2 innings in the Grapefruit League. He will serve as a middle reliever for Houston.

The Yankees placed Cousins (forearm) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

A forearm strain prevented Cousins from seeing any action in the Grapefruit League this spring, and the Yankees' decision to immediately send him to the 60-day IL indicates that he isn't anywhere close to making his season debut. The right-hander won't be eligible to play until late May; meanwhile, camp standout Pablo Reyes will fill the vacancy on the active roster.

The Padres recalled Cruz from Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Cruz was optioned to minor-league camp in mid-March but wound up cracking the Opening Day roster. He'll be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

The Red Sox placed Penrod on the 60-day injured list Thursday with a left elbow UCL sprain, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The move clears a spot on Boston's 40-man roster. Penrod is attempting to rest and rehab his injury rather than undergoing surgery, but it will be months before he can pitch in a game, even in a best-case scenario.

The Red Sox placed Murphy (elbow) on the 60-day injured list, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster. Murphy has been throwing off a mound and could be an option for the Red Sox by the time his 60 days are up, or close to that point. He's on the mend from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent April 10 of last year.

Pomeranz signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Pomeranz spent the spring with Seattle, allowing four runs in 7.2 innings, but he was released by the club Sunday. After testing the open market for a few days, the 36-year-old lefty will now return to the Mariners, though he's likely to only serve as depth for Triple-A Tacoma, given the fact he hasn't appeared in the majors since 2021.

The Red Sox selected Newcomb's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Newcomb was a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, let alone the rotation, when he inked a minor-league deal in January. He will open the season as the fifth starter, however, after permitting just two runs (one earned) with a 13:3 K:BB in 14.1 Grapefruit League frames. Newcomb is slated for his season debut Monday in Baltimore.

The Red Sox placed Hendricks on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Hendriks had a rough spring, allowing seven runs while striking out just four over 6.1 innings. The Red Sox hadn't provided an indication that he was hurt, but the injury designation is troubling considering his past Tommy John surgery. Hendriks will be eligible to return April 8, but there's no word yet on how long he might be out. Aroldis Chapman will open the season as Boston's closer.

The Cubs designated Poteet for assignment Thursday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Poteet was acquired from the Yankees over the offseason in the Cody Bellinger trade, but he was sent to the minors in early March and is now off the 40-man roster. He could draw interest via trade or waivers from a club in need of a swingman.