MLB Player News

Megill (shoulder), whom the Mets placed on the 15-day injured list earlier Monday, won't throw for the next five days before beginning his ramp-up process, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Though the injury that landed him on the shelf is being characterized as a right shoulder strain rather than right shoulder soreness, Megill seems optimistic that he won't miss significant time and could even be back around when he's first eligible to return in mid-April. A precise timeline for Megill's return won't come into focus until he reaches the point in his throwing program that he's facing hitters. While 40-man roster members Joey Lucchesi or Jose Butto would seem to be the most logical candidates to replace Megill in the rotation, both were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in spring training and thus aren't eligible to be promoted until April 12 unless the Mets place a player on the IL in a corresponding move. As such, the Mets may turn to a non-roster player to make spot starts for Megill's next two turns through the rotation.

Miami designated Gutierrez for assignment Monday.

Gutierrez helped save the bullpen in absorbing four innings in Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Pirates, and his reward is being jettisoned from the 26-man and 40-man rosters. Miami called up Kent Emanuel from Triple-A Jacksonville to replace Gutierrez as a long man out of the bullpen.

Butto is an option to fill the spot in the Mets' rotation vacated by Tylor Megill (shoulder), Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Butto pitched well during spring training in allowing just one run with a 9:2 K:BB over 10 innings. He lost out to Megill for the No. 5 spot at that time but could now slide into the slot due to injury. Joey Lucchesi is another candidate to replace Megill, and the Mets also are reportedly showing interest in Julio Teheran.

Lucchesi is likely to absorb the rotation spot vacated by Tylor Megill (shoulder), Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Lucchesi permitted just one unearned run and struck out five over five innings in his season debut with Triple-A Syracuse on March 29. He also had a 2.89 ERA in nine starts for the Mets last season, although that came with a 1.31 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB across 46.2 frames. Jose Butto is another option to fill in for Megill. Whoever takes Megill's spot will likely start in Cincinnati this weekend.

The Mets placed Megill on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right shoulder strain.

Megill was diagnosed with the injury after he was forced out following four innings in his first start of the season in Sunday's loss to the Brewers. A precise timeline for Megill's return hasn't yet been established, but given that his injury is being labeled as a strain rather than soreness, he appears likely to miss more than the minimum 15 days. The Mets recalled Reed Garrett from Triple-A Syracuse to give the team a fresh relief arm in the short term, but the team will need to find a replacement when Megill's next turn through the rotation comes up this weekend in Cincinnati.

Cabrera (shoulder) allowed two hits and four walks over three scoreless innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday.

Cabrera struck out two batters and got his pitch count to 43 over the three frames. The velocity on all of his pitches was up, with the 97.7 miles per hour he averaged on his four-seamer representing a 1.5 mph jump from last season. It's an encouraging performance on the whole, though Cabrera had his usual control problems. He will probably need at least two more rehab starts before rejoining the Marlins rotation.

Means (forearm) was roughed up for seven runs over one-plus inning Sunday in his first rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk.

Means surrendered a pair of home runs among six hits and walked one batter. He threw 32 pitches, induced three whiffs and averaged 90.8 mph on his four-seamer, which was 0.9 mph lower than a season ago. Clearly, it's not the kind of performance Means was looking for as a ramps up for a return to the Orioles' rotation, but it will become worrisome only if it continues in subsequent rehab outings. He'll need a handful of rehab starts before returning potentially in late April.

Buehler (elbow) allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks over 3.1 innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

He struck out two in the outing and induced five whiffs among his 54 pitches. Buehler's four most-used pitches were all down at least 1.0 mph from where he's usually at, with his four-seamer coming in at 94.2 mph. Given that it was his first of what is expected to be four rehab starts, it's not really surprising or alarming. Assuming all goes well, Buehler is likely to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation before the end of the month.

Lodolo (calf) struck out eight over five innings of one-run ball in his first rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Lodolo not only fanned eight batters but he also induced 17 swinging strikes on 77 pitches. It's a very encouraging performance from the left-hander as he works his way back from a left calf issue. Lodolo is expected to make one more rehab start later this week before joining the Reds' rotation on April 10 against the Brewers.

Miller (0-1) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks Sunday, striking out six and taking a loss against Boston.

All the damage against Miller came via the long ball, with Tyler O'Neill knocking a solo homer in the second inning and Enmanuel Valdez breaking the game open with a three-run blast in the fourth. As a rookie last season, Miller gave up multiple home runs in five of his 25 starts. On the bright side, the 25-year-old's stuff looked solid; Miller got 16 whiffs on 42 swings, including six on just 10 swings against his splitter. He's currently expected to take the mound in Milwaukee this weekend.