MLB Player News

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last week that Cole (elbow) is a candidate for the 60-day injured list if the team needs to clear space on the 40-man roster, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

This news is far from surprising given that Cole isn't expected to be able to start throwing until at least mid-April and would presumably need considerable time to build back up even if he doesn't encounter any setbacks along the way. The right-hander was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his right elbow in mid-March and was originally estimated to be sidelined for 1-to-2 months, though Cashman's comments suggest the ace hurler is unlikely to make it back near the early end of that timeframe. It's logical to expect New York to avoid rushing Cole back into action considering the investment it made in him when it signed the former Astro to a nine-year, $324 million contract before the 2020 campaign.

Manager Matt Quatraro informed Sauer he made the Royals' Opening Day roster, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports Saturday.

Sauer will be a member of the Royals' bullpen to begin the season. As a Rule 5 pick, Sauer has a fair amount of job security, though he's also earned the spot with a 2.53 ERA over 10.2 innings across eight Cactus League appearances. Sauer has experience as a starter in the minors while in the Yankees organization, so he should be able to provide a multi-inning option out of the bullpen with the Royals.

Anderson signed a major-league contract with the Red Sox on Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Anderson was let go by the Pirates earlier Saturday, and it didn't take long for the 36-year-old righty to latch on with another organization. The Red Sox will be without Liam Hendriks (elbow) and Chris Murphy (elbow), and Cotillo notes that adding Anderson brings experience as a multi-inning reliever to go alongside Josh Winckowski.

Gil tossed four innings in a Grapefruit League game against the Mets on Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

Gil served up a two-run homer to Mark Vientos in the second inning but was otherwise strong over his four frames. The right-hander has been mentioned as a candidate to step into the Yankees' Opening Day rotation in the wake of Gerrit Cole's extended absence due to an elbow injury, and Gil has made a compelling case for himself with a 2.87 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB over 15.2 spring innings. Per Erik Boland of Newsday, rival scouts have raved about Gil looking "electric" over the past few weeks, and he's "very much in the mix" to break camp with the big club. However, Will Warren and Clayton Beeter -- who are also in contention for the vacated rotation spot -- have also looked good this spring, and veteran Luke Weaver is also a candidate for the role, so Gil could still feasibly begin the campaign in the minors.

Castillo allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in a Cactus League spilt-squad tie with the Brewers on Friday. He struck out nine.

Castillo was tagged for an RBI double by Jake Bauers and a run-scoring single by Joey Wiemer in the fourth inning, but he was otherwise busy overpowering most of the other hitters put in front of him. The right-hander put together a successful spring that saw him post a 2-1 record, 2.95 ERA and 22:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings, and he'll be on the hill for Seattle in an Opening Day matchup against the Red Sox on Thursday.

The Mariners optioned Hancock to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Hancock was never able to get comfortable on the mound this spring, surrendering 11 earned runs over just 9.2 frames. He'll head to Triple-A for the first time in his career, and he likely won't return to the majors until he strings together several successful minor-league outings.

Manoah (shoulder) threw 23 pitches in a live batting practice session Friday, Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun reports.

The right-hander's fastball reportedly touched 97 mph in his first live session since going down with a sore shoulder early in camp. He will begin the season on the injured list, and Manoah said he's uncertain what his next step will be. Bowden Francis was named to the Blue Jays' rotation and another spot could open up if Kevin Gausman (shoulder) does not gain clearance for the start of the season.

Brown will start the third game of the regular season against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Brown will slot into the rotation behind Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. He's worked on a traditional slider while also aiming to improve his stamina this spring and has posted an impressive 12:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings in the exhibition season.

The Rangers informed Duffy on Friday that he will not make the Opening Day roster, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Duffy has an opt-out clause in his contract with the Rangers, and he will likely explore his options in free agency. The 35-year-old spent most of last season in Double-A, recording a 2.30 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 31.1 innings, but he's unlikely to contribute in the majors in 2024.

The Blue Jays optioned Macko to Triple-A Buffalo on March 8.

Macko attended his first big-league spring training with Toronto after he was protected from the Rule 5 Draft over the winter and added to the 40-man roster, but the Blue Jays' decision to cut him early in camp suggests he was never particularly close to winning a spot on the 26-man roster. The 23-year-old lefty has yet to pitch above the High-A level and is likely at least a year away from making his MLB debut.