MLB Player News

May tossed four scoreless innings against Cincinnati in a Cactus League contest Sunday, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out seven batters.

May gave up just a walk and a pair of infield singles in the start, and he got more than half of his outs via strikeout, with his fastball sitting at 96-97mph, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The right-hander has allowed just one run while striking out 13 batters over 8.2 spring innings thus far. Most importantly, May said Sunday that he feels "probably the closest that I've been to 'pre-surgery,' feel-wise," per Matthew Ritchie of MLB.com. His comment is a reference to the Tommy John surgery he underwent in May of 2021, and although he was able to come back and pitch 30 innings for Los Angeles last season, May indicated that the rehab process and subsequent return to action was a "grind." Given his talent and return to health, May could be in for a breakout campaign, though his fantasy value is capped to some extent by manager Dave Roberts' indication last month that the hurler will have workload limitation this season.

Brown threw three shutout innings without allowing a baserunner while striking out three across three innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Brown had been roughed up in his first two spring training appearances, allowing four earned runs across two innings while also walking five. He settled in Sunday, however, throwing 26 of 34 pitches for a strike while sitting between 93 and 96 mph with his fastball, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Brown also delivered his longest outing of the exhibition season as he ramps up to occupy the fifth rotation spot once the regular season begins.

Mahle gave up two runs with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings in Saturday's spring start. Mahle has a 3.38 ERA with six strikeouts and one walk in 5.1 innings so far this spring.

More important than his stats, Mahle has looked healthy after he struggled with a sore shoulder last year, ending his season in August. Mahle had similar strikeout rates (9.4 K/9) and walk rates (3.2 B/9) last season in comparison to the past few years, so he could rebound after a disappointing season (4.40 ERA) to become a key part of the Minnesota rotation.

Kopech didn't allow a baserunner across three scoreless innings while striking out one in Cactus League action Sunday against the Angels.

The outing was Kopech's debut this spring, as he was brought along slowly while recovering from offseason knee surgery. He showed no ill effects while touching 98 mph with his fastball and requiring only 37 pitches to complete his work. Kopech still has plenty to improve upon in future outings, including throwing his changeup more -- he threw it only once Sunday -- and adjusting to the pitch clock, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Boyd tossed four scoreless innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out six.

Boyd has now logged nine innings this spring, and he's recorded a strong 2.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP to go along with 17 strikeouts. The lefty has shown an ability to miss bats in the past, and while he made only 15 starts the last two years due to injuries, he could be primed for a nice season if he's fully healthy again. The Tigers will likely carefully manage Boyd's workload, however, which would cap his fantasy upside.

Shuster has a legitimate chance to open the year as Atlanta's No. 5 starter, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. "If you're ready, you're ready," manager Brian Snitker said. "It's very impressive what he's doing."

Atlanta's rotation depth is a strength, but with Mike Soroka (hamstring) and Kolby Allard (oblique) on the shelf and Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder failing to impress thus far in camp, Shuster has thrown his hat in the ring for the final rotation spot. The 24-year-old southpaw is known for his strong command and plus changeup and was a first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Shuster has a 1.04 ERA, 0.35 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 8.2 innings through three spring appearances, including five K's in 3.2 innings during Sunday's start against the Pirates. He has been seen as more of a No. 4 or No. 5 starter long term due to his low-90s fastball velocity and lack of an above-average breaking ball, and Shuster logged a 4.25 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 39:16 K:BB in 48.2 innings at Triple-A last season after an impressive run at Double-A in the first half (2.68 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 106:22 K:BB in 90.2 IP).

Ashcraft was removed from Sunday's spring start against the Dodgers due to calf cramps, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It's encouraging news for the 25-year-old, who exited Sunday's start during the third inning with an athletic trainer. Ashcraft should be able to make a quick return to the mound and will likely remain on track to begin the season as Cincinnati's No. 3 starter.

Ashcraft was removed from Sunday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers with an apparent leg injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 25-year-old started off with two scoreless frames but faltered during the third inning before spiking a pitch in the dirt and grabbing at his leg. The specifics of the situation remain unclear, but any absence at this point would likely affect Ashcraft's availability for the Opening Day rotation, for which he's already been named the No. 3 starter.

Allen was reassigned to the Guardians' minor-league camp Sunday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Allen was with the big-league club to open spring training but unsurprisingly won't make the Opening Day roster. He earned a mid-season promotion to Triple-A Columbus last year but struggled at the highest level of the minors with a 6.49 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 73:29 K:BB over 59.1 innings.

The Mariners optioned McGee to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

McGee was one of seven players Seattle sent out of big-league camp Sunday in the team's latest round of roster cuts. The 25-year-old right-hander is entering his first season in the Mariners organization after being acquired from the Red Sox in November. McGee, who received a cup of coffee in the majors with Tampa Bay in 2022, otherwise spent the entire 2022 campaign at Triple-A Durham, where he logged a 5.43 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 82:20 K:BB across 107.2 innings.