MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that Verlander's (shoulder) arm is feeling good following Thursday's bullpen session, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The pitcher looked to be throwing at less than 100 percent effort in the session, but it's nonetheless a positive development that he experienced no issues a day later. By Verlander's own tally, it was the fourth time he's thrown off a mound since an offseason "hiccup" with his shoulder. It's unclear when the veteran right-hander might be ready for Grapefruit League action.

Means (elbow) conceded Friday that it's unlikely he will be ready in time for Opening Day, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias revealed Thursday that Means is one month behind schedule as he rebounds from a left elbow flare-up last October. While it seems as though he's recovered from the elbow issue, Means still needs time to build back up. He'll join Kyle Bradish (elbow) on the IL, creating a pair of early-season vacancies in the O's rotation.

Miller, who's projected to open the season in the bullpen, was already "lighting up the radar gun" in his first official bullpen session of spring Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Miller averaged 98.3 mph on his fastball as a rookie last season, but he was limited to just 10 appearances (six starts) due to a UCL sprain on his throwing elbow and posted a solid 3.78 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 33.1 total innings. Miller was managed carefully upon returning from a four-month absence in September while working as a multi-inning reliever, posting a 12.0 K/9 and 0.8 HR/9 across the 12 frames he logged over the final month of the campaign. With a four-pitch arsenal that also includes a slider, cutter and changeup in addition to his elite fastball, Miller could well earn some closing opportunities and will be limited to two innings per outing at most during spring training, per manager Mark Kotsay.

Duffy is stretching out as a starter this spring but could also make the Rangers' Opening Day roster as a starter or reliever, Jeff Wilson of Rangerstoday.com reports.

Duffy is currently in camp as a non-roster invitee, but he is set to compete with Cody Bradford, Adrian Sampson and some of the team's prospects to earn a roster spot. He has battled arm injuries during the last two seasons and hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021, but he is currently healthy and could take advantage of the Rangers' lack of pitching depth. Duffy was with the Rangers' organization in 2023, pitching as a reliever for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, but he stretched out as a starter in the Puerto Rican Winter League. There, the left-hander didn't allow an earned run over 15.2 innings while striking out 19 and limiting opponents to a .161 batting average.

Gil will be stretched out to start this spring, but the Yankees are open to the possibility of shifting him to a relief role, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

The Yankees remain high on Gil's potential as a starting pitcher, but they could have more of an immediate need in the bullpen. Clayton Beeter is also a possibility to shift to relief. Gil was limited to just two rehab starts in 2023 after coming back from Tommy John surgery but has arrived to spring training without restrictions.

Rodon sat in the mid-90s and touched 97 mph during a live batting practice session Tuesday, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

Martino notes that Rodon was sitting in the 90-to-92 mph range during his early live batting practice sessions last year and, of course, then went on to have an injury-shortened, disappointing season. Rodon reported to camp this spring early and in better shape, and there is growing internal optimism about the left-hander's chances of bouncing back in 2024, per Martino.

Cortes (shoulder) said Thursday that he's already thrown four live batting practice sessions this spring, YES Network reports.

A left rotator cuff strain limited Cortes to just 12 starts last season, with the last one coming in early August. He's been throwing for most of the offseason, though, and it doesn't appear he'll face any restrictions during spring training. A healthy Cortes and Carlos Rodon would go a long way in stabilizing the Yankees' rotation.

Wentz will focus on competing for a bullpen job with the Tigers this spring, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Nearly all of Wentz's pro experience has been as a starting pitcher. However, he's out of options and isn't viewed as a viable rotation option right now, so the Tigers want to evaluate him solely as a reliever. Wentz holds a career 5.99 ERA and 125:60 K:BB over 138.1 frames covering 32 appearances (26 starts).

Manoah threw off a mound Thursday and appears to have lost significant weight during the offseason, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was downright awful for most of 2023 and ended the season dealing with shoulder issues that required injections to reduce soreness and inflammation. Manoah seems to have taken his offseason program seriously though, and he worked off a mound for the first time this spring without any apparent issues. A bounce-back performance from the 2019 first-round pick is key for the Blue Jays this year.

Irvin could be needed in the Orioles' rotation following injuries to Kyle Bradish (elbow) and John Means (elbow), Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

It's also possible the O's could seek help from outside the organization, but as things currently stand it seems likely that they'll need Irvin to make some starts. The left-hander had an uneven first season in Baltimore, finishing with a 4.42 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 68:21 K:BB over 77.1 frames.