MLB Player News

Wright (shoulder) hopes to progress to throwing a live batting practice session next week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Wright is coming off a lost 2024 season due to shoulder surgery and had a minor early-camp setback with a hamstring issue. The right-hander will need time to get built back up, so it's going to be a while before he's game-ready.

Manager Will Venable said Friday that Clevinger will be "near the top" of the White Sox's options for the ninth inning, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Venable indicated he may utilize multiple pitchers in the closer role, but naming Clevinger specifically could make him the early favorite for saves in Chicago. The veteran right-hander has recorded three strikeouts while not allowing a baserunner in his two spring appearances. Clevinger is set to work as a full-time reliever for the first time in his career after making just four starts for the White Sox last season while contending with neck and elbow injuries.

Manager Will Venable announced Friday that Burke will be in the White Sox's season-opening rotation, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander made his MLB debut down the stretch last season and allowed just three earned runs with a 22:7 K:BB across 19 innings, and he'll retain that rotation spot for the start of 2025. Burke is one of the organization's top prospects, though his performance at Triple-A Charlotte last year was underwhelming, as he finished with a 4.62 ERA in 16 starts.

The Orioles named Eflin their Opening Day starter on Friday.

With Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) injured, Eflin made for a pretty clear choice to take the ball March 27 in Toronto. The veteran right-hander was acquired at the trade deadline last year and held a 2.60 ERA and 47:11 K:BB over 55.1 regular-season innings for the Orioles before adding four frames of one-run ball in a postseason start.

Butto has been sitting out due to a minor groin injury but is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander made four appearances in spring training prior to the injury and gave up a run on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks over 3.2 innings. Assuming Butto is able to avoid a setback, it doesn't appear the injury will affect his availability for Opening Day.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that McCullers (forearm) will make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday against the Nationals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The right-hander touched 94 mph during his most recent live batting practice session and felt fine physically, clearing the way for his spring debut. This will be the first time McCullers has pitched in a game since the 2022 World Series, as he's dealt with numerous arm issues since then. He will begin the year on the injured list but could be ready for a spot in the Astros' rotation relatively early on in the season.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Walston will undergo Tommy John surgery, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

It's not clear when Walston was injured, but he missed time last season while at Triple-A Reno with an elbow issue. Because he's a starter and it's a full UCL repair, the left-hander will probably be sidelined until around midseason of next year.

Ullola was removed from Friday's Spring Breakout game appearance versus the Nationals with an apparent injury, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Ullola was in his second inning of work when he was visited by a trainer following a strikeout, eventually walking off the mound. The Astros have yet to provide any concrete information about the right-hander's condition.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday that Holmes will start Opening Day in Houston, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

He might not have been the choice if the Mets' rotation was fully healthy, but Holmes has earned the nod with a dominant spring that's seen him post a 13:4 K:BB over 9.2 scoreless innings. Holmes is making the move from bullpen to rotation this season after being used exclusively as a reliever since 2019.

The Diamondbacks optioned Henry to Triple-A Reno on Friday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander entered camp with long odds of cracking Arizona's Opening Day rotation, and he'll head to Triple-A after giving up six earned runs over 7.1 frames in Cactus League action. Henry had a 7.04 ERA across 38.1 major-league innings last year and could serve as a spot starter or long reliever for the Diamondbacks at some point this season.