MLB Player News

Heaney allowed five hits and one walk while striking out three over five scoreless innings in Tuesday's spring start against the Guardians.

Heaney busted out a curveball, throwing it four times (three for strikes), per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Tuesday marked the first time he's thrown the curve in game conditions since 2021, when he scrapped it in favor of a slider. The left-hander plans to use both breaking pitches this season. Whatever he utilizes, Heaney will need to land it in the zone with more regularity than he did in 2023. Heaney's BB% jumped from 6.1 in 2022 to 9.4 in 2023, while his K% dropped from 35.5 to 23.6.

Faedo tossed two scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins. He struck out two.

After allowing two runs over two innings in his first spring appearance back on Feb. 25, Faedo has now logged six straight scoreless innings across three appearances. The righty made 12 starts for the Tigers last season, but with the likes of Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty now in the mix, Faedo will likely have to settle for a relief role in 2024. So far, he's making a strong case to have a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Maeda tossed four scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, allowing just one hit and two walks. He struck out seven.

Facing his former team, Maeda had his best outing of the spring, lowering his Grapefruit League ERA to a stellar 2.00 across nine innings of work. The righty had some ups and downs last year in his return from Tommy John surgery, but he finished the season strong. If he can stay healthy, Maeda figures to post solid numbers and give the Tigers a much-needed veteran presence in the rotation in 2024.

The Blue Jays optioned Zulueta to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Zulueta worked as both a starter and reliever at Triple-A Buffalo last season, and he finished with a 4.08 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 73:45 K:BB across 64 innings. The 26-year-old was once a top pitching prospect for Toronto, but the shine has worn off a bit over the past year due to his persistent walk issues.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that he's optimistic Bradley's right pectoral injury was caught before it became serious, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley was a late scratch from Tuesday's scheduled start after his pectoral tightened up before the game. He's been sent for an MRI, and even if it's not a serious setback as Cash suspects, it's possible the injury could threaten Bradley's availability for the start of the season. The young righty has made just one start this spring, and while he threw more than 50 pitches in that outing, he's not as stretched out as would be ideal.

Bradley was scratched from Tuesday's Grapefruit League start due to right pectoral tightness and has been sent for an MRI, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays expects to have an update on Bradley's condition Wednesday. Given the proximity of Opening Day, his availability for the start of the season certainly appears in question. Bradley has made just one official appearance this spring, tossing three scoreless innings in that outing.

Lively has allowed three runs on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 4.2 innings across two Cactus League appearances.

Lively signed a major-league contract with the Guardians in December, but his role is still up in the air. He's started one of his two appearances this spring, but the results aren't there to justify a spot in the rotation. Carlos Carrasco, who is in camp on a non-roster invitee deal, has pitched to a 3.38 ERA over eight innings this spring and may have the inside track for a starting job if Gavin Williams continues to be bothered by elbow discomfort. Lively could end up as a long reliever or lose his place on the 40-man roster if the Guardians can't find a spot for him.

Bradley did not make his scheduled start for the Rays in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Orioles, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

There's no word yet on whether Bradley is dealing with some sort of injury or if this is just a change in plans, but the Rays are expected to provide an update later Tuesday. Erasmo Ramirez started in his place against the O's.

Lyles (back) will start for the Royals in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lyles has been battling back spasms but got through a recent live batting practice session with no issues, clearing the way for his return to games. The veteran right-hander projects as the Royals' No. 5 starter but is being pushed by Alec Marsh and Daniel Lynch.

Weaver (neck) will throw live batting practice Wednesday, Max Goodman of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Weaver had to be scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League start Tuesday due to neck stiffness, but he's expected to be fine. The right-hander might be needed for some starts early on in the season for the Yankees due to Gerrit Cole's (elbow) status being uncertain.