MLB Player News

The Mariners optioned Castano to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Castano was added to the Mariners' 40-man roster in November, but he'll head back to Triple-A to begin 2025 after allowing five runs (four earned) over two innings during spring training. The 26-year-old righty turned in a 5.13 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with the Rainiers last season, and he'll likely need to improve upon those numbers before getting a chance in Seattle's rotation.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Schmidt (back) will remain at spring training when the team heads north and is slated to make his season debut April 3 against the Diamondbacks, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Schmidt has yet to pitch in a Grapefruit League game due to a back issue. While he seems to be past the injury now, the Yankees will hold him back for their sixth game of the regular season since he's behind schedule. Schmidt will throw a simulated game March 28 and is expected to have his pitch count built up to 75-to-80 before his regular-season debut.

The Nationals optioned Henry to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

The right-hander missed the entire second half of the 2024 campaign due to a lat injury and has transitioned to long relief for 2025. Henry made five starts for Double-A Harrisburg last year prior to the injury and had a 3.95 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 13:9 K:BB across 13.2 innings.

The Rays optioned Seymour to minor-league camp Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Seymour nabbed a spot on the 40-man roster over the offseason after collecting a 2.35 ERA and 162:41 K:BB over 145.1 innings between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham in 2024. He'll provide rotation depth at Durham this season.

The Nationals optioned Lara to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Lara is one of Washington's top prospects and was added to the 40-man roster in November in order to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft. The 22-year-old spent most of last season at the Double-A level and had a 3.55 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 86:32 K:BB across 99 innings.

The Rays optioned Rock to minor-league camp Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rock had a nice showing this spring, tossing four scoreless innings with four strikeouts. He was never under any real consideration for the Opening Day roster, however, and is slated to open the year in the rotation at Triple-A Durham.

The Rays optioned Curet to minor-league camp Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The club's top pitching prospect, Curet allowing one run with a 1:1 K:BB over two innings this spring. The 22-year-old finished with a flourish late last season at Double-A Montgomery and could be headed back there to begin the 2025 season.

Miller (head) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

It will be his first time facing hitters since he was struck in the head by a comebacker back on Feb. 20. Miller has been out of concussion protocol for a few days, but it's not clear when he might be ready to return to games. The right-hander is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Kirby has been shut down from throwing due to right shoulder inflammation and will begin the season on the injured list, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Kirby was not bouncing back well from his outings and had an MRI done, which came back negative. The right-hander wanted to keep throwing, but he was overruled and is slated to start the season on the IL. There is no timetable for when Kirby might be allowed to throw again. With Kirby sidelined, Emerson Hancock is likely to open the season in the Mariners' rotation.

Parker (neck) threw a bullpen session Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Parker had to be scratched from a scheduled appearance in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to neck stiffness. However, he appears to be feeling better and should be cleared to return to game action soon. Parker is competing for a spot in the Nationals' rotation.