MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that May will have workload limitations during the 2023 season, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

May will be returning for his first full season since recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it's not a surprise that he won't handle a full workload. However, Roberts declined to say how the team would opt to limit May's innings. Therefore, it's possible that May will have turns skipped through the rotation, have his workload limited on a per-start basis, or he'll be shifted to the bullpen for periods throughout the campaign.

Painter has been working on a cutter during the offseason, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

One of the top pitching prospects in the league, Painter is in big-league camp and could push for a rotation spot early in the season if he impresses this spring. He already boasted four offerings -- a fastball, slider, curve and changeup -- but also has reportedly thrown a cutter during bullpen sessions with J.T. Realmuto. Painter delivered an impeccable 1.48 ERA and 0.89 WHIP across 103.2 innings last year, topping out at Double-A Reading.

Kershaw is facing "challenges" to get cleared to play in the World Baseball Classic, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kershaw is still listed on the Team USA roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, though both he and U.S. general manager Tony Reagins acknowledged he has yet to be cleared to pitch in the event. There were no specific reasons provided, though Harris noted that the most common delay is related to players obtaining insurance. Kershaw has been limited to 126 and 122 innings, respectively, in the last two seasons due to both shoulder and forearm inflammation in addition to back soreness, though there's no indication at this point that he's currently dealing with an injury.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Ashby (shoulder) will be out for "a couple of months," Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

McCalvy brought some left shoulder fatigue into Brewers camp, and it has since been diagnosed as inflammation. The 24-year-old left-hander will likely be fully held out of Cactus League action before landing on the injured list just ahead of Opening Day. Expect more clarity later this spring on a mapped-out timeline for his 2023 season debut.

Hamels (shoulder) signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Presumably, he's getting an invitation to spring training as part of a deal which would be worth $2 million if he's in the majors, per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. The San Diego native made one start in 2020 and none the last two seasons, but he isn't ready to hang it up yet at 39 years of age. Hamels had shoulder surgery back in November of 2021 but reportedly looked good in an audition for teams in January. Obviously, he's a long shot to be a significant contributor at this point, but on a minor-league deal there's little downside from the Padres' perspective.

DeSclafani (ankle) said Wednesday he is 100 percent healthy and expects to have a bounce-back campaign in 2023, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Ankle surgery ultimately cut DeSclafani's 2022 campaign short after five starts and 19 innings, during which he posted a 6.63 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. The right-hander underwent surgery in July, and while his status is worth monitoring in camp, he should be in the mix for a rotation spot once the season begins. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports it's possible the Giants could use six starters at times this season, which would make it easier for DeSclafani and other pitchers to get up to speed early in the campaign.

Burnes will make $10.01 million in 2023 after losing his arbitration hearing against the Brewers on Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Burnes had asked for a $10.75 million salary in what was his second year of arbitration eligibility. The pitcher said afterward that "there's no denying the relationship (with the Brewers) is definitely hurt" as a result of what was said during the hearing. While Burnes also pointed out that "we're professionals and we're gonna go out there and do our job," this certainly can't help the Brewers' chances of signing him to a contract extension at some point.

Anderson underwent a biometric evaluation this offseason that helped him adjust his mechanics on the mound, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The 24-year-old struggled last season for one of the few times in his professional career, posting a 5.00 ERA over 111.2 big-league innings before a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett in August, but Anderson used the offseason to make some adjustments to his delivery and approach. "One of the things I kind of told myself was, I don't want to get back to that guy, I want to be better than that guy," Anderson said Wednesday. "I think I can be. That's kind of been the driving force this offseason." As part of the process of becoming a better pitcher, he cleaned up his delivery and worked on maintaining his focus on the mound. Anderson will compete in camp with Mike Soroka, Bryce Elder and Kolby Allard for the final spot in Atlanta's Opening Day rotation.

Henry is expected to compete for the No. 5 starter job this spring, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The top four spots in Arizona's rotation are set, but the final one is up for grabs with Henry joining a group whose leading candidates are Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson. The left-handed Henry made nine starts over the final two months of 2022 with mixed results. He posted a 5.36 ERA and 1.45 WHIP while giving up 10 home runs over 47 innings (1.9 HR/9). Prospect Brandon Pfaadt is also in the mix, but a roster spot could hinge on a player being on the 40-man roster, which favors Henry.

Buehler (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Dodgers on Thursday.

Buehler is likely to miss the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last August. He should be 100 percent recovered come the beginning of spring training in 2024, but a more precise recovery timeline should come into focus as he goes through his rehab program.