MLB Player News

Elder is scheduled to make his second Grapefruit League start Friday against the Astros, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Elder said he felt rushed while adjusting to the new pitch clock in his spring debut Sunday, when he was lit up for four earned runs over just 1.2 innings versus the Yankees. Fighting for the final spot in Atlanta's season-opening starting rotation, he'll look to show more comfort and command Friday afternoon against the reigning World Series champs. Ian Anderson is Elder's primary competition for that No. 5 starter role.

Wainwright said Thursday that he's been dealing with a muscle issue around his lower back, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wainwright noted that he came down with back spasms just before he arrived at Cardinals camp in Florida last month and is still trying to get certain muscles to engage in that area. He also recently suffered a burn on the index finger of his right hand, and it opened up during another rough Grapefruit League start Thursday afternoon against the Astros. The 41-year-old had trouble even topping 85 mph with his fastball toward the end of that outing versus Houston. It's all somewhat concerning, but Wainwright remains committed to pitching for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Wainwright acknowledged last week that he's been working through a hitch in his delivery, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

That might help to explain why Wainwright's fastball has been sitting in the mid-80s so far in Grapefruit League play. In his second spring start Thursday afternoon against the Astros, the 41-year-old right-hander gave up three runs on five hits over three innings, and four batted-balls were clocked at over 104 mph. His next appearance on the mound will be with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Maybe the elevated level of competition can bring out a little more heat.

DeSclafani will make his Cactus League debut Friday versus the Rangers, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

DeSclafani has been able to go through a normal camp after recovering from ankle surgery he had last July. The right-hander will be in the mix for a spot in the Giants' rotation. He's looking to bounce back from an ugly 2022 in which he made just five starts and posted a 6.63 ERA.

Houck could be in line to open the season in the Red Sox' rotation with Garrett Whitlock (hip) and Brayan Bello (forearm) behind schedule, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck had seemed ticketed for a relief role when camp opened, but it appears he'll be needed more in the rotation initially. It's possible the assignment is temporary, as neither Whitlock or Bello are expected to miss much time if they do end up on the injured list. Of course, Houck could change that conversation if he gets off to a good start. The right-hander has a 3.22 ERA in 20 career starts and a 2.68 ERA in 33 relief outings.

Bello's (forearm) status and timetable are expected to become clearer next week, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com Thursday.

Bello had some right forearm soreness crop up in mid-February, though he resumed throwing off a mound last weekend and hasn't had any issues since then. Realistically, he's running short on time to get built up for Boston's rotation, but if he needs an injured list stint to begin the season it doesn't seem like it would be a long one. With Bello and Garrett Whitlock (hip) a little behind in camp, it could open up a rotation spot for Tanner Houck, at least initially.

Buehler (elbow) began a throwing program Wednesday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Buehler made just a handful of flat-ground tosses from a distance of 60 feet, but it's a significant step forward nonetheless in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old right-hander had the procedure last August and obviously has many more months of rehab work ahead. If he does pitch for the Dodgers in 2023, it will probably only be a handful of innings in September/October.

Wells (shoulder) will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday against the Braves, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The Orioles have been slow-playing Wells in camp after he ended last season with right shoulder inflammation. He's been feeling fine, though, and is ready to test things out in game action. The right-hander is competing for a spot in the Orioles' rotation, so he's surely eager to get going.

Steele (arm) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Friday against the Padres, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Steele got the go-ahead after throwing another successful bullpen session Tuesday in Cubs camp. The 27-year-old left-hander came down with a bit of arm soreness last week, but all is well now as he readies himself for a spot in Chicago's season-opening starting rotation. He posted an impressive 3.18 ERA with 126 strikeouts over 119 innings in 2022.

Marquez (hamstring) is set to make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Mariners, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

He'll do so in a piggyback role after Saturday's starter Kyle Freeland, which is fairly custom in spring training games. Marquez tweaked his left hamstring in mid-February and had to bow out of the World Baseball Classic, but all signs point to him being fully cleared for the beginning of the 2023 regular season.