MLB Player News

Kirby (shoulder) played catch with a trainer for a few minutes Friday, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

It's not much, but it's the first time Kirby's done any throwing since he was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation March 7. The right-hander is hoping to be ready for his season debut around mid-April, but a clear timeline for the right-hander has not yet been established.

Francis gave up one run on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. He struck out four.

Facing a mix of big-league regulars, bench players and minor leaguers, Francis cruised through five innings before serving up a solo shot to Jonathan Aranda. The right-hander built up to 83 pitches (56 strikes) as he gets ready for Opening Day and tries to prove his big finish to 2024 was no fluke -- Francis posted a 1.53 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 56:7 K:BB over 59 innings after rejoining the Blue Jays' rotation in early August last season. Keeping the ball in the park has been an issue for Francis this spring, however. While he does have a 16:8 K:BB through 15.2 Grapefruit League innings, he's also been tagged for five homers.

Schmidt (shoulder) is likely to begin the season on the 15-day injured list, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Schmidt felt good during a 32-pitch live batting practice session Thursday and recovered well Friday. However, he admitted that taking his first turn in the regular-season rotation would "handcuff" the club since he's not fully stretched out, putting extra pressure on the bullpen. As long as he continues to trend in a positive direction, Schmidt's stint on the IL should be brief. With the right-hander out, both Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren would be part of the Yankees' Opening Day rotation.

Warren will likely open the campaign in the Yankees' rotation if Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) begins the season on the injured list, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Warren has been battling for a rotation spot all spring, as injuries to Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Luis Gil (lat) have depleted New York's starting pitching depth. Carlos Carrasco's impressive spring is likely to earn him a rotation spot, and Marcus Stroman seems to be a lock for a starting role as well, but Warren may still have a place in the rotation if Schmidt -- who has pitched in only one Grapefruit League game but did throw live batting practice Thursday -- isn't ready for his first scheduled start. Warren struggled in his most recent outing Thursday against Baltimore, allowing four runs and serving up two homers in 3.2 innings, but he's been mostly impressive this spring and has good numbers overall, including a 4.19 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB over 19.1 frames.

Faedo will begin the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder injury, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said that an MRI on Faedo's shoulder didn't reveal anything "too alarming," but the right-hander will be shut down for a bit. Faedo had been in line for an Opening Day bullpen spot but could now be sidelined into May.

Scherzer (thumb) will start Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Scherzer's right thumb bounced back well from Thursday's bullpen session, officially clearing the way for him to return to Grapefruit League action. He is targeting 60-to-65 pitches Saturday and, as long as he doesn't have a setback with the thumb that day or Sunday, will be ready to roll for the start of the regular season.

Rocker allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over 4.2 innings in Thursday's spring start against the Rockies.

Although not a perfect outing, Thursday's effort was Rocker's best in four Cactus League appearances. He had allowed 11 runs over his first 4.1 innings this spring, but this latest effort represents a second straight encouraging outing. The 25-year-old right-hander threw 76 pitches (47 strikes), as he continued to refine the mechanical issues that were on display in his first two starts. Rocker is poised to slot into the Rangers' rotation after the club lost Cody Bradford (elbow) and Jon Gray (wrist) to injuries last week.

Whitley (knee) is not likely to be on the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Whitley suffered the injury in a Grapefruit League game in mid-March and there has been no news of him resuming throwing or other baseball activities. However, general manager Dana Brown did say he expects Whitley to be available at some point in April.

The Blue Jays optioned Bloss to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Bloss allowed eight earned runs across eight innings in four appearances during spring training. His best outing came in his most recent appearance March 10, when he pitched three scoreless frames. It was thought the 23-year-old had a chance at cracking the rotation to begin the season depending on the availability of Max Scherzer (thumb), but Bloss will have to wait to make his Blue Jays debut.

White Sox manager Will Venable said that Thorpe will undergo imaging after leaving his appearance in a minor-league game Thursday due to right elbow discomfort, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Thorpe has encountered multiple setbacks since he had surgery last September to remove a bone spur from the elbow. More will be known once the right-hander's test results are in, but Thorpe could be looking at an extended absence.