MLB Player News

Iriarte will be used as a starting pitcher this spring, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

All six of Iriarte's appearances with the White Sox last season came in relief, and it's possible a lack of command will eventually force him to move to the bullpen on a full-time basis. However, the 23-year-old has primarily been a starter in the minors and the White Sox aren't ready to give up on him in that capacity. One of the primary pieces acquired from the Padres in last spring's Dylan Cease trade, Iriarte collected a 3.71 ERA and 122:57 K:BB over 126 innings last season with Double-A Birmingham.

McClanahan (elbow) confirmed Wednesday prior to throwing his first bullpen session of the spring that he's 100 percent and will face no restrictions in spring training, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

The Rays are still expected to cap McClanahan at around 150 innings in 2025 after he missed the entire 2024 campaign while recovering from August 2023 Tommy John surgery, but he appears to be entering the spring on a normal throwing progression that mirrors Tampa Bay's other healthy rotation candidates. According to Bass, McClanahan's fastball sat at around 94-to-95 mph during Wednesday's throwing session, just a tick or two behind his average velocity from the 2023 season. McClanahan made his second consecutive All-Star appearance that season and turned in a 3.29 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 121:41 K:BB over 115 innings before requiring the second Tommy John surgery of his career.

Brubaker (oblique) tossed a live batting practice session Wednesday, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Brubaker appears to be facing no restrictions to open spring training, suggesting that he's made a full recovery from his April 2023 Tommy John surgery, as well as the oblique strain he suffered in mid-July that ended up keeping him on the Yankees' 60-day injured list all season. Though the right-hander has worked almost exclusively as a starter throughout his career, a long-relief role may represent Brubaker's clearest path to a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Brubaker doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so the Yankees would have to designate him for assignment if he's unable to secure a roster spot coming out of spring training.

Gipson-Long (elbow/hip) is throwing bullpen sessions twice per week, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Gipson-Long had Tommy John surgery last April and then hip surgery in July. His rehab from the procedures appears to be coming along well, but the right-hander is not expected to return until around midseason.

Flores was given a platelet-rich plasma injection in January to address right shoulder soreness, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Flores is rehabbing daily but it's uncertain when he might be ready to throw again. He is in Tigers camp as a non-roster invitee and seems likely to begin the season at Triple-A Toledo.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday that Cobb will be set back for about a month due to right hip inflammation, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Cobb's hip began bothering him as he was building up his offseason throwing program. He's been given a platelet-rich plasma injection and will be limited to rehab for a while. The veteran righty has some history with hip issues, although it was his left hip that he had surgery on last offseason. With Cobb likely to miss at least the first month of the season, there's an open spot in the Tigers' rotation. Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Kenta Maeda, Ty Madden, Brant Hurter and Keider Montero could all be in the mix to fill in.

White Sox general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday that Thorpe (elbow) has been playing catch and is slated to throw off a mound "shortly," Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe has had a pair of setbacks since he underwent surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. However, while Getz acknowledged Thorpe is behind other pitchers in camp, he expects the righty "to be active throughout spring training." Thorpe should have a spot in Chicago's rotation if he's healthy, but more clarity on his Opening Day readiness should be available in the coming weeks.

The Yankees claimed Headrick off waivers from the Twins on Tuesday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Headrick, 27, has collected a 5.97 ERA and 35:12 K:BB over 28.2 innings out of the Twins' bullpen across the last two regular seasons. The left-handed reliever probably won't make the Yankees' Opening Day roster, but he has minor-league options remaining.

Bush will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Wednesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Bush ended last season on the injured list with what was referred to at the time as a left triceps strain. It's not clear whether this injury is related to that or a new issue, but either way, the southpaw will now miss the entire 2025 season and could potentially get a late start to 2026, as well. Bush, 25, held a 5.60 ERA and 11:16 K:BB over 17.2 innings with the White Sox during the 2024 regular season.

Thorpe (elbow) could begin the season on the injured list, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe had surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow and has experienced a couple setbacks since then, which led to him being given a cortisone shot in January. While an MRI showed no structural damage, Thorpe will not be ready for the start of spring training and it seems as though the pitcher "won't be available at the season's outset," per Merkin. If Thorpe does indeed begin the year on the IL, it could mean both Sean Burke and Bryse Wilson beginning the season in the rotation for the White Sox.