MLB Player News

Birdsong could be on the outside looking in for a spot in the Giants' rotation, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Birdsong flashed plenty of promise in 2024, particularly from a strikeouts perspective, posting a 4.75 ERA and 88:43 K:BB over 72 innings covering 16 regular-season starts. However, with the signing of Justin Verlander and expected return of Jordan Hicks to the rotation, Birdsong could begin the 2025 campaign back at Triple-A Sacramento. It might not be the worst thing since Birdsong still needs to work on his control, but he has some of the best upside of any of the Giants' starting pitchers and still figures to spend ample time in the major-league rotation.

The Yankees claimed Headrick off waivers from the Twins on Tuesday, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Headrick, 27, has collected a 5.97 ERA and 35:12 K:BB over 28.2 innings out of the Twins' bullpen across the last two regular seasons. The left-handed reliever probably won't make the Yankees' Opening Day roster, but he has minor-league options remaining.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that Megill will be stretched out as a starting pitcher this spring, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets' current plan is to open the season with a six-man rotation, and Megill will be in the mix for one of those last two spots along with David Peterson, Griffin Canning and Paul Blackburn (back). Megill could eventually shift to a relief role, although he does have minor-league options left; therefore, the righty could also open the season in the Triple-A Syracuse rotation.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that Butto will remain in the team's bullpen, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Butto made seven starts for the Mets in 2024 and has been a starter throughout his time in the minors, but he found his niche in the bullpen down the stretch last season, collecting a 2.00 ERA and 41:17 K:BB over 36 regular-season innings. The righty will be tasked with getting some key outs in a setup role.

Bush will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Wednesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Bush ended last season on the injured list with what was referred to at the time as a left triceps strain. It's not clear whether this injury is related to that or a new issue, but either way, the southpaw will now miss the entire 2025 season and could potentially get a late start to 2026, as well. Bush, 25, held a 5.60 ERA and 11:16 K:BB over 17.2 innings with the White Sox during the 2024 regular season.

Senga said Tuesday that he's felt fully healthy since the beginning of January, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Senga made just four appearances in 2024 between the regular season and playoffs due to shoulder and calf problems. He spent the first half of the offseason rehabbing but has gone through his normal throwing progression since then and won't have any restrictions at the start of camp. The 32-year-old had a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts in the 2023 regular season and could be in line for a big bounce-back season in 2025 if he can stay off the injured list.

With Javier Assad (oblique) set to potentially miss some time, Rea may end up as the Cubs' fifth starter out of camp, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad is dealing with oblique soreness and was scheduled to undergo imaging Monday. It's unclear how long he might be out, but the MRI makes it seem like he could be on the shelf for a bit. If that ends up being the case, Rea would be a natural option to step in. The veteran righty has plenty of starting experience at the MLB level, including 27 starts for the Brewers last year. Rea turned in a 4.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 167.2 innings in 2024.

Walker is in a battle for the Phillies' final bullpen job this spring, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Walker opened the offseason knowing that he was at best keeping a seat warm for Andrew Painter, who's expected to eventually earn a rotation spot once he's fully built back up from Tommy John surgery. Then the Phillies acquired Jesus Luzardo in a trade with the Marlins, bumping Walker to the bullpen. While the two years and $36 million remaining on Walker's contract make a compelling case for the Phillies to find some use for him, his 5.27 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 17.6 percent strikeout rate over the first two years of his deal give the team plenty of reason to cut bait.

Thorpe (elbow) could begin the season on the injured list, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe had surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow and has experienced a couple setbacks since then, which led to him being given a cortisone shot in January. While an MRI showed no structural damage, Thorpe will not be ready for the start of spring training and it seems as though the pitcher "won't be available at the season's outset," per Merkin. If Thorpe does indeed begin the year on the IL, it could mean both Sean Burke and Bryse Wilson beginning the season in the rotation for the White Sox.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Birdsell is dealing with an injury to his right shoulder/lat area, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Birdsell is coming off a solid showing in 2024, having posted a 3.91 ERA and 134:31 K:BB over 135.2 innings between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. The pitching prospect is attending camp as a non-roster invitee, and, if healthy, is slated to open the season in the rotation at Iowa.