MLB Player News

Nardi (finger) threw a 15-pitch live batting practice session Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Nardi was briefly set back in camp after developing a blister on his pitching hand, but that no longer appears to be a concern for the lefty reliever. At this point in camp, Nardi's main focus will be building up the volume and intensity of his throwing sessions after back problems kept him out for the entire 2025 season. Nardi could face hitters in controlled settings on a couple more occasions before the Marlins clear him to make his Grapefruit League debut.

Elder appears likely to get a start or two early in the season with Atlanta playing 13 consecutive days to begin its schedule, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Elder is battling Joey Wentz for the fifth starter role, but that competition will probably extend into the regular season with the team having to give serious thought to deploying a six-man rotation for the first couple weeks. Elder made 28 starts for Atlanta in 2025, posting a 5.30 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 131:51 K:BB in 156.1 innings.

Wentz appears likely to get a start or two early in the season with Atlanta playing 13 consecutive days to begin its schedule, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Wentz is battling Bryce Elder for the fifth starter role, but that competition will probably extend into the regular season with the team having to give serious thought to deploying a six-man rotation for the first couple weeks. Wentz produced a 4.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB in 64 innings over 14 appearances (13 starts) for Atlanta in 2025.

Sale topped out at 96 mph with his fastball in his first game action of the spring Sunday, allowing two hits and striking out three over two scoreless innings against the Twins, Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The veteran southpaw tossed 37 pitches and fired first-pitch strikes to all eight batters he faced, and Sale even had to make a tough defensive play on a Trevor Larnach chopper. After he missed significant time last summer due to a rib fracture, it was a very encouraging performance from Sale to begin his spring. In two seasons with Atlanta, he's averaged 151.2 innings with a 2.46 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 11.6 K/9.

Madrigal (shoulder) is listed as an available bench bat Monday in the Angels' Cactus League game against the Rangers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

After missing the entire 2025 season while recovering from February surgery to repair a fractured left shoulder, Madrigal doesn't appear to be facing any restrictions in spring training. He came off the bench to play second base in the Angels' spring opener Saturday against the Dodgers, recording a base hit and a walk in his two plate appearances. Madrigal could also get some exposure to third base in the spring as he looks to display versatility in his bid to win a utility role with the Angels, but he'll still be facing an uphill battle to crack the Opening Day roster.

Junk (ankle) is aiming to throw off the mound by Wednesday or Thursday, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Junk suffered a Grade 1 mild right ankle sprain during a drill last week, but he shed his walking boot over the weekend and is nearing a return to the bump. The injury should not prevent Junk from being ready for Opening Day, but it's made his bid for a spot in the Marlins' rotation more difficult.

Burrows pitched two innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Cardinals, allowing no runs on one hit and a walk while striking out two.

It was an encouraging Astros debut for Burrows, who got the start against a St. Louis lineup that featured some projected Opening Day starters. Burrows, who joined Houston via trade in December, is coming off a solid rookie season with the Pirates, where he posted a 3.94 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 9.1 K/9 across 96 innings. The right-hander is expected to slot into the middle of a new-look Astros' rotation.

Mosqueda will not throw for a couple weeks due to left forearm inflammation, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Mosqueda experienced inflammation in his forearm after a live batting practice session, but exams did not reveal anything serious. He will be unable to participate for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, and a long shot bid to make the Opening Day roster is out the window.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that Simon (shoulder) is projected to return to game competition in late March or early April, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

According to Tomczyk, Simon is "doing very well" four-plus months after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. The 25-year-old has been taking swings in the batting cage without restrictions so far in camp, and he's set to take another step forward next week, when he's scheduled to face live pitching in batting practice. However, because Simon won't be game-ready until late March, he would appear to be firmly out of the mix for a spot on the Pirates' Opening Day roster.

Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that Jones (elbow) should be ready for game action when he's eligible to return from the 60-day injured list in late May, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

It's not clear whether that means he will be ready to pitch for the Pirates at that point or ready to pitch on a rehab assignment. Jones underwent an internal brace procedure on his right elbow last May and is "coming out really good" following a live batting practice session Friday, per Tomczyk. The 24-year-old made 22 starts for the Pirates in 2024, posting a 4.14 ERA and 132:39 K:BB across 121.2 frames.