MLB Player News

Soroka (elbow) is on the same schedule as the rest of Atlanta's pitchers as he ramps up for camp, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Soroka is just 25 years old and owns a 2.86 ERA in 37 career major-league starts, but the last of those came back in 2020. He tore his Achilles tendon early that season and then tore it again a year later. He made it back on the mound for six minor-league starts late last season before being shut down with elbow soreness. Neither his Achilles nor his elbow seem to be a problem at the moment, however, so he'll be positioned as well as possible to stake a claim for a rotation spot this spring.

Houck (back) is throwing off the mound, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck is working his way back from a lumbar discectomy that sidelined the right-hander at the end of last season. He's been the subject of trade rumors, but for now is being prepped to compete for a spot in the Red Sox rotation.

Whitlock (hip) has begun throwing off the mound, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Whitlock is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right hip. Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that his recovery is on schedule, and the right-hander is expected to open the season as a member of the Boston rotation.

Sale (wrist) has begun throwing off the mound, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale broke his wrist in a bicycling accident in August, and he was limited to just two appearances in the 2022 season. The left-hander has dealt with injuries over the few years, but if healthy, still offers the potential to miss bats when on the mound.

Ober could begin the season at Triple-A St. Paul following the Twins' addition of Pablo Lopez, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

It's also possible the Twins could opt for a six-man rotation, something which might appeal to them as Kenta Maeda (elbow) works his way back from Tommy John surgery. Ober hasn't been a bastion of health himself but has pitched well when on the mound, including last season when he held a 3.21 ERA over 11 starts for Minnesota.

Lopez was traded from the Marlins to the Twins on Friday in exchange for infielder Luis Arraez, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

In addition to Lopez, prospects Jose Salas and Byron Chourio are also heading to Minnesota in the deal, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Lopez made 32 starts for the Marlins last season and had a 3.75 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 174:53 K:BB across 180 innings. The right-hander is under team control through the 2024 campaign and should slot in near the top of the Twins' starting rotation.

Meyer (elbow) said Wednesday he expects to begin a throwing program within the next few weeks, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in August, so a return to throwing six months later would be an encouraging sign for his recovery timeline. Meyer still faces a lengthy rehab schedule to build back his arm strength, but a return late in the 2023 campaign appears possible, assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Paddack (elbow) signed a three-year extension with the Twins on Wednesday.

Paddack made five starts with the Twins last season and forged a 4.03 ERA before undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in May. The right-handed hurler is expected to miss the majority -- if not all -- of the 2023 season while recovering from the operation, but he should have a good chance of carving out a role in Minnesota's rotation beginning in 2024.

Seabold was traded from the Red Sox to the Rockies on Tuesday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Seabold made five starts for Boston last season, struggling to a 11.29 ERA and 2.35 WHIP. A .476 BABIP undoubtedly inflated his numbers, but he also gave up five homers in 18.1 innings, something his 29.4 percent groundball rate indicates could be a persistent problem. While there may be fewer obstacles between him and a rotation role in his new home, a move to the league's most hitter-friendly park hardly enhances the righty's fantasy appeal.

Hendricks' shoulder, which he strained last July, feels "amazing," but he's not expected to throw off a mound until March 1, leaving his availability for Opening Day up in the air, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hendricks struggled to a 4.80 ERA in 16 starts before suffering the injury, which was eventually revealed to be a capsular tear. He's been working his way back without undergoing surgery, but he's nonetheless behind his usual preseason schedule. Still, it's a positive that he's feeling good, and it looks as though he has a shot at making any potential trip to the injured list a brief one.