MLB Player News

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Contreras will be stretched out in camp in case he's needed as a starting pitcher or long reliever, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Contreras is out of minor-league options, so he'll either be included on the Opening Day roster or put on the waiver wire again after being claimed five times this offseason, including twice by the Orioles. The righty made just three starts and 46 relief appearances last season, but he has extensive starting experience. If Contreras does head north with the Orioles, he'll likely be in line for a long relief role.

DeGrom will throw the first of what will likely be a few live batting practice sessions this weekend before he'll be ready to appear in a Cactus League game, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

That schedule likely lines deGrom up to make his Cactus League debut in the second week of March. It's a quick turnaround between then and Opening Day, but the Rangers are understandably being careful with deGrom this spring after he missed most of the last two seasons following Tommy John surgery in June 2023, the second of his career. The two-time Cy Young winner might have a relatively limited workload early on this season.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Westburg (back) had been able to do some light throwing earlier in the day, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Westburg has been held out of Grapefruit League action since the team's first game of the spring nearly a week ago due to lower-back soreness. He's feeling better though, and the Orioles expect him to be ready to return to game action soon. Westburg is in line to serve as the club's everyday third baseman this season.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Henderson (side) is "pretty sore" and will rest through the weekend, though there's still minimal long-term concern about the injury, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The 23-year-old was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game as a precaution due to right lower-side soreness, which was the result of an awkward landing while he caught a line drive. Assuming he doesn't need any additional time to recover, Henderson should return to game action next week.

Rodon allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four batters over 2.2 innings in a Grapefruit League game against Philadelphia on Thursday.

Rodon struck out three batters in a scoreless first inning, but he then allowed a two-run homer to Johan Rojas in the second. The veteran lefty pitched into the third, departing with two outs after giving up a run-scoring double. Rodon has yielded six runs over 5.1 frames through two spring starts, but he's building up his pitch count nicely, throwing 57 pitches Thursday.

Perez might be the biggest beneficiary of an absence for Matt Vierling (shoulder), who is slated to begin the season on the injured list, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Vierling is out indefinitely with a strained right rotation cuff muscle, and while he was going to see time at multiple positions, the lion's share of his playing time was projected to come in right field. That spot might now go to Perez, who could also see action in center field if Parker Meadows (biceps) needs to miss time. Perez slashed .242/.300/.383 with nine homers and nine steals across 112 regular-season games in 2024.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Caballero (foot) is "moving around much better" and could return to Grapefruit League play Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Caballero had to depart Thursday's contest against the Tigers after fouling a ball off his left foot, but X-rays came back clean and his absence will be brief. The 28-year-old is pegged for a utility role with Tampa Bay this season.

Benintendi (hand) thinks he can be ready in time for Opening Day, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Benintendi was diagnosed Thursday with a non-displaced fracture of his right hand and given a 4-to-6 week timeline for his recovery, so his optimism could be misplaced. With the veteran outfielder sidelined, Austin Slater could see an uptick in playing time, while Dominic Fletcher could make the Opening Day roster if Benintendi ends up on the IL.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that Carter was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Cubs due to illness, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Carter has "got some crud," per Bochy, but is expected to be back in the lineup Saturday. Kevin Pillar will take his spot in the lineup Friday.

Kochanowicz (illness) will throw a simulated game Friday and is expected to start Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Guardians, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was unable to start as scheduled Thursday due to an illness, but his return to the mound a day later indicates there's no cause for concern. Kochanowicz posted a 3.99 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB across 65.1 innings as a rookie last year and is competing in spring training for the No. 5 spot in the Halos' rotation.