MLB Player News

Woodford allowed seven hits and a walk over 5.1 scoreless innings during Friday's win over Pittsburgh. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

Woodford worked his way around trouble, including a bases-loaded jam in the second inning. He gave up nine runs in as many innings through his first two starts and, despite not allowing a run Friday, wasn't particularly effective in his third. He threw 81 pitches, forced just five whiffs and gave up an averaged extra velocity of 96.5 mph. Woodford will carry a 5.65 ERA into his next start, which is currently projected to be at home against the Diamondbacks next week.

Varland gave up three earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings Friday against the Yankees.

He did not factor in the decision, but Varland's eight strikeouts were a career high. His velocity was up across the board compared to 2022, as he averaged 96.2 mph with his four-seam fastball and 91.4 mph on his cutter, which he threw 39 percent of the time. It was an impressive showing from Varland, but it's possible this will end up just being a spot start if Kenta Maeda (arm fatigue) will indeed be ready to start next week after having his turn skipped this weekend.

Oviedo (1-1) allowed one run on six hits and a walk over seven innings Friday, striking out 10 but taking a loss against the Cardinals.

Oviedo rolled through five shutout frames before his former club finally broke a scoreless tie in the sixth. He has been terrific over his last two outings, logging a 15:1 K:BB while allowing just one run across 13.2 innings. He forced 13 whiffs on 44 swings (29.5) and averaged 97.2 mph on his fastball Friday. Oviedo lines up for a start in Colorado next week.

Berrios was limited to 77 pitches Friday against the Rays after taking an 111.8 mph Yandy Diaz comebacker off the inside of his left knee, but he is expected to make his next start, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Despite the early exit, this was still easily Berrios' best start of the year, as he gave up one earned run on four hits and zero walks while striking out six in five innings en route to his first win of the season. There's always a chance the knee feels worse in the coming days, but it's encouraging that manager John Schneider gave Berrios a vote of confidence right after the game. Assuming he stays on turn, Berrios would face the Astros in Houston next week.

Bradish built up to 83 pitches in Friday's rehab start for Double-A Bowie and said his foot is 100 percent healed, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

He gave up three earned runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings Thursday, and his comments after the outing suggest he's ready to return to the majors. Assuming he does get activated next week, he could start Wednesday in Washington on normal rest or in a weekend series at home against the Tigers on extra rest following Thursday's off day.

Rea will remain in Milwaukee's rotation and is scheduled to start Tuesday in Seattle, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

With Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) out indefinitely and Aaron Ashby (shoulder) already ruled out for most of the season, the Brewers rotation depth is getting tested early on. Rea, 32, tossed seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and zero walks at Triple-A before giving up one run with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings Thursday in San Diego. His four-seam fastball velocity was around 93 mph in his first start, which is right where it was in 2021 before he went to pitch in Japan for a year, but he's since added an 84-mph sweeper that he threw 22.9 percent of the time Thursday.

Ray (elbow) will be re-evaluated Monday, after which a throwing program could be mapped out, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Manager Scott Servais said Ray looks good and feels good, so it sounds like doctors will evaluate him before clearing him to begin a throwing program. Ray could require multiple rehab starts to get built back up, so a return in early May seems like a best-case scenario.

Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Florida, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

It was reported earlier this week that he will need at least one minor-league rehab start before coming off the injured list, and Verlander is expected to complete at least two throwing sessions before heading out on a rehab assignment. He appears to be tracking toward a return before the end of the month.

Woodruff (shoulder) had an MRI on Wednesday and remains shut down while doctors determine how best to proceed, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

This was relayed by manager Craig Counsell, and it certainly makes it sound like Woodruff's shoulder inflammation is fairly significant. Colin Rea had a strong spot start Thursday against the Padres and could remain in the rotation indefinitely as long as he keeps his head above water.

Springs (arm) is expected to miss a minimum of two months, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Springs underwent an MRI on his left arm Friday after experiencing some nerve discomfort during his start Thursday afternoon against the Red Sox. Topkin notes that the Rays are seeking out multiple opinions, but the early indications are not good. The elbow issue could even be an injury that requires surgery and leads to a long-term absence. Springs landed a four-year, $31 million contract extension in January and had posted excellent numbers out of the gate this season.