MLB Player News

Rodon (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Monday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

It's the first time Rodon has faced hitters since he had surgery last October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in his left elbow. The veteran left-hander's rehab from the procedure has gone off without a hitch, and he is expected to make some Grapefruit League appearances before Yankees camp breaks. Rodon will begin the year on the 15-day injured list, but he could be ready for his season debut before the end of April, at the earliest.

The Athletics optioned Basso to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Basso will head to Las Vegas to begin the season but should be near the top of the list for a promotion if the Athletics need another lefty arm out of the bullpen at any point. The 28-year-old made 11 appearances (one start) for the Athletics in 2025, accruing a 2.31 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 8:9 K:BB over 11.2 innings.

The Athletics optioned Nett to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Acquired by the Athletics from the Padres in July, Nett ended up spending the entire 2025 season at the Double-A level between the two organizations, logging a 3.75 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 116:48 K:BB across 105.2 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander is expected to spend nearly all of the 2026 campaign at Triple-A but put himself in consideration for a promotion to the big leagues in the second half if he's able find early success in the Pacific Coast League.

The Athletics optioned Zhuang to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Zhunag will make the jump up to the Pacific Coast League to begin the 2026 campaign after he spent all of last season at Double-A Midland, where he turned in a 4.08 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 145:35 K:BB in 145.2 innings. The 25-year-old right-hander was added to the Athletics' 40-man roster over the winter but is likely to find himself behind several other minor-league arms for a call-up to the majors.

Garrett allowed one run on one hit and one walk over three innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. He struck out two.

The southpaw threw 23 of 37 pitches for strikes, but while his line in the box score was good, Garrett wasn't able to match the velocity he's been flashing during batting practice sessions in camp. He sat just 91-92 mph with his four-seam fastball against the Cards and topping out at 93.6 mph. That would still be a step up from what he was showing prior to UCL revision surgery in December 2024, however, as the pitch averaged just 90.7 mph in 2024 and 90.8 mph in 2023. After not seeing game action at all in 2025, Garrett has been healthy to begin spring training and remains a favorite to open the season in the Miami rotation.

The White Sox optioned Sandlin to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Acquired from the Red Sox back in February, Sandlin will return to the Triple-A level to begin the upcoming season after struggling in his first taste of the International League in 2025. After dominating early on last season as a starter at Double-A Portland, Sandlin mustered a 7.61 ERA, 2.07 WHIP and 21:13 K:BB in 23.2 innings upon being promoted to Triple-A Worcester. He served primarily as a reliever during his time with Worcester but should be ticketed for the Charlotte rotation.

Gausman gave up three hits over 3.1 scoreless innings in Sunday's split-squad game against the Tigers. He struck out three without walking a batter.

The veteran right-hander hasn't given up a run in his first two Grapefruit League starts, posting a 6:1 K:BB over 4.1 frames. Gausman built up to 52 pitches (34 strikes) on Sunday, and while the Blue Jays haven't made an official announcement, he remains to favorite to take the mound Opening Day against the A's.

The Rockies announced Monday that Petit has been diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his right elbow, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The diagnosis is often a precursor to UCL surgery, but Petit will consult with doctors before making a decision. A Rule 5 pick, Petit could be stashed on the 60-day injured list while he recovers, though the Rockies would still have to follow regular Rule 5 roster guidelines once Petit is off the 60-day IL.

The White Sox optioned Gonzalez (back) to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Gonzalez hasn't made any Cactus League appearances since last Tuesday due to a back issue, but he didn't make much of a case for winning a spot in Chicago's Opening Day bullpen after yielding three earned runs on five hits and six walks in 3.1 innings through his first three spring outings. Assuming he's able to move past the back injury within the next couple of weeks, Gonzalez should open the season in a high-leverage role out of the Charlotte bullpen.

The Mets optioned Pintaro to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Pintaro received a cup of coffee with the Mets last June, recording two outs and allowing two earned runs in his lone relief appearance before being optioned back to the minors soon thereafter. He'll retain a spot on the Mets' 40-man roster heading into the 2026 season but may need multiple key relievers to miss time before getting another opportunity in the big leagues. In the meantime, Pintaro will likely serve as a swingman at Syracuse, with whom he posted a 5.22 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 46:29 K:BB over 39.2 innings last season.