MLB Player News

The Athletics acquired Stripling and cash considerations from the Giants on Friday in exchange for Jonah Cox.

Stripling's one season in San Francisco was a disappointment, as he posted a 5.36 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 70:16 K:BB across 89 innings covering 11 starts and 11 relief appearances. The 34-year-old will slide into the Athletics' rotation and gets to pitch in a favorable home environment. However, Stripling doesn't pitch deep into games and that, along with a lack of support from the putrid Oakland offense, means wins figure to be hard to come by.

Burnes was traded from the Brewers to the Orioles in exchange for DL Hall, Joey Ortiz and the 34th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Burnes was floated in trade rumors throughout the offseason, though it appeared that perhaps he'd begin the 2024 campaign with the Brewers. Instead, he'll provide a front-line arm to strengthen the Orioles rotation. Even in a down year relative to his lofty standards, Burnes put together a 3.39 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a 200:66 K:BB across 193.2 innings in 2023 and will now call pitcher-friendly Camden Yards his home park.

DeSclafani (elbow), Justin Topa, Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Bowen were traded from the Mariners to the Twins on Monday in exchange for Jorge Polanco, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

DeSclafani's tenure in Seattle didn't last long, as the right-hander was dealt to the Mariners earlier in the month alongside Mitch Haniger in exchange for Robbie Ray. DeSclafani was limited to 19 starts in 2023 due to a right flexor strain, and while the hope is that he'll be ready for Opening Day, he's yet to get the all clear. Once healthy, he'll compete with Chris Paddack and Louie Varland for one of the final two spots in MInnesota's rotation.

Strotman signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Once a prized pitching prospect in the Rays organization whom the Twins acquired along with Joe Ryan in the deal that sent Nelson Cruz to Tampa Bay in July 2021, Strotman has since bounced around. After being dropped from the Twins' 40-man roster in September 2022, Strotman caught on with the Rangers and then the Giants last offseason. He spent the entire 2023 campaign with the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, logging a 6.47 ERA and 1.84 WHIP over 97.1 innings. Though Strotman will get the chance to compete for a spot on the Astros' Opening Day roster, he'll most likely serve as a swingman at Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the 2024 season.

Scherzer (back) said Saturday that he's about three weeks away from resuming workouts, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Scherzer is six weeks removed from surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back and has progressed with no setbacks. The 39-year-old right-hander hopes to be ready to rejoin the Rangers' rotation by June or July, but it's a very rough timetable at this juncture.

Carrasco (finger) signed a minor-league contract with the Guardians on Saturday and received an invitation to major-league spring training, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Carrasco pitched for Cleveland between 2009-20 and will return for his second stint with the franchise after three years with the Mets. Carrasco put up a 6.80 ERA and 1.70 WHIP through 90 innings across 20 starts last season, and his campaign was cut short in September by a fractured finger. Given the strength of Cleveland's rotation, it's unlikely the 36-year-old lands a starting job, but he could operate as a multi-inning reliever for the big-league club if he turns in a solid spring.

DeGrom (elbow) said Saturday that he plans to begin throwing again in the spring, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

DeGrom didn't specify the exact date he'll start his program, but he added that he's happy with the progress he's made in his recovery. The 35-year-old righty underwent Tommy John surgery in July to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow and is projected to rejoin the Rangers late in the summer.

Cease was named the White Sox's Opening Day starter on Thursday, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Cease will draw his second consecutive Opening Day assignment, this time taking on the Tigers on March 28. He has frequently been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason, but for now it appears he'll remain with Chicago. Cease had a disappointing 2023 season, posting a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP to go along with a 214:79 K:BB across 177 innings.

McKenzie said at the Guardians' FanFest event Saturday that he's "feeling great" physically, Leah Doherty of Cleveland 19 News reports.

McKenzie was limited to just four starts for the Guardians in 2023 due to shoulder and elbow problems, but he finished the season healthy and has thrown without issue this winter. The right-hander noted that he's thrown more this offseason than he normally would in order to make up for lost time. McKenzie represents a buy-low option for fantasy managers, but he will remain a health risk heading into 2024.

Bello said Saturday that he has been working on commanding his slider during the offseason and plans on making it a "significant part of his mix" this season, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Bello was able to significantly improve his walk rate last season; however, he saw his K/9 drop from 8.6 in 2022 to 7.6 in 2023. The 24-year-old righty has developed a reputation as a groundball pitcher during his two seasons in the majors, relying mostly on his sinker and changeup. If Bello is able to successfully fine-tune his slider, he may be able to produce the strikeout totals necessary to join the next tier of fantasy starters.