MLB Player News

Stowers (hamstring) will face live pitching Friday, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Stowers was scratched from a Feb. 28 spring training game due to hamstring tightness and was given a 1-to-2 week timeline to return to game action. He looks to be on track, checking off a box by taking live at-bats. It's unclear if he has started his running progression yet.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Friday that he plans to use Helsley strictly in ninth-inning save situations this season, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

There will be some instances when Helsley will be required to pitch in non-save situations, but Albernaz views the righty as a "one-inning guy" rather than someone who could come into games earlier for more than three outs. While it will result in a lighter workload for Helsley, it's probably the best thing for his fantasy outlook.

Mazur reported discomfort in his right elbow Friday and will see a specialist after getting imaging done, Craig Mish of FanDuel Sports Network Florida reports.

It's bad news for Mazur, who's pushing for a spot on the Marlins' Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old posted a 4.80 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP across 30 big-league innings last season for Miami and hasn't allowed a run in three innings of action during spring training. More information regarding Mazur's health should be available in the coming days.

Stock experienced shoulder discomfort while playing with Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and will undergo testing, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

Stock, entering his age-36 season, is on a minor-league contract with the Mets, and just weeks away from Opening Day, the veteran reliever began experiencing shoulder discomfort. The results of his testing should paint a clearer picture of how long he'll be sidelined, but according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Stock won't pitch for Israel for the rest of the WBC.

Carroll (hand) took live at-bats Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Carroll continues to make significant progress in his hitting program, taking live at-bats for the first time since undergoing surgery Feb. 12 to address a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. While he's still unlikely to see any spring training action, Carroll might be ready for the Diamondbacks' regular-season opener.

Kelly (back) is slated to throw live batting practice Sunday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Kelly threw a bullpen session Thursday and came away from the session feeling good. He'll take the next step in his recovery Sunday by facing batters. The 37-year-old threw roughly 30 pitches in the bullpen session and utilized his entire arsenal.

Mancini was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup versus the Guardians due to illness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Mancini -- who is in Angels camp as a non-roster invitee -- should be ready to return to action in a day or two. Donovan Walton will sub in at designated hitter for Mancini on Friday.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday on Foul Territory that Correa (neck) would move to shortstop if Jeremy Pena (finger) isn't available for Opening Day.

Pena's status for the opener hasn't been determined yet, as he will have his fractured right ring finger reevaluated in two weeks. If he requires a trip to the injured list, Correa will slide over to his familiar shortstop position and Isaac Paredes will be installed at third base. Correa is dealing with a minor injury of his own, having been scratched from Friday's Grapefruit League lineup with a stiff neck, but it's not expected to be a long-term concern.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday on Foul Territory that, if Jeremy Pena (finger) isn't ready for Opening Day, Carlos Correa (neck) would shift to shortstop and Paredes would start at third base.

Pena has been diagnosed with a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger and will be reevaluated in two weeks before it's known whether he has a chance to be ready for the opener. Paredes doesn't have a clear path to a starting job when the Astros' crowded infield is healthy, but Pena's injury could open the door to everyday playing time for Paredes, at least on a temporary basis.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Friday that Patrick will be in the rotation, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Milwaukee has a plethora of starting pitching options, but Patrick is a lock to open the season in the rotation. The 27-year-old is coming off a strong 2025 in which he posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 127:40 K:BB across 119.2 innings. Murphy also confirmed Jacob Misiorowski will have a spot in the rotation. With Brandon Woodruff (lat) and Quinn Priester (wrist) not guaranteed to be ready for Opening Day, Patrick may even have a shot at being the Brewers' Opening Day starter.