MLB Player News

Hendricks, who allowed three runs over 3.1 innings in a Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks on Friday, now has a 7.56 ERA this spring.

Hendricks has made three short appearances so far in camp and has allowed runs each time. It's a small sample size of only 8.1 total innings, so alarm bells don't need to go off yet. However, fantasy managers may want to see the veteran righty get going a bit before the regular season to feel better about his prospects early in the year. Hendricks at least looks healthier this spring compared to last, when he had his throwing routine bumped back due to his recovery from a capsular tear in 2022.

Gausman (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The bullpen will mark Gausman's first time throwing off a mound since he first experienced fatigue in his right shoulder roughly a week ago. Despite the injury, Gausman still expects to be ready for Opening Day. A Cy Young finalist in the American League last season, Gausman won't be able to afford a setback if he is to start the season on time.

Falter is in competition for the final spot in the Pirates' rotation to begin the season, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Falter is among several candidates vying for the role. He's allowed 12 baserunners across six innings of work in Grapefruit League action, though his 6:1 K:BB suggests perhaps he's gotten unlucky. The Pirates would likely prefer that Luis Ortiz or Jared Jones force their way into the rotation, and both have had impressive spring performances to this point. That could push Falter into a long relief role, as he has no minor-league options remaining.

Varland threw three scoreless innings in Friday's Grapefruit League loss to Pittsburgh. He threw 34 pitches and another 11 in the bullpen as he prepares to be a starter, MLB.com reports. He's thrown seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and one walk this spring.

Varland is competing with Anthony DeSclafani for the fifth starter role. He could begin the season with the job, as DeSclafani is working his way back from a sore right elbow. If Varland loses out on a rotation spot, it will be interesting to see if the Twins move him to the bullpen or keep him as a starter at Triple-A. Varland excelled as a reliever last season with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings with a 17:1 K:BB while seeing his fastball touch triple digits.

Kelly struck out three over two scoreless, no-hit innings in Friday's start against the Cubs.

Kelly was making his first Cactus League appearance this spring. He's coming off a career-high 201.1 innings in 2023, including the postseason, so the Diamondbacks held him back for a bit to begin camp. The right-hander will get in at least another three spring outings, before he's expected to start the second game of the regular season, Mar. 29, at home against Colorado.

The Pirates optioned Burrows (elbow) to the minor leagues Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Burrows had his 2023 season cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery in late April. The right-hander will start the 2024 season in the minors and look to work his way up to the majors.

Waldrep was reassigned to minor-league camp by Atlanta on Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Waldrep had an impressive spring debut March 3, when he pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The 24th overall pick in the 2023 Draft could make his major-league debut this season if he pitches well in the minors.

Kloffenstein was optioned to Triple-A Memphis by the Cardinals on Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Kloffenstein earned a spot on the Cardinals' 40-man roster after registering an impressive 3.16 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 140:55 K:BB over 128 innings in 2023 between Double-A and Triple-A. If Kloffenstein is effective with Memphis early in the season, he could see some time in the majors in 2024.

Gipson-Long (groin) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The right-hander resumed throwing in late February after dealing with a groin strain, and he'll return to the mound this weekend. Gipson-Long will likely need a couple bullpen sessions before advancing to face live hitters, but he's getting closer to being ready for game action.

Teng (oblique) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Teng is working his way back from a left oblique strain suffered early in camp. The 25-year-old is pegged to open the season in Triple-A Sacramento's rotation.