MLB Player News

Dunn, who posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 6.2 innings before spring training was suspended, made a strong case to spend minimal time in the minors this season, if any, Brent Stecker of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The promising right-hander coincidentally posted the same ERA over the same amount of innings during his September big-league cup of coffee last season. However, in contrast to the nine walks Dunn issued during that span, he handed out just three free passes while recording an impressive 10 strikeouts over his three Cactus League appearances. Stecker notes Dunn entered camp with the inside track to the fifth spot in the starting rotation, but the subsequent signing of veteran Taijuan Walker seemingly dampened the former's chances. However, with the possibility rosters are expanded beyond 26 players to open the delayed regular season, Dunn could still potentially stick on the Opening Day roster. Moreover, even if he does open the season at Triple-A Tacoma, Stecker notes the 24-year-old should be first pitcher called up should injuries strike the rotation.

Verlander (groin) has begun to throw, Manny Randhawa of MLB.com reports.

This was Verlander's first baseball activity since undergoing right groin surgery March 17. He first felt groin discomfort early in training camp and later left a spring training start March 3 due to a strained back muscle. "He was having a little trouble on and off, and it kind of messes with your head in spring training when you feel great one day and the next day you don't and the next day you feel back," Astros manager Dusty Baker said. "So this has actually probably been a blessing in disguise for him." The 37-year-old right-hander and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner could be ready when baseball resumes following the coronavirus pandemic.

Montas allowed two unearned runs across 5.2 innings over three Cactus League starts before spring training was suspended.

The hard-throwing right-hander didn't allow that pair of runs until his third and final appearance of spring, which came against the Brewers on March 8. Although he naturally didn't get fully stretched out due to the abrupt interruption in play, Montas will presumably have a chance to do so during any ramp-up period to the 2020 season. He's expected to slide into the No. 2 spot in the rotation behind Sean Manaea to start the season, although he arguably generated an ace-quality performance during a 2019 campaign in which he lost 80 games due to a PED suspension.

Bassitt made three starts over four Cactus League appearances before spring training was suspended, but A.J. Puk's improving shoulder could relegate the former to a bullpen role to open 2020.

The veteran right-hander was projected to open the season as a back-end starter when Opening Day was still slated to unfold March 26, as Puk's shoulder issues were expected to keep him sidelined for the early portion of the campaign. The subsequent and considerable delay to the start of the season has bought Puk plenty of recovery time, however, and Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle recently reported the promising southpaw was back to throwing from up to 120 feet.

Winn posted a 4.46 ERA with 39 walks and 65 strikeouts over 68.2 innings for Low-A Hickory in 2019.

Winn, the Rangers' first-round pick in 2018, made his professional debut in 2019 after spending his first months following the draft in what the organization calls a "deload" program, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. That's when young pitchers out of high school focus on mechanics and routine. His introduction to pro ball wasn't pretty, but the right-hander finished strong, recording a 3.20 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over his final 13 starts. The 20-year-old throws four pitches -- 94 MPH fastball, slider, curve and changeup -- with the curve being the most advanced. Winn's compact delivery suggests an ability to repeat his mechanics.

Medina struck out five batters in four innings in Grapefruit League action this spring and, according to a major-league scout, hit 96-97 mph with his fastball, Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media reports.

Medina also allowed only one run and two walks over his three outings, a promising result in light of his 5.47 ERA and 6.1 BB/9 in the minors last season. According to the unnamed scout, Medina's stuff may play best in a setup or closer role, though the Yankees have plenty of time to decide how to develop the 20-year-old. Given Medina's late-season success in 2019 -- he posted a 1.77 ERA over his final 45.2 innings -- he'll have the opportunity to prove his worth as a starter at High-A Tampa when the campaign gets underway.

Kopech, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, is "on schedule" for a likely return in late May or early June, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Prior to MLB's shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, all signs pointed to Kopech opening the year at Triple-A Charlotte, where he would throw innings against live batters before joining the White Sox's rotation in June. It's unclear if that is still the plan if baseball is able to resume by June 1 following a brief two-to-three week ramp-up.

Rodon (elbow) said he feels good enough that he could be pitching by June, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Rodon went as far as saying a June return "is realistic," but the left-hander admits getting the White Sox management and medical staff to give him permission would be a sticking point. Original estimates pegged a July return for Rodon, who is in the final stages of rehab from Tommy John surgery. Rodon has been throwing three days per week at the team's spring training complex in Glendale (Ariz.), including bullpen sessions on Mondays and Fridays. That's the same activity he would have been performing even if MLB had started its season on time.

Chiang is competing for one of the final spots in what will likely be an expanded Tigers bullpen when the regular season is able to begin, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Chiang was widely expected to start the year at Triple-A Toledo when spring training began, but he could still make his way into the majors if teams get to work with expanded rosters when the regular season begins. Under such a scenario, Detroit will likely deepen its bullpen to deal with what figures to be a compacted schedule, and that could benefit Chiang.

Cortes, who generated a 1.80 ERA over three Cactus League appearances, should be on the Opening Day roster, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The 25-year-old southpaw is not only a particularly valuable commodity because of his handedness, but he also proved effective over his few opportunities before spring training was suspended. Cortes struggled during his first two big-league stints with the Orioles and Yankees in 2018 and 2019, respectively, but Drayer notes Cortes is a "natural fit" to follow starters that experience early exits due to his extensive experience working multiple innings in the minors.