MLB Player News

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Rom has taken a step back from throwing recently due to a left biceps issue, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

He hasn't been fully shut down, but the injury helps explain why Rom hasn't made a Grapefruit League appearance in nearly a week. Once healthy, the left-hander is slated to open the season in Triple-A Memphis' rotation.

Peterson (hip) began throwing bullpen sessions in March and is hopeful to return from the 60-day injured list when first eligible May 27, MLB.com reports.

After undergoing surgery Nov. 6 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, Peterson was projected to require 6-to-7 months of recovery time, so the Mets felt comfortable stashing him on the 60-day IL to begin the season to clear up a 40-man roster spot for another player. Peterson won't be ready to pitch in games at any point this spring, but he seems to be making steady progress in his recovery from hip surgery. Now that he's reached the point in his rehab where he's throwing bullpen sessions, Peterson could soon face hitters in live batting practice sessions and simulated games. After that, Peterson would then likely be sent out on an extended minor-league rehab assignment as he looks to build back up to a starter's workload.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday that Senga (shoulder) will begin throwing within the next week, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Senga was cleared to begin activities following an MRI and a visit with doctors Tuesday. Once the right-hander passes the necessary strength tests, he will begin throwing. Healey reports that Senga's ramp-up will likely take "at least" six weeks, so a return to the Mets rotation probably won't come until sometime in May, if not later. Senga is working his way back from a moderate posterior capsule strain in his right shoulder.

Yamamoto (0-1) took the loss to the Padres on Thursday in the second game of the Seoul Series. He allowed five runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two over one inning.

The right-hander also hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch in a forgettable big-league debut. He threw 43 pitches and only 23 of them found the strike zone. Signed in the offseason to the longest and most lucrative contract for a pitcher in MLB history, Yamamoto will face immense pressure to perform right away in his first season stateside. There will be better days ahead, but Thursday offered a harsh reminder that he's facing a different level of competition and the transition to Major League Baseball is often difficult.

Lowder allowed five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three over 1.1 innings in Wednesday's spring start against Texas.

Lowder, the seventh-overall pick in the 2023 Draft, worked around a pair of first-inning walks, before Marcus Semien took him deep for a grand slam in the second. The pitcher also hit a batter with the bases jammed preceding the home run. The 22-year-old right-hander could open the season as high as Double-A Chattanooga.

Henry walked one and struck out three over 3.1 hitless and scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring start against the Rockies.

Henry bounced back from a few rough appearances. He entered the start having allowed five runs in each of his last two outings, which may have set him behind Ryne Nelson for the final spot in the rotation. Wednesday's turnaround comes after Eduardo Rodriguez was removed from a Cactus League start due to a lat injury, which could temporarily open a second spot in the rotation.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said the medical staff was "encouraged" after examining Rodriguez (lat) on Wednesday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Rodriguez was removed from Tuesday's Cactus League appearance with left lat tightness and still felt some discomfort while being examined Wednesday, although it wasn't as bad. The pitcher has not undergone an MRI at this point, although that's still possible. The Diamondbacks have not yet ruled Rodriguez out for Opening Day, but a stay on the injured list remains possible even after the positive exam.

Gray (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday before facing minor leaguers in a game-like situation Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Based on how things go during and after those sessions, the Cardinals will make a determination as to where they will slot Gray into their rotation. A backdated injured list stint remains possible, but Gray might be ready before then. He's coming back from a mild right hamstring strain which he suffered March 4.

Taillon (back) threw a 10-pitch, touch-and-feel bullpen session Wednesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Taillon is finally ready to ease back into mound work after a lower-back issue cropped up nearly two weeks ago. The right-hander has not made any official game appearances this spring and it seems unlikely that he'll be ready for one before the Cactus League schedule runs out. He will begin the season on the injured list, with a potential timetable available later on as he continues to ramp back up.

Sykora has been sitting 96-97 mph with his fastball in camp, Sam Dykstra of MLB.com reports.

The 6-foot-6 right-hander got an over-slot bonus after being selected 71st overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, and it's beginning to look like the Nationals made a very wise investment in buying him out of a commitment to the University of Texas. The extension he gets on his pitches makes him tough for batters to pick up, and he's shown improvement with his slider in camp while also having a potentially plus split-finger pitch in his arsenal. Sykora won't turn 20 years old until late April, but he could move through multiple levels of the system this year in his pro debut if his control and command can keep up with his raw stuff.