MLB Player News

Contreras allowed one hit and walked three while striking out one across scoreless 2.1 innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

Contreras managed to work his way out of trouble, but he walked a batter in all three innings he pitched. Per Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Contreras also averaged 94.3 mph on his fastball, down around two ticks from the top velocity he's shown in the majors. He's now walked four batters across 4.1 innings of work this spring, which won't help his chances of securing a rotation spot to begin the new campaign.

Ober gave up one run with seven strikeouts and no walks over three innings in Saturday's spring training loss to Philadelphia. He reached a carer-high 94.8 mph with his fastball, and Ober said he hopes to gain more velocity from offseason workouts, MLB.com reports.

Ober, however, also reached 94 mph with his fastball last spring, according to the report, but averaged just 91.4 mph during the regular season. Still, his outing Saturday shows he's nearly in midseason form. While Ober may not have an overpowering fastball, it's offset by his outstanding control (5.0 percent walk rate) and above average off-speed pitches (slider, curve ball, change-up). He's set to be a vital part of Minnesota's rotation.

Groome was optioned to Triple-A El Paso by the Padres on Saturday.

Groome didn't make any Cactus League appearances for the Padres before being given the pink slip. The left-hander is coming off a dreadful 2023 season with El Paso, having posted an 8.55 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and 137:112 K:BB over 134.2 innings.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said in an interview with MLB Network on Thursday that the team is now "looking at June" for the return of Scherzer (back).

Bochy noted that the June timetable for Scherzer is "a little earlier than we thought." When Scherzer underwent surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disc in his back, the Rangers said at the time that the veteran righty could be back in June or July. It's not clear what exactly Scherzer is currently able to do during his rehab, but evidently the club is optimistic he can make it back on the early side of its initial timeline. It's still very early in the process, of course, and Scherzer's age (39) won't help him.

Boyle looks to be in the driver's seat for the fifth spot in the Athletics' rotation, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Boyle has impressed in his first two Cactus League outings, yielding just one earned run with a 5:0 K:BB over 5.1 innings of work. The big right-hander's stuff has never been in question, but he's sported an ugly 18.7 percent walk rate in the minors. However, Boyle walked just five in 16 frames during a late-season audition with the A's, and the improved control has carried over into spring training this year. He has plenty of bat-missing upside if he can keep the walks to an acceptable level.

Lynn is penciled in to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday versus the Nationals, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Lynn has been working on the back fields so far, giving the Cardinals an opportunity to evaluate other pitchers in spring games. Lynn will don the Cardinals' jersey for the first time since 2017 after signing a one-year deal with the team in November. The right-hander endured the worst season of his career in 2023, posting a 5.73 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 44 home runs allowed over 183.2 innings between the White Sox and the Dodgers. He'll play most of 2024 at age 37, so it's unclear how much he'll be able to bounce back, though he'll at least have his home games in a pitcher-friendly stadium.

Liberatore is in competition with Zack Thompson for the last spot in the Cardinals' rotation, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Liberatore is lagging behind in results with three runs allowed over five innings across two spring starts so far. There's a chance both Liberatore and Thompson could make the rotation -- Steven Matz is being brought along slowly this spring after an injury-riddled 2023. Liberatore started half of his 22 outings last season, pitching to a 5.25 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 46:25 K:BB over 61.2 innings. He'll need to show better to avoid a trip to Triple-A Memphis.

Perez exited his start Saturday against the Mets due to a broken nail on his right middle finger, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Perez had been dealing with a cut on the same finger earlier during camp, but his removal Saturday was unrelated. Perez said after his start that he felt no pain from the broken nail, and he doesn't expect it to become an issue going forward. The 20-year-old righty lasted 2.1 innings against New York, striking out two batters and walking one.

Eder experienced soreness in his right shoulder Saturday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Eder is slated for a side session Sunday, and the White Sox will determine next steps after he's thrown. The 25-year-old southpaw spent most of last season in Double-A, accumulating a 6.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 47 innings.

Perez was removed from his appearance during Saturday's spring training game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Perez called a trainer out to the mound during the third inning of Saturday's game to take a look at his hand. Perez recently had problems with a cut on his right middle finger, so it's possible he aggravated the injury during the game. The Marlins should offer more information on Perez's condition in the near future, but his status for Opening Day likely won't be affected.