MLB Player News

Woo, who logged 18 starts as a rookie in 2023, is focusing on improving considerably against left-handed hitters in his second season, Brandon Gustafson of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The right-hander, who made the jump straight from the Double-A level to the majors, finished with a 4-5 record and serviceable 4.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across his first 87.2 big-league frames. However, Woo had some drastic splits, surrendering a .283 average and .928 OPS in 180 plate appearances versus left-handed bats, numbers exponentially worse than the respective .179 and .494 figures he surrendered to righty bats. Woo, who's penciled in as the Mariners' No. 5 starter as spring camp gets underway, says he is absorbing plenty from two other accomplished young arms above him in the rotation in George Kirby and Logan Gilbert, who already have solid major-league resumes.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Schmidt is guaranteed a spot in the rotation, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Schmidt made 32 starts (33 appearances) for the Yankees last season, flashing promise but ultimately settling for a pedestrian 4.64 ERA and 149:46 K:BB over 159 innings. The Yanks will be hoping the 28-year-old takes a step forward in 2024 with a full season of big-league starting experience under his belt.

Bubic (elbow) said he felt good following a 15-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Bubic threw all fastballs in the session, his first since undergoing Tommy John surgery last April. He experienced no soreness a day after the session and will get back on the mound again Friday. The 26-year-old is expected to gradually increase the intensity and length of his bullpen sessions over a nine-week period before facing hitters. Assuming he hits no unexpected snags in his throwing program, Bubic could be ready to return from the injured list at some point around the middle of the summer.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Thursday that Bradish (elbow) has been bouncing back well after playing catch, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Working his way back from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, Bradish played catch from 60 feet late last week before expanding to 90 feet Tuesday. It's baby steps for now, but Hyde said the right-hander is "progressing nicely." It's not clear when Bradish might be cleared for mound work, but the Orioles will proceed cautiously.

France (shoulder) threw off a mound Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander reported to camp with some inflammation in his shoulder and was initially limited to throwing on flat ground. He has since progressed to mound work, and France said Thursday that all went well. While it may be a while before we see him in Grapefruit League games, France has a realistic shot to be ready for Opening Day, barring a setback.

Singer (back) will make his Cactus League debut Feb. 28 versus the Mariners, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Singer ended last season on the shelf with a back strain, but he doesn't seem to be under any restrictions this spring. The right-hander is coming off an uneven 2023 campaign, having finished with a 5.52 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 133:49 K:BB in 159.2 frames covering 29 starts.

Cole is scheduled to face DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Volpe and Gleyber Torres over two innings Wednesday in his first live batting practice session of spring training, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Since Cole had a healthy offseason, the Yankees could elect to slow play his Grapefruit League debut, but the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner should be fully ramped up by the time Opening Day arrives. Coming off a 2023 season in which he went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 222:48 K:BB over 209 innings, Cole is justifiably being taken as one of the first two pitchers in most fantasy drafts.

Bello said Wednesday that his agents and the Red Sox have been negotiating a contract extension, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Bello noted that the conversations began a few weeks ago, and the pitcher intimated that there may be momentum toward a deal. Slated to turn 25 in May, Bello isn't eligible for arbitration until after the 2025 season and is under team control through 2028. The possible length and dollar amount of a long-term contract for the right-hander isn't clear. Bello collected a 4.24 ERA and 132:45 K:BB over 157 innings covering 28 starts for Boston in 2023.

Littell is expected to serve as a starter for the entire 2024 season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Littell made the transition from reliever to starter in the middle of the 2023 season, and he managed a 3.41 ERA across 71.1 innings in the latter role. With the Rays down several starters to begin the 2024 campaign, he'll be counted on in the rotation, but the team is also planning on him sticking in a starting role for the entirety of the season. That could change if he falters and either Shane Baz (elbow) or Jeffrey Springs (elbow) can return, but neither is likely to be available until the summer months at the earliest.

The Rays placed Rasmussen (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Rasmussen underwent an internal brace procedure in July and isn't expected to return until late in the season, so the Rays will stash him away on the IL for the time being. Rasmussen's roster spot will be given to Amed Rosario, who signed with Tampa Bay on Tuesday.