MLB Player News

Freeland (shoulder) threw off a mound Friday and will throw a full bullpen session Saturday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Freeland suffered a shoulder strain exactly one month ago and was initially expected to miss at least a month. That estimate may not be too far off, but he still has some work to do as he builds his arm strength back up and doesn't have a clear timeline for his return to action.

Fried (hamstring) has been able to play catch but has yet to throw off a mound, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Fried has spent the required 10 days on the injured list but remains without a timeline to return to action. He was initially expected to miss just one start, but he'll wind up missing two at a minimum.

Contrary to previous reports, Soroka (shoulder) has not yet resumed throwing, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Soroka is past the end of the two weeks he was expected to be shut down for after suffering a shoulder setback in early April. It was reported earlier in the day Friday that he'd resumed light throwing, but that's in fact not the case. He remains without a timetable for his return.

Soroka (shoulder) has begun light throwing but remains without a timetable to return to the roster, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Soroka was getting close to a return from Achilles surgery when he suffered a setback with his shoulder in early April. He was shut down from throwing for two weeks. The fact that he's able to throw again is undoubtedly a positive, but he'll still have to build his arm strength back up before pushing for a return to game action.

Lucchesi was optioned to the Mets' alternate training site Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lucchesi's results through eight innings this season have been mixed, as he's allowed six runs but also owns a promising 11:2 K:BB. His demotion may be more a function of need than performance, however, as the Mets have two off days next week and won't need to use a fifth starter until May 4. Reliever Stephen Tarpley was recalled in a corresponding move.

Buehler gave up two runs on four hits while fanning nine across seven innings Thursday against the Padres. He didn't factor into the decision.

Buehler gave up a run in the fourth with an RBI single from Manny Machado that scored Fernando Tatis and surrendered another one with a solo shot from Trent Grisham in the sixth, but he was excellent the rest of the way. He's yet to allow more than two runs in any of his first four appearances and has kicked off the season with four straight quality starts. The right-hander is slated to take the ball next week at home against the Reds.

Keller allowed two earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out five across five innings Thursday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision.

Keller took advantage of a relatively soft matchup Thursday to turn in a strong effort. He avoided handing out a free pass for the first time this season, though his problems with the long ball persisted when he served up a home run to JaCoby Jones. Keller has proven to be highly dependent on matchups so far this season, and his inconsistency is highlighted by a 7.16 ERA through 16.1 innings. He's currently projected to draw his next start against Kansas City on Wednesday.

Lucchesi gave up three runs on two hits and a pair of walks while striking out five across three innings against the Cubs on Thursday. He didn't factor into the decision.

Lucchesi got off to a strong start, sending five of his first seven batters down on strikes. Unfortunately, he issued back-to-back walks in the third inning followed by an RBI single by Willson Contreras and a two-run double by Kris Bryant, giving the Cubs a 3-0 lead. The 27-year old didn't last much longer, getting pulled after three innings and 60 pitches, 34 for strikes. Lucchesi threw only 55 pitches in his last outing, so he didn't improve much in terms of endurance. The left-hander is lined up to make his next start April 30 against the Phillies, though that hasn't yet been made official.

Williams did not factor into the decision during Thursday's win over the Mets after allowing two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings.

All of the damage charged to Williams came from a two-run homer off the bat of Pete Alonso in the fourth inning. Otherwise, the 28-year-old turned in a decent showing, leaving the game in line for the win before the bullpen blew the lead in the seventh. Williams has given up two or fewer runs in three of his first four outings, though his one blowup means he still has a 4.66 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. He'll look to notch his third win of the year Tuesday at Atlanta.

Cabrera (biceps) has been throwing from 105 feet without issue, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cabrera continues to increase his throwing distance since being shut down in mid-February. There remains no clear timetable for his return to game action.