MLB Player News

Bieber (elbow) is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound in mid-February.

Bieber has progressed to playing catch five times per week and has expanded the distance out to 120 feet. The veteran right-hander had Tommy John surgery last April and is not expected back until midseason.

Espino (shoulder) is not expected to be game-ready until at least July.

Espino had another right shoulder surgery last March to repair his right shoulder capsule and rotator cuff. He's 11 months into a 16-to-18 month timeline, so while he could make it back for the second half, it's also possible he'll miss a third straight full season.

Crawford is behind schedule due to patellar tendon soreness, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The knee soreness for Crawford cropped up at some point during the offseason. It's not clear at this point how long he might be set back, but the Red Sox believe there's a good chance Crawford will be ready in time for Opening Day. If healthy, the right-hander is one of six starter candidates for the Red Sox' rotation.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Bradish (elbow) is "right on track" with his recovery and could contribute at some point during the second half, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last June and is still in the relatively early stages of his throwing program. It's been so far, so good for the right-hander's rehab, but he has no firm timeline for his return.

Stroman reported to Yankees camp Friday and told reporters "I won't pitch out of the bullpen," Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

While Stroman did not report with other pitchers and catchers earlier this week, he technically didn't have to report until Feb. 22, per the terms of MLB's Collective Bargaining Agreement. As far as Stroman's role goes, while he insisted that "I'm a starter," there wouldn't currently appear to be any room for him in the Yankees' rotation. That can change, of course, with an injury or a trade. Stroman held a 4.31 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 154.2 regular-season innings in 2024, which covered 29 starts and one relief appearance.

Ryan (shoulder) threw 36 pitches without any discomfort Thursday in his first bullpen session of the spring, MLB.com reports. "He came back from [the injury] the way we hoped he would. It gave him virtually pretty close to a normal offseason, which is what you're hoping for," said manager Rocco Baldelli.

Ryan suffered a Grade 2 teres major strain during a start Aug. 9 and missed the rest of the regular season. He had an MRI in November that showed a "complete resolution" of the shoulder strain and had a fairly normal offseason throwing program. He looks set to begin the season as the No. 2 starter in the Minnesota rotation.

Gray (foot) completed his first bullpen session of spring training Thursday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Gray finished last season on the injured list while dealing with a neuroma in his foot, but he seemingly had a normal offseason and doesn't appear to be facing any restrictions during the spring. Rather than his health, Gray's role heading into 2025 is the bigger question mark during camp. Neither manager Bruce Bochy nor general manager Chris Young have confirmed that Gray will be locked into an Opening Day rotation spot, and Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported earlier this week that the organization has had internal discussions about using the hard-throwing right-hander as a closer. The back end of the Texas bullpen is currently unsettled, as the Rangers let three key late-inning relievers (Kirby Yates, David Robertson and Jose Leclerc) walk in free agency this winter and lack an obvious ninth-inning solution on the roster.

Valdez said Thursday that the Astros have yet to approach him or his agent regarding a contract extension, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Valdez is set to make $18 million during 2025 in his final year under team control, and there's been no indication to this point that Houston is eager to lock up the lefty to a long-term deal. He'll turn 32 next winter, but Valdez should have no trouble landing a sizable contract from someone following three straight top-10 finishes in voting for the American League Cy Young Award.

Wells (elbow) is throwing on flat ground but has yet to incorporate breaking balls or mound work, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander underwent a UCL revision and internal brace augmentation surgery on his right elbow in mid-June. Wells' rehab has come along as expected to this point, but he's still in the early stages of his throwing program. He will not be an option for the Orioles until at least midseason.

Thorpe (elbow) said Thursday that he hopes to throw off a mound next week, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe underwent surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow and subsequently had a pair of setbacks, so he's a little behind at the start of camp. While the hope is that he will not need a stint on the injured list to begin the season, it's far from a given that he'll be able to avoid one. If healthy, Thorpe is projected to be part of the White Sox's rotation.