MLB Player News

Cavalli (elbow) isn't expected to see game action this spring or face hitters as the Nationals take a cautious approach to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander is almost 12 months removed from the surgery, but the Nats have little reason to push him to get back on a mound as they plan for another rebuilding year. Cavalli is likely to remain in extended spring training after camp breaks, and he could join the big-league rotation in June if everything goes smoothly. He made his big-league debut in 2022 after posting a 3.71 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 104:39 K:BB through 97 innings at Triple-A Rochester, and the 2020 first-round pick remains the organization's top pitching prospect despite the setback with his elbow.

Paxton said Sunday that he "has no doubt" he'll be ready for Opening Day, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The Dodgers wound up lowering the guaranteed amount of Paxton's contract due to an unspecified physical issue, adding in roster bonuses based on the left-hander's availability. The injury concern is considered minor, so it's not a surprise to hear Paxton isn't worried about being ready to roll by the opener. He'll remain a major injury risk, of course, as the 35-year-old has made just 25 combined starts at the big-league level since the start of the 2020 season.

Dodgers manager Dave Robert said Sunday that there's "no hard start date" for Buehler's (elbow) season debut, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers are slow-playing Buehler's throwing progression this spring after he made just one rehab appearance last year following Tommy John surgery. In addition to an undetermined date for his season debut, Buehler will also no doubt be facing workload restrictions during the 2024 campaign. It's a tricky situation for fantasy managers to navigate.

Lowder will participate in the Reds' major-league camp this spring, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Lowder was selected by the Reds with the seventh-overall pick in the 2023 Draft but did not pitch in organized ball following the draft, although he did impress in fall instructs, per his draft profile on MLB.com. The move to hold him out of game action could be due to the 120.1 innings the right-hander rung up at Wake Forest during a season in which the Demon Deacons reached the college World Series. The MLB.com profile believes Lowder will be fast mover through the system, noting an advanced feel for pitching and one of the college game's best changeups.

Turnbull agreed Sunday with the Phillies on a one-year, $2 million contract, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The contract includes up to $2 million in incentives.

Turnbull was non-tendered by the Tigers earlier in the offseason following an ineffective, injury-plagued 2023 campaign, but he'll be added to the Phillies' 40-man roster and should have a chance to compete for a back-end spot in the team's Opening Day rotation. The 31-year-old still has a minor-league option remaining and will most likely begin the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley if he falls short in his bid for a rotation spot with Philadelphia, but an injury or two could quickly pave the way for him to surface with the big club. Turnbull should at least head into Phillies camp with a clean bill of health, and he has a decent overall track record at the big-league level to fall back on in spite of his struggles in 2023. Over 61 career appearances (60 starts) across 302.1 innings with the Tigers from 2018 through 2023, Turnbull logged a 4.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 12.3 K-BB%.

The Dodgers placed Gonsolin (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Clayton Kershaw (shoulder). Kershaw, of course, will soon go on the 60-day IL himself, creating another spot. Gonsolin will miss the 2024 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

The Dodgers placed May (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

May began a throwing program in January, but he isn't expected back until the second half of the season after he underwent surgery on his right flexor tendon and UCL in July. His roster spot will be filled by Ryan Brasier, who officially signed a two-year deal with Los Angeles on Thursday.

Kershaw (shoulder) told reporters Thursday that he's targeting "July-ish, August-ish" for a return, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

It's a very rough timetable and it will likely be months before we get a clearer picture as to when Kershaw might be able to make his season debut for the Dodgers. Recovering from surgery to repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, Kershaw is two weeks into his throwing program. He will head back to his offseason home soon before rejoining the Dodgers' camp in early March to continue his rehab.

Farrell signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old righty spent 2023 at Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox organization, posting a 5.56 ERA and 52:27 K:BB over 55 frames. Farrell has experience starting and relieving, but 62 of his 69 appearances at the big-league level have been out of the bullpen.

Horton, who climbed through three minor-league levels in 2023, has an outside chance at making his MLB debut this season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

While Bastian notes that a 2025 MLB debut is probably more likely for Horton, the fact that he's already knocking on the door speaks loudly of his advanced skill set. The 22-year-old finished with a 2.65 ERA and 117 strikeouts across 88.1 innings last season across the three levels. Horton has the stuff to be an impact player as soon as he reaches the majors, and he could force the issue if he continues to dominate in the minors.