MLB Player News

Mikolas was hitting 94 mph regularly in his initial spring training outing and is feeling good after suffering multiple injuries the last two years, Rick Hummel of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The Cardinals needed some good pitching news given the setbacks for Jack Flaherty (shoulder) and Alex Reyes (shoulder) this spring. Mikolas was in great spirits following the outing. "My tagline right now is it feels good to feel good," he said. "It's a weight off your shoulders physically and mentally to not be warming up and thinking, 'How is it going to feel today?'''

Ober is expected to be in the Opening Day rotation, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. Ober threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut Saturday.

Ober finished last season on the injured list with a strained hip, but he's fully healthy as spring training begins. Ober looks set to have a rotation spot even if the Twins acquire another veteran starter. Ober doesn't have an overpowering fastball (92.5 mph average), but it's offset by his outstanding control and improving off-speed pitches (slider, curveball). He could improve dramatically if he can limit home runs (1.95 HR/9 last year).

German (shoulder) is playing catch from 60 feet, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

German is on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement but recently started up his throwing program. It's unclear exactly how long he's expected to be sidelined, but he won't be eligible to return until after the designated 60 days.

Glasnow (elbow) underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle Friday and is expected to resume his throwing program in 2-to-3 weeks, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Glasnow is recovering from Tommy John surgery in early August, and the ankle procedure should only push back his throwing program by a few weeks. The 28-year-old officially landed on the 60-day injured list Thursday and could make a return late in the season, though it's not guaranteed he'll pitch in 2022.

Taillon (ankle) will start Monday's spring training game against the Phillies, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Manager Aaron Boone said last week Taillon was on track to be ready by Opening Day, and the right-hander will make his first start of spring training Monday. The 30-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October and had no apparent issues with his rehab and recovery, which should allow him to take a spot in the Yankees' starting rotation to open 2022.

Manager Alex Cora indicated Sunday that Houck is all but guaranteed a spot in Boston's starting rotation to begin the season, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Cora said Houck wasn't a lock for the rotation at the start of spring training last week, but the young right-hander is apparently now a safe bet to open as a starter for Boston. He started in 13 of 18 appearances last season and pitched well with a 3.52 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 87:21 K:BB across 69 innings.

Keller (thigh) said Sunday he'll be fine to make his next start after being hit by a comebacker Saturday against the Tigers, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Keller made a precautionary exit from Saturday's contest after being struck in the thigh, but it shouldn't affect his status going forward. The 25-year-old made 23 starts for Pittsburgh last season and had a 6.17 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 92:49 K:BB over 100.2 innings, and he's attempting to retain a rotation spot during spring training.

Wheeler (shoulder/illness) threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Wheeler skipped his scheduled bullpen session Thursday due to a bout with the flu, but his return to the mound Sunday indicates he's past the ailment. The 31-year-old is scheduled to throw another bullpen session this week before advancing to live batting practice and then potentially progressing to game action. Wheeler was previously ruled out for Opening Day but should be available for the first turn through the rotation if he remains on the his current schedule.

Miley (neck) is behind schedule early in spring training but is expected to throw a bullpen session Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Miley indicated his late ramp-up isn't injury related and is instead a part of a "veteran" program. The 35-year-old joined the Cubs in November after being let go by the Reds despite posting a 3.37 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 125:50 K:BB over 163 innings last season.

Bundy (shoulder) will start Sunday's spring game against the Rays, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Bundy finished 2021 with a strained shoulder and inked a one-year deal with Minnesota before the start of the lockout, and he'll make his spring debut for the Twins on Sunday. The 29-year-old delivered a strong 3.29 ERA over 65.2 innings during the shortened 2020 campaign, but he struggled for the Angels last season with a 6.06 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 84:34 K:BB across 90.2 frames.