MLB Player News

Javier told reporters Thursday that he lost 15 pounds over the offseason, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier believes the added weight last season contributed to his mechanical issues and inconsistency. His ERA went from 2.54 to 4.56 and strikeout rate from 33.2 percent to 23.1 percent year-over-year. Javier hopes that by trimming down over the winter he can better lock in his mechanics and get back to what made him a breakout performer in 2022.

Woo, who logged 18 starts as a rookie in 2023, is focusing on improving considerably against left-handed hitters in his second season, Brandon Gustafson of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The right-hander, who made the jump straight from the Double-A level to the majors, finished with a 4-5 record and serviceable 4.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across his first 87.2 big-league frames. However, Woo had some drastic splits, surrendering a .283 average and .928 OPS in 180 plate appearances versus left-handed bats, numbers exponentially worse than the respective .179 and .494 figures he surrendered to righty bats. Woo, who's penciled in as the Mariners' No. 5 starter as spring camp gets underway, says he is absorbing plenty from two other accomplished young arms above him in the rotation in George Kirby and Logan Gilbert, who already have solid major-league resumes.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Schmidt is guaranteed a spot in the rotation, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Schmidt made 32 starts (33 appearances) for the Yankees last season, flashing promise but ultimately settling for a pedestrian 4.64 ERA and 149:46 K:BB over 159 innings. The Yanks will be hoping the 28-year-old takes a step forward in 2024 with a full season of big-league starting experience under his belt.

Corry signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Thursday, Melissa Lockard of The Athletic reports.

Corry, 25, was a borderline top-100 prospect a few years ago but has had his career sidetracked by injury. He threw 34 innings over four stops in the Giants' system last season, posting a 5.03 ERA and 52:18 K:BB.

Reds manager David Bell said Thursday that Lodolo (tibia) is slated to face live hitters in his next throwing session, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo avoided offseason surgery to address a stress reaction to his left tibia, an injury he suffered in August while on a rehab assignment. The young southpaw is seemingly healthy again for the early stages of spring training, but the Reds have been taking it slowly with him following a lost season in which he was limited to just seven starts with the big club. Lodolo has thus far been pain-free during his bullpen sessions, and facing hitters without any discomfort will be the final hurdle he needs to clear before he's integrated into the Cactus League pitching schedule. He's still tracking to be part of the Reds' Opening Day rotation, though any setback with his leg or any other sort of health concern that crops up would likely result in him beginning the season on the injured list.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Thursday that Keller will serve as the club's Opening Day starter March 28 in Miami, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Shelton's announcement was seemingly a foregone conclusion after Keller signed a five-year, $77 million contract extension -- the largest for a pitcher in franchise history -- just hours earlier. Though Keller is the Pirates' No. 1 starter, he likely profiles as more of a depth arm for most fantasy pitching staffs after he went 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 210:55 K:BB in 194.1 innings over his 32 starts a season ago.

Abbott is scheduled to make his first Cactus League start Monday in a split-squad game versus the Mariners, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Though his performance faded over the second half of the season, Abbott still submitted a promising rookie campaign in 2023, compiling a 3.87 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 120:44 K:BB over 109.1 innings. While Cincinnati beefed up its starting depth in the offseason with the additions of Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez -- in addition to the expected return of Nick Lodolo (tibia) from injury -- Abbott's spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation still seems to be fairly secure.

Bubic (elbow) said he felt good following a 15-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Bubic threw all fastballs in the session, his first since undergoing Tommy John surgery last April. He experienced no soreness a day after the session and will get back on the mound again Friday. The 26-year-old is expected to gradually increase the intensity and length of his bullpen sessions over a nine-week period before facing hitters. Assuming he hits no unexpected snags in his throwing program, Bubic could be ready to return from the injured list at some point around the middle of the summer.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Thursday that Bradish (elbow) has been bouncing back well after playing catch, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Working his way back from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, Bradish played catch from 60 feet late last week before expanding to 90 feet Tuesday. It's baby steps for now, but Hyde said the right-hander is "progressing nicely." It's not clear when Bradish might be cleared for mound work, but the Orioles will proceed cautiously.

Butto will be among those competing for the final spot in the Mets' rotation following the injury to Kodai Senga (shoulder), Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

He'll be going up against Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi and Max Kranick for the gig. Butto, who turns 26 next month, held a 3.64 ERA and 38:23 K:BB over 42 frames covering seven starts and two relief appearances for the Mets in 2023. He posted a 5.93 ERA in 19 starts during his time at Triple-A Buffalo.