MLB Player News

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.

The Guardians optioned Cantillo to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Cantillo will be rotation insurance for the Guardians at Columbus to start the season. The left-hander has missed plenty of bats int the minors but needs to get his control in order before being considered for a big-league promotion.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Tuesday that Cole (elbow) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Boone did not have an update on the results of the MRI on Cole's right elbow, but even if the news is good, the hurler won't have enough time to ramp back up for the opener. Cole is slated for more tests Tuesday and Boone anticipates it being "a couple of days until everybody weighs in on it." Boland suspects Marcus Stroman would take Cole's spot as the Yankees' Opening Day starter, although the club hasn't made any official pronouncements yet.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that France (shoulder) could make his Grapefruit League debut this weekend, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Coming back from right shoulder inflammation, France threw two innings in a minor-league game Monday. The Astros remain optimistic that the right-hander will be part of their Opening Day rotation, although for that to come to fruition, he certainly can't afford any hiccups.