MLB Player News

Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Bello (shoulder) is still behind schedule but is progressing well, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Bello began experiencing shoulder soreness early on in camp, and with just over two weeks left in spring training, it's becoming increasingly likely that he'll require a stint on the injured list to open the season. Should that be the case, Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts would be the leading candidates to fill the open spot in Boston's rotation.

Cole said Saturday morning that he is "concerned" about what the imaging on his right elbow will show, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cole said his elbow pain is the same as last year, and according to Randy Miller of NJ.com, "you could tell in [Cole's] voice, not just his words, that he is very worried." The right-hander is already talking about second opinions, which is an ominous sign. Cole and the Yankees expect to know more in the coming days, and it sounds like both sides are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Young was optioned to minor-league camp Saturday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

The 26-year-old right-hander made three appearances in the Grapefruit League in his first big-league camp, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five over 6.1 innings. While a tad on the older side, Young is a legitimate major-league prospect and he figures to debut at some point this season after being added to the Orioles' 40-man roster in November.

Bido gave up eight earned runs over 3.1 innings and allowed four home runs in Friday's spring training loss to Cleveland.

Bido entered spring training with a lead on a rotation spot, but he's struggled by allowing 11 earned runs in 7.2 innings with an 11:5 K:BB. He still has time to win the No. 4 or No. 5 starter role, however.

Hancock gave up three runs on four hits and one walk in Friday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, striking out four over 2.1 innings while taking the loss.

The Mariners have a rotation spot up for grabs, as George Kirby (shoulder) is likely to begin the season on the injured list, and Hancock appears to be the most likely candidate to begin the year as a starter. However, Hancock is still looking for a groove this spring, as he carries a 9.53 ERA and 1.94 WHIP over 5.2 frames (three starts). The 2020 No. 6 overall pick has a case as a late-round flier in fantasy drafts due to Kirby's injury, but Hancock could have limited upside after recording a weak 14.7 percent strikeout rate across 60.2 innings in 2024.

Cole is scheduled to undergo diagnostic tests on his right elbow, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Cole surrendered six earned runs on five hits over 2.2 innings during his spring outing Thursday, and he said after the game that he was struggling with command -- particularly of his fastball. The 34-year-old righty missed most of the first half of last season due to elbow trouble, and it seems like the Yankees are at least somewhat concerned those issues have resurfaced. More will be known regarding his status within the next several days.

Kremer gave up six runs on six hits and two walks while taking the loss in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Detroit, striking out three over three innings.

It was a struggle for Kremer, who served up three home runs Friday and hasn't looked particularly sharp in the Grapefruit League. Over three appearances (two starts) this spring, the 29-year-old right-hander has a 9.00 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and an 8:5 K:BB across eight frames. Kremer posted an unimpressive 4.10 ERA over 129.2 innings (24 starts) in 2024, but he still appears to be locked into a spot in Baltimore's rotation to begin 2025, as Grayson Rodriguez (triceps) is slated to start the season on the injured list.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Rodriguez (triceps) will not be ready for Opening Day, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hyde noted that Rodriguez isn't dealing with any structural damage, but the discomfort he's feeling in his right elbow/triceps is enough to keep him out for "some time." The 25-year-old will seek a second opinion, and it's unknown at this point how far his absence will extend into the regular season. While Rodriguez is out, Albert Suarez and Cade Povich will battle for the open spot in Baltimore's rotation.

The Mariners optioned Castano to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Castano was added to the Mariners' 40-man roster in November, but he'll head back to Triple-A to begin 2025 after allowing five runs (four earned) over two innings during spring training. The 26-year-old righty turned in a 5.13 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with the Rainiers last season, and he'll likely need to improve upon those numbers before getting a chance in Seattle's rotation.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Schmidt (back) will remain at spring training when the team heads north and is slated to make his season debut April 3 against the Diamondbacks, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Schmidt has yet to pitch in a Grapefruit League game due to a back issue. While he seems to be past the injury now, the Yankees will hold him back for their sixth game of the regular season since he's behind schedule. Schmidt will throw a simulated game March 28 and is expected to have his pitch count built up to 75-to-80 before his regular-season debut.