MLB Player News

Woo (elbow) threw an up-down bullpen session Friday and could head out on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma at some point next week, SeattleSports.com reports.

The update comes via Mariners general manager Justin Hollander, who added Woo will need to get in a live batting practice as his next step before engaging in a three-inning rehab start. Woo would likely be set for two rehab starts overall whenever he does make it down to the farm, per Hollander, and he then would be evaluated for possible activation.

Medina (knee) has started a running program, the Associated Press reports.

Medina was just transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday as he continues a deliberate recovery from a Grade 2 MCL sprain he was originally diagnosed with in early March. While the right-hander still appears to be some time away from even progressing to bullpen sessions, he could certainly begin accelerating his rehabilitation process if he's able to carry out the running program without any setbacks.

Waldichuk (elbow) threw between 20 and 25 pitches in a bullpen session Friday, the Associated Press reports.

It's the second bullpen session for Waldichuk this week, as the left-hander continues a deliberate throwing program. Waldichuk could be deemed ready to face live hitters after Friday's session, although how he recovers over the weekend from the activity will likely be the determining factor in whether he progresses to the next step.

Williams (elbow) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday, MLB.com reports.

Williams is in line to face live hitters for the first time since he felt discomfort in his right elbow after making an awkward throw during a weighted-ball workout in the first or second week of March. Though he wasn't shut down from throwing for long, the elbow issue slowed him down enough to force him to the 15-day injured list to begin the season. Assuming his upcoming sim game goes well, Williams could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment late next week or early during the following week. He could require two rehab starts before being activated and seems to be trending toward a late-April or early May season debut with Cleveland.

Lively (illness) struck out one while allowing three earned runs on four hits and no walks over 5.1 innings in his second rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

After battling a viral illness in spring training that cost him about two weeks of action, Lively opened the season on the 15-day injured list. He might be fully built up by this point, however, as he reached the sixth inning of Tuesday's rehab outing and tossed 55 pitches in the start. Though Lively appeared likely to serve as organizational starting depth in 2024, he could have a clear path to a rotation spot in the short term while Shane Bieber (elbow) and Gavin Williams (elbow) are on the shelf. Bieber is lost for the season, but Williams is expected back in late April or early May.

The Rays reinstated Alexander from the bereavement list Saturday.

Alexander has gotten off to a rough start this year, surrendering nine earned runs on 14 hits through 9.1 frames, and he is expected to make his next start Sunday against San Francisco. Jacob Waguespack was optioned to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.

Bradish (elbow) is throwing a bullpen session Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

He threw a live batting practice session Thursday, so the fact he's throwing again suggests all went well and he is continuing his slow ramp up. Manager Brandon Hyde said after Bradish's bullpen session that the right-hander will embark on a rehab assignment in "the middle of next week," likely with Double-A Bowie.

Criswell was called up from Triple-A Worcester to start Saturday's game against the Angels, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 27-year-old righty came into the year with little fanfare after working as a multi-inning reliever in the majors last year for Tampa Bay. However, he has a 0.87 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 60 percent groundball rate through 10.1 innings (two starts) at Triple-A. The new Red Sox regime has gotten the best out of its starting pitchers in the early going, so perhaps Criswell can keep that trend going. Nick Pivetta (elbow) was expected to play catch Saturday and there's a chance he could return shortly after the 15-day minimum.

Gil will be available out of the bullpen for Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Per manager Aaron Boone, Gil would likely start Monday's game in Toronto if he doesn't pitch Saturday, but if he is used, he would slot back into the rotation Wednesday against the Blue Jays. Gil is available either for length or a big spot, so he could pick up a win or even a save during the twin bill. Nestor Cortes will start Sunday against Cleveland.

The Reds reinstated Lodolo (calf) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.

A left calf injury has kept Lodolo on the injured list since the beginning of the year, but he will return to make his season debut Saturday against the White Sox. The 26-year-old southpaw made two starts during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville, surrendering five earned runs across 7.2 innings while striking out 10 batters and walking three. Carson Spiers was optioned to Louisville in a corresponding move.