MLB Player News

Schmidt (elbow) is still experiencing discomfort and hasn't returned to throwing, Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports.

Schmidt is reportedly still not feeling 100 percent after being diagnosed with a common extensor strain in his right elbow, and the organization doesn't want him to begin a throwing program until he's completely asymptomatic. Manager Aaron Boone indicated Thursday that Schmidt's return to throwing could be "imminent," but a clearer picture of his timeframe has yet to be announced.

Mize allowed two runs across four innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. He gave up five hits while striking out nine.

Mize had allowed 11 earned runs over his previous two spring outings, so this was a welcome change of pace, and the nine strikeouts point to the righty's considerable upside. The 23-year-old still has a high 8.36 ERA in Grapefruit League play, but he's in the mix for an Opening Day rotation spot and definitely has the talent to turn some heads this season, though he may struggle with consistency in only his second taste of the majors.

Dunn recorded seven strikeouts but gave up four earned runs on five hits and three walks over 3.1 innings in a Cactus League loss to the Cubs on Wednesday.

Half of the damage against Dunn came in the form of of solo home runs by Cameron Maybin and Jake Marisnick, yet he also exhibited some of his trademark control issues. Dunn walked nine batters overall in 11 Cactus League frames, but Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports he came away from the outing pleased with how his arsenal has come along this spring in his battle with Nick Margevicius for the No. 6 spot in the rotation. "I'm happy with where I'm at. ... Fastball velo is still here," Dunn said after [Wednesday's] start. "Honestly, it feels like it's ticked up. The slider feel sharp. I'm really happy with the curveball shape and happy with the differential between the two."

Montas (finger) will throw a sim game next week to determine his status to begin the season, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Montas was removed from his appearance Thursday with a ripped cuticle. Manager Bob Melvin told reporters that the team will feel "okay" if Montas can reach 70 pitches in the sim game. That leaves his status for the team's opening series of the regular season uncertain.

Montas left his Cactus League start against the Mariners on Thursday due to a ripped cuticle on his right middle finger, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Montas was seen wiping his finger on his pants as he left the field with a trainer in the second inning. It's not yet clear whether Montas will be forced to miss time to begin the regular season with Opening Day just a week away.

Montas was removed after two innings in his Cactus League start Thursday versus the Mariners due to an apparent finger injury on his pitching hand, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Montas was briefly visited on the mound by a trainer before he headed to the dugout. He had endured a rocky outing prior to departing, giving up two runs on three hits and two walks. The Athletics will likely provide an update on Montas' condition Thursday or Friday after getting a chance to evaluate him, but the timing of the injury is less than ideal with Opening Day just a week away.

The Twins reassigned Farrell to their minor-league camp Thursday.

Farrell was one of seven players sent back to the Twins' alternate site as Minnesota trimmed down its group at big-league camp to 36 men. The 29-year-old made four relief appearances for Texas in 2020, giving up five earned runs over 5.1 innings.

The Twins reassigned Albers to their minor-league camp Thursday.

Albers, who last appeared in the majors in 2017, was attempting to win a spot in the Twins' Opening Day bullpen after agreeing to a minor-league contract in February following a three-year stint overseas. He'll likely report to Triple-A St. Paul to begin the 2021 campaign.

Bassitt was named the Athletics' Opening Day starter Thursday, so he'll get the nod against the Astros on April 1, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Bassitt's 2.29 ERA last season may not have been remotely supported by his 3.59 FIP or 4.49 xFIP, but he'll get the honor nonetheless. He beat out Frankie Montas, who struggled to a 5.60 ERA last season, as well as the talented but inexperienced Jesus Luzardo. Bassitt will be the team's fourth Opening Day starter in the last four years and the 15th in the last 17 seasons.

Garcia allowed two hits and two walks while striking out five over four scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring game against Washington.

Garcia gave the Astros length on a day when starter Jake Odorizzi lasted just three outs. The highlight of his outing was an immaculate fifth inning, when he struck out the side on nine pitches. Garcia, a potential starter for Houston in 2020, had been slowed during spring training while spending time in COVID-19 quarantine. With Odorizzi unlikely to be part of the rotation early in the season and Cristian Javier not yet stretched out, Garcia could be a rotation presence the first few weeks of April.