MLB Player News

Kerkering (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

It will be his first time throwing off a mound since he suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain. If things go well Saturday, Kerkering would likely then progress to facing hitters before appearing in a game. The right-handed reliever has plenty of time to ramp up for Opening Day, barring setbacks.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that May was sitting 97-to-98 mph and touching 99 mph in a simulated game Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

May had trouble keeping weight on following surgery for an esophagus rupture in 2024, and his fastball velocity dipped to a career-low 94.8 mph in 2025. That prompted him to pack on around 20 pounds over the offseason in hopes of regaining the pep on his heater, and the early returns are promising. The Cardinals have May on a slow build-up this spring after his past injury issues, but he is healthy and should make his Grapefruit League debut before long.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Kessinger will get imaging done after suffering a left knee injury in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, SNY Mets reports.

Mendoza noted that the injury "didn't look too good," but the club will wait for MRI results before determining a plan for Kessinger. Kessinger seemed to have a chance to make the Opening Day roster in the event that Francisco Lindor (hand) isn't ready, but Kessinger is now facing a possible extended absence.

The Dodgers signed Middleton to a minor-league contract Feb. 16.

Middleton made just five rehab appearances in 2024 before having flexor tendon surgery and then appeared in four games in 2025 with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. The 32-year-old pitched well in his last healthy season in 2023, posting a 3.38 ERA and 64:23 K:BB over 50.2 regular-season frames between the White Sox and Yankees. Middleton will give the Dodgers some experienced relief depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that he's been encouraged by how Stewart (shoulder) has looked in bullpen sessions and believes the pitcher's absence to begin the season could be brief, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Stewart has been brought along slowly this spring following a right shoulder debridement procedure he underwent last September. The reliever has already been ruled out for Opening Day, but it sounds like he could be back sometime in April. Stewart made only four appearances for the Dodgers last season before getting hurt, but he was superb for the Twins prior to being traded, posting a 2.38 ERA and 41:11 K:BB over 34 innings.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Miller has yet to throw off a mound this spring due to an arm/shoulder issue, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Miller hopes to ramp things up in the coming days, but he's clearly behind other Dodgers pitchers in camp. The 26-year-old has struggled to gain any traction the last two seasons either in the majors or minors, and he was moved to the bullpen at Triple-A Oklahoma City last year. Miller is likely headed back to OKC to begin the 2026 season, but he might get held back in extended spring training first, depending on his health.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Graterol (shoulder) is in a "holding pattern," Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Though Roberts has refrained from referring to Graterol's ongoing shoulder issues as a setback, it's difficult to categorize them as anything else. The reliever missed the entire 2025 season following a November 2024 procedure, and he hasn't been able to regain his pre-surgery velocity. Graterol has already been ruled out for Opening Day and he could be looking at a lengthy absence.

Devers was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup against the Dodgers because of left hamstring tightness, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

It's not clear at this point whether Devers might be sent for an MRI, but the Giants will be cautious with their first baseman this early in spring training. Bryce Eldridge took his spot in the lineup Friday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts conceded Friday that it will be "hard" for Snell (shoulder) to be ready in time for Opening Day, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Snell is being brought along slowly by the Dodgers this spring due to shoulder issues that have lingered since last season. Roberts noted that Snell is making progress in his throwing program, but the left-hander remains limited to flat-ground work so he still has plenty of ramping up to do. The Dodgers have the pitching depth to play the long game with Snell, so expect him to be held back until the team is very confident in his health and stamina.

Devers was scratched from Friday's Cactus League lineup against the Dodgers, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

There's no word yet on the reasoning behind Devers being scratched. Bryce Eldridge entered the lineup in his place, batting second and playing first base.