MLB Player News

McCullers (forearm) threw one inning without allowing a hit or a run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

McCullers took the mound for the first time since the 2022 World Series after working through several different arm injuries. He threw 13 pitches as a first step in what will likely remain a lengthy ramp up to return to big-league action. Nevertheless, it was a positive sign of his potential to make an impact with Houston in 2025.

Kirby (shoulder) hopes to begin playing catch in the next few days, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

After receiving an injection last week, Kirby has since resumed strengthening exercises but will remain in Arizona for three more weeks to continue his rehab. The Mariners shut Kirby down from throwing on March 7 due to right shoulder inflammation, and the star right-hander's timetable for a return remains up in the air a bit. With Kirby's throwing program still yet to begin, it sounds like fantasy managers shouldn't plan on having him available until mid-April at the earliest. "I'm hoping to get back up there by the middle of April," Kirby said.

Povich picked up the win after throwing five hitless innings with three walks in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

Battling with Albert Suarez for Baltimore's final rotation spot in Grayson Rodriguez's (elbow) stead, Povich dazzled against Toronto's regular lineup to stake his claim to open the season as a starter. Although the 24-year-old left-hander stumbled with five runs allowed in last Friday's Grapefruit League start, Povich carries a 3.07 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 15 strikeouts over 14.2 innings this spring, including three scoreless outings. Povich acknowledged after Tuesday's game that it could have been his last spring appearance, per Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, but the aforementioned Suarez is scheduled to start Friday's exhibition contest against the Tigers for his final audition before the Orioles decide on their fifth starter.

Tellez has made a strong case for an Opening Day roster spot this spring, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Tellez, who is currently a non-roster invitee, is leaving the Mariners with a tough roster decision to make ahead of Opening Day. Through 37 Cactus League at-bats, the veteran slugger is batting .297 with three home runs, two doubles and four RBI. If Tellez makes the cut, he's expected to mix in at first base with fellow left-handed hitter Luke Raley and at designated hitter with Mitch Garver as well as Mitch Haniger (shoulder).

Moore could end up serving mostly as a utility player this season as opposed to being an everyday starter, Tim Booth of The Seattle Times reports.

The Mariners have holes to fill in the infield following the offseason departures of Josh Rojas and Justin Turner from Seattle. Jorge Polanco is penciled in as the club's primary third baseman, and a strong spring training by Ryan Bliss has put him in contention to start at second base to open the season. Moore is just 3-for-34 this spring and could be on the outside looking in when it comes to an everyday role, but he should see plenty of action while bouncing all around the diamond in 2025. "I think as a utility player, when there is a spot open or there is availability for a spot, somebody goes down, that is also your job," Moore said. "So if there is a spot open, I always think that I am the guy to go fill that need for however long."

Dezenzo was diagnosed with a TMJ sprain on the left side of his jaw after getting hit in the head by a groundball in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against Washington, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Interestingly, Dezenzo's left side took the most damage even though he was hit on the right side of his face. The 24-year-old was also evaluated and cleared for a concussion, and he's slated to undergo further testing on his jaw Wednesday. Dezenzo has been great in spring training so far, slashing .378/.415/.615 with two homers and six RBI through 39 plate appearances.

Dezenzo exited Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals after getting hit in the head by a groundball, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Dezenzo was able to walk off the field on his own, though he was visibly bothered by his jaw after getting hit. The Astros will take a look at him to make sure he didn't suffer any significant damage and should offer an update on his status relatively soon.

Cecconi was diagnosed with a mild left oblique strain Tuesday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Cecconi's injury will put an early end to his spring after just three appearances, during which he allowed 11 runs (10 earned) over 5.1 innings. The right-hander has already begun rehab, though he hasn't yet been cleared for throwing and will begin the season on the injured list. Once he receives the green light to start a throwing program, a clearer return timeline may emerge.

Corbin will not join the Rangers in Arizona for the final few days of camp as he awaits the imminent birth of his child, but he will meet the team in Texas, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Corbin inked a one-year deal with Texas on Tuesday, but his first game action with the new club will have to wait. The Rangers wrap up their Cactus League schedule March 22 before heading home to Arlington to play two exhibition games against the Royals on March 24 and 25.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Yoshida (shoulder) will "most likely" begin the season on the 10-day injured list, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

Yoshida hit his first Grapefruit League home run Tuesday and his "swing is there," per Cora. However, the 31-year-old is currently throwing from just 100 feet as he comes back from right shoulder surgery, and the Red Sox want him to have no restrictions in the outfield before he joins the active roster. With Rafael Devers (shoulders) expected to open the season at designated hitter and Boston's three outfield spots spoken for, Yoshida's role when he is ready to make his season debut is uncertain.