MLB Player News

The Astros placed McCullers (forearm) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

McCullers hadn't pitched in a game since the 2022 World Series before he finally took the hill late in spring training, throwing a scoreless, 13-pitch inning in a March 18 Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals. The right-hander checked out fine physically coming out of that appearance and then made another 33-pitch appearance in a minor-league game at Astros camp earlier this week. He's now scheduled to report to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday to make his first rehab start, per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Given his long layoff, McCullers will likely be stretched out slowly over the course of several minor-league appearances before the Astros consider bringing him off the IL, possibly as soon as late April.

The Red Sox placed Yoshida (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Yoshida still isn't able to play defense as he works his way back from a right shoulder labral repair surgery, so he'll get a late start to the season. He's ramping up his throwing and could be ready to begin a rehab assignment before long. With the Red Sox seemingly committed to Rafael Devers as their full-time designated hitter in 2025, Yoshida could have difficulty finding regular at-bats once he's healthy.

The Red Sox selected Newcomb's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Newcomb was a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, let alone the rotation, when he inked a minor-league deal in January. He will open the season as the fifth starter, however, after permitting just two runs (one earned) with a 13:3 K:BB in 14.1 Grapefruit League frames. Newcomb is slated for his season debut Monday in Baltimore.

The Red Sox placed Hendricks on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Hendriks had a rough spring, allowing seven runs while striking out just four over 6.1 innings. The Red Sox hadn't provided an indication that he was hurt, but the injury designation is troubling considering his past Tommy John surgery. Hendriks will be eligible to return April 8, but there's no word yet on how long he might be out. Aroldis Chapman will open the season as Boston's closer.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Stanton (elbows/calf) has resumed swinging a bat but has "still got a ways to go" before he returns, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

Stanton picked up a calf injury earlier this month, but it's tennis elbow in both arms that's the biggest culprit of a likely long-term absence. He does appear to finally be making progress, but there is no timetable for the designated hitter's return. Ben Rice is expected to be the Yankees' primary DH while Stanton is out.

The Astros selected Smith's contract, and he'll start in right field and bat seventh in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith will bypass the Triple-A level after hitting his way on the Opening Day roster with a .342/.419/.711 slash line to go with four home runs over 15 games during the Grapefruit League. The 22-year-old will have big shoes to fill as he steps into the everyday role in right field that used to belong to three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, whom the Astros traded to the Cubs this winter in the deal that sent Smith to Houston.

The Red Sox selected Campbell's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. He'll start at second base and bat sixth in Thursday's season opener versus the Rangers.

The top prospect didn't have a great showing during Grapefruit League play, finishing with a .576 OPS in 59 plate appearances. The Red Sox are convinced he's ready, however, and Campbell boasts five-category fantasy potential if he can hit the ground running.

Casas (hand) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Thursday's season opener in Texas.

Casas took a ball off his bare hand in the field earlier this week, but X-rays were negative, and he'll be good to go for the start of the season. The first baseman was limited to only 63 games in 2024 due to injury but heads into the 2025 campaign with a clean bill of health.

The White Sox designated Fletcher for assignment Thursday.

Fletcher has managed just a .234/.281/.310 batting line in the big-league level over the last two seasons. His ceiling might be as a fourth outfielder even if he reaches his potential, but it's still possible Fletcher draws interest via trade or waivers.

The White Sox designated Eder for assignment Thursday.

Eder was once a highly regarded pitching prospect but hasn't been able to regain his stuff following his September 2021 Tommy John surgery. It's possible some team will still be intrigued enough by his pedigree to scoop him up on waivers.