MLB Player News

Bradley threw three scoreless innings while allowing two hits and striking out one in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

Bradley is expected to be in the Rays' Opening Day rotation, as Shane Baz (elbow/oblique) is expected to be brought along slowly. Bradley helped his cause with his spring debut, particularly because the Yankees had most of their projected starters in the lineup. In addition to posting three scoreless innings, Bradley touched 98 mph with his fastball and generated four swings-and-misses on 43 total pitches.

Stoudt, who was claimed off waivers by the Mariners from the Reds in mid-February, is making a case to enter the rotation mix at some point this coming season, Steve Stockmar of MLB.com reports.

Stoudt is in his second stint with the Mariners organization, having originally entered professional baseball as Seattle's third-round pick in the First-Year Player Draft back in 2019. He was eventually dealt to the Reds in 2022 and got his first taste of the big leagues with Cincinnati last season, pitching to a 0-1 record, 9.58 ERA and 2.32 WHIP across the 10.1 innings covering his four appearances (two starts). However, Stoudt was impressive in his Cactus League debut Tuesday, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts over two scoreless innings versus the Guardians while hitting 97 mph with his fastball and also deploying his slider and splitter effectively. Manager Scott Servais is optimistic about Stoudt's chances of eventually contributing as a starter in 2024, noting the need to have more than just five rotation members over the course of a season and adding "I do think he helps us at some point this year."

Miller is increasingly making a case to serve as the Athletics' closer with his Cactus League performances, despite manager Mark Kotsay previously stating he wasn't likely to use only one pitcher in that role to start the season, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Miller has put together two perfect innings across his pair of appearances, recording five strikeouts along the way while getting his elite fastball up as high as 103 mph. Miller is also using his wipeout slider effectively, and Gallegos surmises Kotsay may have no choice but to eventually name Miller as his primary ninth-inning option if the rest of the flamethrower's spring unfolds in similar fashion.

Lyles (back) will play catch Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lyles departed a "B" game Tuesday with lower-back tightness, but he's feeling better a day later. The veteran right-hander expects to be ready to make his next scheduled spring start, but the Royals will wait to see how he recovers over the next couple days. Lyles is competing for the final spot in Kansas City's Opening Day rotation.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Wednesday that Medina has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of the MCL in his right knee, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Medina suffered the injury during Monday's Cactus League appearance against the Reds. Kotsay declined to offer a timetable for the right-hander's return other than noting that Medina won't be ready for the start of the season. Medina had been competing for a spot in Oakland's rotation but now could be facing a fairly lengthy absence.

The Rangers have announced that Carrillo underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Friday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 25-year-old Carrillo has yet to make his MLB debut and was attending camp as a non-roster invitee after joining Texas on a minor-league contract in December. After requiring the reconstructive elbow procedure, Carrillo will miss the entire 2024 season, and his availability for the start of the 2025 campaign could be affected, too.

Medina (knee) was getting around on crutches in the Athletics' clubhouse Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Medina had to depart Monday's appearance against the Reds due to a right knee sprain, and while there's no word yet on how long he'll be sidelined, it would appear the absence could be a lengthy one. The 24-year-old was competing for a spot in the Athletics' rotation.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Giolito will receive a second opinion on his injured right elbow Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

While he didn't explicitly confirm reports that Giolito has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain in his right elbow, Cora conceded that surgery is a possibility for the hurler. A decision on Giolito's treatment plan will be made after Monday's exam. If he does wind up needing Tommy John surgery, Giolito would be sidelined for the entire 2024 season, and perhaps the early part of 2025 as well.

The Red Sox reassigned Olivarez (shoulder) to minor-league camp Wednesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Once a promising pitching prospect in the Rockies organization, Olivarez's star has faded after shoulder problems limited him to just two total regular-season innings in the minors over the past two years. He joined the Red Sox on a minor-league pact in November and is seemingly healthy again, as he made two Grapefruit League appearances, giving up two earned runs on three hits and two walks over 1.2 innings. Given that Olivarez has yet to appear above the High-A level, he could be a candidate to open the campaign at Double-A Portland rather than Triple-A Worcester.

Valdez will not make his scheduled Grapefruit League start Wednesday against the Mets and will instead face hitters in a simulated game, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

With a threat of rain in the afternoon, the Astros have changed plans and will now have Valdez throw on the back fields in the morning to ensure he gets his work in. Seth Martinez will step in to face the Mets, weather permitting. Coming off a second straight All-Star season, Valdez looks like a lock to start for Houston on Opening Day, especially given that Justin Verlander (shoulder) has been ruled out for the start of the season.