MLB Player News

Crawford will likely be part of the rotation early in the regular season if both Garrett Whitlock (hip) and Brayan Bello (forearm) open the season on the injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Whitlock and Bello threw live batting practice Saturday and will soon make their Grapefruit League debuts. At this point, it looks like Bello and James Paxton (hamstring) are locks to open the season on the injured list, which could clear a spot for Tanner Houck and possibly Crawford. If Whitlock joins Bello/Paxton on the IL, then Crawford would make the rotation for an early-season start or two. Crawford is starting Sunday against the Orioles in one of two Grapefruit League contests for the Red Sox. Houck will start against the Yankees.

Bello (forearm) threw an inning of live batting practice Saturday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Bello fired off 17 pitches to batters and is next expected to throw two innings of batting practice Wednesday. His first spring start is targeted for March 19 or 20. As such, Bello is expected to open the season on the injured list.

Whitlock (hip) threw live batting practice Saturday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Both Whitlock and Brayan Bello (forearm) faced hitters Saturday. Whitlock, who showed no ill effects from the right hip surgery he had last September, threw two innings and worked his pitch count to 46. It was the second live throwing session this week for the right-hander, who is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday against the Rays. There's an outside chance Whitlock is ready for the start of the season, but it seems more likely the Red Sox take a measured approach in his progression. He could miss one or two starts.

Cantillo was optioned Sunday to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Cantillo was limited to only 60.2 innings of work in 2022 because of soreness in his left shoulder, but he was effective in those innings with a 1.93 ERA for Double-A Akron over 14 appearances -- 13 of those starts. The southpaw will open the year in the Columbus rotation in Triple-A, but there's certainly a chance he could finish the year with Cleveland if he's even close to as successful as he was in 2022.

Kaprielian (shoulder) is starting Sunday's Cactus League game against the Padres.

Kaprielian pitched well during a simulated game last week and will make his spring debut Sunday as he reaches the end of his recovery from October shoulder surgery. Assuming there's no setbacks Sunday, the 29-year-old will be on track to be ready for the start of the season after he posted a 4.23 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 98:59 K:BB over 134 innings during 2022.

Sale allowed one hit and struck out five over three scoreless innings in Saturday's start against the Twins.

Sale, who made his second Grapefruit League start, reached 95 mph on his fastball, per Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe, and has looked every bit the ace of a staff. He hit 96 mph in his first outing. The left-hander's struck out seven over five scoreless spring innings. Despite looking like a staff ace, Sale is not expected to take the ball Opening Day, as Corey Kluber's spring routine has him lined up for that honor. Sale will next pitch four innings on the back fields Thursday, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

Ragans allowed two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 3.2 innings in Saturday's start against the Reds.

Ragans dominated Cincinnati early, getting through the first three innings one batter over the minimum, but the left-hander tired in the fourth. Nevertheless, Ragans has been one of the top stories in camp due to increased fastball velocity. He leads Texas with 14 strikeouts over 9.2 innings. With the rotation all but set in stone, Ragans, who made nine starts for Texas last season, could serve in the bullpen at the MLB level or continue on a starter's path at Triple-A Round Rock and be ready when the Rangers need a fill-in.

DeGrom (side) will start a minor-league spring training game on the back fields Monday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

The veteran right-hander won't start Monday's Cactus League contest as previously rumored, but he'll still see game action. He's working his way back from left side tightness and sat around 98-99 mph during a 35-pitch session of live batting practice last week. Assuming all goes well Monday, deGrom could gain full clearance shortly thereafter, though it's possible he'll still begin the campaign with a limited workload.

Eovaldi (side) will start the Rangers' Triple-A game in Surprise on Monday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Both Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom (side) will be in action Monday, but on the backfields of Surprise Stadium rather than in the MLB portion. Eovaldi has been out of action because of tightness in his left side, but the shutdown appears to be more precautionary than concerning. Assuming good health over the next few weeks, there's a strong chance Eovaldi is a part of the Rangers' rotation to begin the 2023 season.

Manager Alex Cora said Sunday there's a "good chance" Kluber starts against the Orioles on Opening Day, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Cora indicated he made the decision during the offseason that Chris Sale won't get the Opening Day nod, and Kluber is the current favorite to start. Kluber joined the Red Sox on a one-year deal that includes a club option for 2024 after he posted a 4.34 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 139:21 K:BB across 164 innings for the Rays last year.