MLB Player News

Burnes will make $10.01 million in 2023 after losing his arbitration hearing against the Brewers on Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Burnes had asked for a $10.75 million salary in what was his second year of arbitration eligibility. The pitcher said afterward that "there's no denying the relationship (with the Brewers) is definitely hurt" as a result of what was said during the hearing. While Burnes also pointed out that "we're professionals and we're gonna go out there and do our job," this certainly can't help the Brewers' chances of signing him to a contract extension at some point.

Manager John Schneider said Thursday that Ryu's (elbow) recovery from Tommy John surgery is on schedule, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Schneider also noted if Ryu does make it back late in the season, the veteran lefty would immediately slide into the rotation. Ryu has a goal of returning from last summer's operation in July, though that timetable might be a bit optimistic. The Blue Jays surely would be happy if they can get a healthy and effective Ryu back at any point after the All-Star break.

Anderson underwent a biometric evaluation this offseason that helped him adjust his mechanics on the mound, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The 24-year-old struggled last season for one of the few times in his professional career, posting a 5.00 ERA over 111.2 big-league innings before a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett in August, but Anderson used the offseason to make some adjustments to his delivery and approach. "One of the things I kind of told myself was, I don't want to get back to that guy, I want to be better than that guy," Anderson said Wednesday. "I think I can be. That's kind of been the driving force this offseason." As part of the process of becoming a better pitcher, he cleaned up his delivery and worked on maintaining his focus on the mound. Anderson will compete in camp with Mike Soroka, Bryce Elder and Kolby Allard for the final spot in Atlanta's Opening Day rotation.

Lorenzen will not be used as a hitter for the Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press on Thursday.

Lorenzen logged 147 plate appearances with the Reds between 2015-2021, but the Tigers want him to focus solely on pitching and believe he can be an effective part of their regular starting rotation. The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with Detroit in December after working to a 4.24 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 85:44 K:BB in 97.2 innings (18 starts) last season with the Angels.

Henry is expected to compete for the No. 5 starter job this spring, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The top four spots in Arizona's rotation are set, but the final one is up for grabs with Henry joining a group whose leading candidates are Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson. The left-handed Henry made nine starts over the final two months of 2022 with mixed results. He posted a 5.36 ERA and 1.45 WHIP while giving up 10 home runs over 47 innings (1.9 HR/9). Prospect Brandon Pfaadt is also in the mix, but a roster spot could hinge on a player being on the 40-man roster, which favors Henry.

Buehler (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Dodgers on Thursday.

Buehler is likely to miss the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last August. He should be 100 percent recovered come the beginning of spring training in 2024, but a more precise recovery timeline should come into focus as he goes through his rehab program.

Nelson (shoulder) is in the mix for the No. 5 starter job, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Nelson was shut down at the end of the 2022 with a right scapula injury, but at the time, the Diamondbacks did not expect the injury to impact him going forward. The right-hander had a nice three-start run in September before the injury ended his season, posting a 1.47 ERA and 0.82 WHIP over 18.1 innings. His primary competition figures to come from Drey Jameson and Tommy Henry with top pitching prospect Brandon Pfaadt having an outside shot.

Whitley said Thursday he's fully recovered from the right lat injury which prematurely ended his 2022 season, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Whitley had to be scratched from his final start for Triple-A Sugar Land last year after feeling something in the back of his lat during a bullpen session, but he said it's a non-issue now. The former top prospect has had a terrible time with injuries and throwing strikes the last few years, having posted a 7.09 ERA and 36:25 K:BB over 33 innings for Sugar Land last season. He's still just 25, though, and way too talented to give up on.

Mahle (shoulder) said Thursday he entered Twins camp with no restrictions, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Mahle battled shoulder troubles in both Cincinnati and Minnesota last season, but he was able to enjoy a fairly normal winter routine and even went to Driveline to work on a new slider. The 28-year-old right-hander is shaping up as a bounceback candidate for 2023 after posting an underwhelming 4.40 ERA and 126:43 K:BB across his 120.2 total innings (23 starts) in 2022.

Wacha's one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Padres contains a two-year club option for 2024-25 and a three-year player option for 2024-26.

If the Padres decline their two-year, $32 million club option after the 2023 season, then Wacha has the ability to exercise a three-year, $18.5 million player option. There's also a $500,000 incentive for both 20 and 25 games started and a $1 million incentive for games started in 2023 and all player option years. All told, the deal guarantees Wacha at least $26 million and could be worth up to $41.5 million.