MLB Player News

Megill has been pushed back at the outset of spring training due to some minor health issues in recent throwing sessions, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Manager Pat Murphy said Megill seems "fine," per McCalvy, but Megill is dealing with something that is preventing him from ramping up on a normal schedule this spring. While Megill's delayed schedule could end up being a non-issue, fantasy managers should still view him as a higher-risk option than he was prior to pitchers and catchers reporting. Abner Uribe (knee) is being brought along slowly, so 30-year-old Joel Payamps may be best suited to step up in the ninth inning if Megill is unable to get up to speed by Opening Day.

The Tigers placed Lange (lat) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Lange hasn't suffered any setbacks since beginning a throwing program in December and has worked up to throwing off a mound twice per week. Still, he will need a while yet before he is ready to return from lat surgery. His roster spot will be given to John Brebbia, who signed a one-year deal with the Tigers on Wednesday.

Brebbia signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Tigers on Wednesday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The 34-year-old's new contract also includes a $4 million club option for 2026. Brebbia had one of the worst years of his big-league career in 2024, accumulating a 5.86 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 55.1 regular-season innings between the White Sox and Atlanta. He has plenty of experience working in high-leverage situations, but the Tigers will likely keep him in a middle-relief role until he can demonstrate consistent success over an extended period of time.

The Brewers signed Alexander to a one-year contract Wednesday.

Alexander was non-tendered by the Rays earlier this offseason but has managed to land on his feet with a major-league deal in Milwaukee. The left-hander split time between the rotation and bullpen last season with Tampa Bay, finishing with a 5.10 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 90:24 K:BB across 107.2 innings. The Brewers will have a vacancy in their rotation if Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) isn't ready to start the season, but it seems likelier that Alexander will wind up in the bullpen or perhaps a swingman role.

Rangers general manager Chris Young said Wednesday that Garcia will not throw off the mound for a few days due to nerve irritation in his left forearm, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Garcia will play catch Thursday before the Rangers determine the next steps for the southpaw. Young said that the injury is "nothing we're concerned about," indicating that the club is just exercising caution with Garcia for the start of camp. Acquired from the Nationals over the offseason, Garcia is expected to handle high-leverage innings in the Texas bullpen.

The White Sox placed Scholtens (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Michael Taylor, whose signing was made official Wednesday. Scholtens had Tommy John surgery last March and will miss at least the first couple months of the 2025 season.

The Rays placed Lavender (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Mason Englert, who was acquired via trade. Lavender was a Rule 5 pick this offseason and is likely to be out until around midseason while recovering from an internal brace procedure, which he underwent last spring.

The Rays acquired Englert from the Tigers on Wednesday in exchange for left-hander Drew Sommers.

Englert will get a spot on the Rays' 40-man roster, with Tampa Bay placing Nate Lavender (elbow) on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding transaction. The 25-year-old right-hander spent the majority of the 2024 season with Triple-A Toledo but made 12 appearances (one start) for Detroit, logging a 5.40 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB In 21.2 innings. Englert will likely be ticketed for a low-leverage role out of the bullpen if he secures a spot on the Rays' Opening Day roster.

Hoeing will remain in the Padres' bullpen rather than being stretched out as a rotation option, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Hoeing has plenty of past starting experience and San Diego had given consideration to building him back up. However, the club has ultimately decided he'll provide more value by staying in the bullpen. Hoeing made 32 relief appearances and two starts between the Marlins and Padres in 2024, collecting a 2.18 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 43:14 K:BB over 53.2 innings.

Diaz agreed Wednesday with the Mariners on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Seattle removed Diaz from its 40-man roster earlier this month, and after he elected free agency upon clearing waivers, the 28-year-old will now rejoin the Mariners for the start of spring training. He'll presumably get the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen as a long reliever. The Mariners boast a talented rotation that has all five members healthy heading into spring training, but Diaz's prior big-league starting experience could put him high on the list for spot starts if injuries in the rotation stack up at any point. He made five appearances (one start) for Seattle in 2024, covering 9.2 innings and allowing five earned runs on 14 hits and three walks while striking out eight.