MLB Player News

Espino (shoulder) is not expected to be game-ready until at least July.

Espino had another right shoulder surgery last March to repair his right shoulder capsule and rotator cuff. He's 11 months into a 16-to-18 month timeline, so while he could make it back for the second half, it's also possible he'll miss a third straight full season.

Crawford is behind schedule due to patellar tendon soreness, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The knee soreness for Crawford cropped up at some point during the offseason. It's not clear at this point how long he might be set back, but the Red Sox believe there's a good chance Crawford will be ready in time for Opening Day. If healthy, the right-hander is one of six starter candidates for the Red Sox' rotation.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Bradish (elbow) is "right on track" with his recovery and could contribute at some point during the second half, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Bradish underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last June and is still in the relatively early stages of his throwing program. It's been so far, so good for the right-hander's rehab, but he has no firm timeline for his return.

Stroman reported to Yankees camp Friday and told reporters "I won't pitch out of the bullpen," Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

While Stroman did not report with other pitchers and catchers earlier this week, he technically didn't have to report until Feb. 22, per the terms of MLB's Collective Bargaining Agreement. As far as Stroman's role goes, while he insisted that "I'm a starter," there wouldn't currently appear to be any room for him in the Yankees' rotation. That can change, of course, with an injury or a trade. Stroman held a 4.31 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 154.2 regular-season innings in 2024, which covered 29 starts and one relief appearance.

Ryan (shoulder) threw 36 pitches without any discomfort Thursday in his first bullpen session of the spring, MLB.com reports. "He came back from [the injury] the way we hoped he would. It gave him virtually pretty close to a normal offseason, which is what you're hoping for," said manager Rocco Baldelli.

Ryan suffered a Grade 2 teres major strain during a start Aug. 9 and missed the rest of the regular season. He had an MRI in November that showed a "complete resolution" of the shoulder strain and had a fairly normal offseason throwing program. He looks set to begin the season as the No. 2 starter in the Minnesota rotation.

Though veteran newcomer Ryan Pressly figures to be Chicago's nominal closer, Hodge should still see save opportunities this season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

This aligns with previous rumblings that Hodge would still be in the mix for saves even with Pressly joining the Cubs via trade. It remains to be seen how exactly duties will be split up, and Pressly is probably the top Chicago reliever to target at the moment, but Hodge should remain on the fantasy radar heading into the season. The 24-year-old impressed as a rookie last year, posting a 1.88 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 52 strikeouts across 43 innings to go along with nine saves.

General manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday that Sykora likely won't be ready to pitch in games until May due to a hip injury, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

Per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports, the right-hander underwent "minor labrum surgery" this offseason. Sykora enjoyed a great season at Single-A Fredericksburg last year, finishing with a 2.33 ERA and 0.91 WHIP alongside a 129:27 K:BB across 85 innings. However, his hip will force him to miss the first portion of the 2025 minor-league season. Once the 20-year-old is healthy, the Nationals may elect to bump him up to High-A Wilmington given the success he had in his first year as a pro.

Kershaw (toe/knee) said Thursday that he expects to be placed on the 60-day injured list but is hopeful of being ready once those 60 days are up, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw underwent surgery on both his left knee and left toe during the offseason, but he has passed a physical and his one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Dodgers became official Thursday. The future Hall of Famer has been throwing on flat ground, but it's not clear when he might be ready for mound work. Kershaw will be brought along slowly, which is a luxury the Dodgers can afford given their rotation depth.

The Dodgers placed Ryan (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ryan isn't expected to pitch in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August. He'll concede his spot on the 40-man roster for Clayton Kershaw (toe), who officially re-signed with Los Angeles on Thursday.

Imaging revealed a strain in Montgomery's left index finger Thursday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

The Diamondbacks don't seem too concerned about Montgomery's finger, but they'll hold off on having him throw for now and see how he feels in a few days. The 32-year-old southpaw also reported shedding 20 to 25 pounds over the offseason, as he's determined to bounce back from a 2024 campaign that was easily the worst of his career.