MLB Player News

Ashcraft allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings in Friday's spring start against Oakland.

Ashcraft allowed runs in the first two innings then settled in before escaping a bases-loaded situation in the fifth after he walked three batters. The right-hander finished the Cactus League with a 5.52 ERA, 12 strikeouts and eight walks over 14.2 innings (four starts).

Henry could claim a spot in the rotation after Eduardo Rodriguez (lat) was shut down from throwing, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The Diamondbacks confirmed Rodriguez will begin the season on the injured list, which opens up a second spot in the rotation. Henry had been competing with Ryne Nelson and Bryce Jarvis for the No. 5 job, but Nelson had the clear edge on that based on spring results. Gilbert believes Arizona will keep both Henry and Nelson as starters, while Jarvis could serve as the long man in the bullpen. Henry had a few rough spring starts before throwing 3.1 scoreless innings Wednesday. The left-hander finished the Cactus League with a 6.88 ERA, 12 strikeouts and six walks over 17 innings (six appearances). It's possible he throws in one of the two games scheduled Monday or Tuesday against the Guardians after Arizona breaks camp.

Nelson allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out nine over five innings in Friday's spring start against the Mariners.

Nelson put the finishing touches on a promising spring. The right-hander finished the Cactus League with a 2.66 ERA, 26 strikeouts and seven walks over 20.1 innings (six starts). He led the competition for the final rotation spot and seems assured of one given the news that Eduardo Rodriguez (lat) will open the season on the injured list.

Manoah (shoulder) threw 23 pitches in a live batting practice session Friday, Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun reports.

The right-hander's fastball reportedly touched 97 mph in his first live session since going down with a sore shoulder early in camp. He will begin the season on the injured list, and Manoah said he's uncertain what his next step will be. Bowden Francis was named to the Blue Jays' rotation and another spot could open up if Kevin Gausman (shoulder) does not gain clearance for the start of the season.

Brown will start the third game of the regular season against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Brown will slot into the rotation behind Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. He's worked on a traditional slider while also aiming to improve his stamina this spring and has posted an impressive 12:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings in the exhibition season.

The Rangers informed Duffy on Friday that he will not make the Opening Day roster, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Duffy has an opt-out clause in his contract with the Rangers, and he will likely explore his options in free agency. The 35-year-old spent most of last season in Double-A, recording a 2.30 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 31.1 innings, but he's unlikely to contribute in the majors in 2024.

The Blue Jays optioned Macko to Triple-A Buffalo on March 8.

Macko attended his first big-league spring training with Toronto after he was protected from the Rule 5 Draft over the winter and added to the 40-man roster, but the Blue Jays' decision to cut him early in camp suggests he was never particularly close to winning a spot on the 26-man roster. The 23-year-old lefty has yet to pitch above the High-A level and is likely at least a year away from making his MLB debut.

Steele suffered a left knee contusion during Friday's Cactus League game against the Giants, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The southpaw was hit in the knee by a comebacker off the bat of Luis Matos during the second inning of Friday's contest, but it seems Steele managed to escape without any serious injuries. It remains to be seen whether he'll start as scheduled Opening Day, but a trip to the injured list appears unlikely. Steele has allowed six earned runs across 11 innings this spring while striking out 13 batters and walking two.

Steele was removed from Friday's Cactus League start versus the Giants after being hit in the left knee by a comebacker, Marquee Sports Network reports.

Steele stayed down on the ground for a bit after being struck by a ball off the bat of Luis Matos before eventually walking off the field with a limp. It's not clear at this point whether the southpaw will need to undergo any testing. Steele was making his final tune-up start before his scheduled Opening Day assignment March 28 against the Rangers.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Friday that Liberatore will work out of the bullpen to begin the season, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The 24-year-old was attempting to win a spot in St. Louis' season-opening rotation, but Zack Thompson will instead fill in while Sonny Gray (hamstring) is on the injured list. Liberatore started in 11 of his 22 big-league appearances last season and could work as a swingman again in 2024.