MLB Player News

The Mariners designated Danner for assignment Friday.

The right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma in early March and has now lost his place on the 40-man roster to make room for Luis F. Castillo, who is making his MLB debut Friday against the Giants. Danner delivered 2.2 scoreless frames in two outings for Tacoma before the roster move, and he should remain with the affiliate if he passes through waivers unclaimed.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Friday that Varsho (shoulder) is throwing from 150 feet but has not been cleared to throw during extended spring training games, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

A rehab assignment does not appear imminent for the center fielder. Varsho did not have any problems hitting in spring training while working his way back from right shoulder surgery, but the Blue Jays want the Gold Glover to be ready to handle his full duties before he's activated from the 10-day injured list.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Friday that Burr (shoulder) could be ready to throw a bullpen session next week, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Burr has been dealing with right shoulder inflammation since the beginning of spring training but is coming along steadily. He'll require a rehab assignment before returning, and it's going to be a while before he's ready to pitch in games.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Swanson (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

It will be his first time throwing off a mound since he was given a cortisone injection to combat carpal tunnel syndrome in his right forearm. There's no timetable yet for Swanson's return, but he's making progress.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Scherzer (thumb) will not play catch Friday but hopes to at some point during the team's upcoming road trip, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Friday had been deemed the first day Scherzer could potentially resume throwing after he was given cortisone injections in his injured right thumb. This isn't viewed as a setback and the righty will continue to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis to determine when he's ready to begin a throwing program.

Escarra went 1-for-4 with a double in Thursday's 9-7 victory over Arizona.

With Austin Wells getting a game off, Escarra made his first start of the campaign. The 29-year-old enjoyed a personal milestone in the seventh inning when he hit a double to right field for his first hit as a major-leaguer. Escarra is a feel-good story -- he made the Yankees' Opening Day roster this year after being out of affiliated ball in 2022 and 2023 -- but his fantasy viability is limited due to his role as a backup to Wells, though Escarra does have the ability to play at both corner-infield and corner-outfield spots if needed.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that Crawford (knee) has not yet been cleared to face hitters, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Crawford's recovery from right patellar tendiopathy seems to be coming along as expected, but the Red Sox are proceeding cautiously with him. The right-hander is able to throw off a mound but it's not clear when he might be ready to face hitters and go out on a rehab assignment.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that Hendriks (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Friday or Saturday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

It will be the first time Hendriks has thrown off a mound since he landed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Hendriks will be eligible for activation April 8, but given that he's just now getting back on the bump, he's unlikely to return at that time.

Cobb (hip) said Friday that he expects to throw a live batting practice session early next week, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Cobb has been throwing bullpen sessions, but this will be his first time facing hitters since he was diagnosed with right hip inflammation at the beginning of spring training. There is no timeline for the veteran right-hander's return, but it likely won't happen for at least another month or so.

Vierling (shoulder) said Friday that he has yet to start up a throwing program, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old resumed hitting a couple weeks ago and is taking part in defensive drills, but he apparently needs to strengthen his shoulder a bit more before he can begin full baseball activities. According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Vierling will undergo an MRI within the next week, presumably to check the progress of the strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder.