MLB Player News

Gonzales started Saturday's Cactus League loss to the Royals, firing three scoreless innings during which he allowed one hit and recorded two strikeouts.

The young left-hander raised some eyebrows in his first start of the spring Monday when he allowed five earned runs on three hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning versus the Cubs. However, Gonzales turned in a polar-opposite effort Saturday. Greg Johns of MLB.com reports Gonzales credited a "better pregame routine" with helping him turn things around against Kansas City, as well as a focus on making his delivery more compact. He'll look to build on his momentum in his next spring turn, which is likely to come toward the end of the week.

Chirinos allowed five earned runs on six hits and a walk across two innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Braves on Saturday. He struck out one.

Chirinos' second Grapefruit League start was in sharp contrast to his first -- a one-inning, three-strikeout effort versus the Red Sox on Monday. The right-hander got into trouble early versus Atlanta and was ultimately tagged for a two-run double and a solo home run by Adam Duvall and Pete O'Brien, respectively. Chirinos has earned rave reviews for his offseason weight loss, but he'll have to bounce back with a better performance in his next spring start to remain in the conversation for a spot in the starting rotation.

Bundy pitched two perfect innings against San Francisco on Saturday, striking out three.

Bundy followed a scoreless debut with another strong performance in Saturday's win. The veteran has combined for seven strikeouts in four innings in Cactus League play while allowing only one baserunner (via a walk). He figures to be a solid source of strikeouts this season and could emerge as a fantasy sleeper now that he's pitching in a less hitter-friendly ballpark and has a solid defense behind him.

Giolito (chest) threw a 30-pitch live batting practice session Sunday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox have brought Giolito along at a measured pace but never expressed doubt he'd be ready for Opening Day. Manager Rick Renteria didn't offer a date for when Giolito will face batters in game action, but he acknowledged that it won't be too much longer, perhaps as early as this week.

McCullers felt great after facing three batters in his first start since August of 2018, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers allowed one hit before striking out Paul Goldschmidt during the first inning of Sunday's 5-4 win against the Cardinals. The 26-year-old was sitting at 16 pitches after striking out Goldschmidt in the first inning and manager Dusty Baker didn't want to push it. McCullers sat out all of last season after having Tommy John surgery in November 2018. The 2017 All-Star is preparing to fill the No. 3 spot in a Houston starting rotation that is headlined by former Cy Young winners Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke.

Turbull pitched three scoreless innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He allowed one hit and struck out three.

Turnbull has now pitched five innings this spring without allowing a run, and he's struck out seven batters. The 27-year-old had a 3.99 FIP in 2019, suggesting he could improve upon the 4.61 ERA he posted. He should slot in as the Tigers' No. 2 starter behind Matthew Boyd.

Sale (illness) completed a 15-pitch live batting practice session Sunday and is scheduled to throw a two-inning simulated game Thursday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The veteran left-hander is expected to throw 15 pitches per inning during the simulated game, and he could progress to a Grapefruit League game March 10 if all goes well. Sale has already been ruled out for Opening Day and is likely to begin the season on the injured list, so the Red Sox are likely to continue exercising caution as Sale builds up to a starter's workload after dealing with pneumonia in early February.

Paxton (back) said Sunday he could begin throwing late this week or early next week, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

The veteran left-hander has been progressing well in his recovery and previously indicated he might throw early this week, but he's instead looking to hold himself back a bit to avoid rushing things. Paxton underwent back surgery in early February and is hoping to rejoin the Yankees in early May.

Giolito (chest) could make his Cactus League debut later this week, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Giolito has been recovering from a strained muscle in his rib cage area in the early parts of spring training, but his return to game action appears to be on the horizon. The 25-year-old has thrown live batting practice and multiple bullpen sessions, so he appears clear of any significant hurdles for his spring training debut.

Civale (groin) is scheduled to start Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander had a delayed start to spring training after experiencing some soreness in his groin, but he recently threw live batting practice and is cleared for game action. Civale is primed to begin his first full season in the majors after posting a 2.34 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB over 57.2 innings (10 starts) last season.