MLB Player News

Rodon (elbow/hamstring) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Rodon felt normal soreness after his previous bullpen session this past weekend, but it seems he got through Thursday's workout with no hiccups. The Yankees will wait to see how the southpaw bounces back before determining the next step, but Rodon should be nearing a rehab assignment. He's coming back from offseason elbow surgery, and he's also dealt with some hamstring tightness of late.

Cole (elbow) will face hitters at High-A Hudson Valley on Sunday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

It could be the final step for Cole before he's cleared to begin a rehab assignment, though the Yankees have yet to confirm as much. Making his way back from Tommy John surgery, Cole made a couple Grapefruit League appearances, but he will still require several rehab starts before rejoining the Yankees' rotation. The former Cy Young winner is expected to make his season debut sometime in May.

The Brewers optioned Drohan to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Drohan permitted three runs on three hits and four walks over 2.2 innings against the Red Sox on Wednesday in his major-league debut. The Brewers have not announced a corresponding roster move, but they're expected to bring up a reliever prior to Friday's game versus the Nationals.

Herget will be the Rockies' opening pitcher in Thursday's game at San Diego.

The Rockies aren't revealing their pitching plans for Thursday post-Herget, but Chase Dollander is likely to cover the bulk of the innings. Herget is off to a fine start this season, yielding just one run with a 6:0 K:BB over six innings.

Rice is starting at first base and batting fifth in Thursday's game versus the Athletics.

Rice was not in the lineup the first time the Yankees faced a lefty earlier this season, but he's in there Thursday over the right-handed-hitting Paul Goldschmidt against southpaw Jeffrey Springs. Springs is not a hard thrower and has reverse splits in his career, and it's that type of lefty Rice is likely to get opportunities against.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Athletics.

The Athletics are sending left-hander Jeffrey Springs to the bump, but the Yankees are going with lefty Ben Rice at first base rather than the righty-swinging Goldschmidt. It's only the second lefty the Yanks have faced thus far, and Goldschmidt was in the lineup the first time, but the team will give Rice his chances against lefties this season on occasion.

Trammell will join the Astros in Seattle on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The presence of Trammell suggests Jake Meyers (back) could be slated to miss some time, though it's unclear at this point whether Trammell will be added to the roster or simply be on the taxi squad. Trammell slashed just .197/.296/.333over 52 contests for Houston in 2025.

Falter (elbow) began playing catch Monday, MLB.com reports.

Falter was placed on the injured list Friday due to left elbow inflammation, specifically valgus extension overload that causes pain when extending the elbow. After receiving an injection, the southpaw began playing catch, with a bullpen session likely next in his rehab progression, though there is no clear timeline. Prior to landing on the injured list, Falter had been working out of the bullpen for the Royals and allowed five runs across 3.1 innings to begin the regular season.

High-A Eugene placed Villarroel on the 7-day injured list April 3 as he recovers from offseason meniscus surgery, Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline reports.

Per Callis, Villarroel will be playing in extended spring training games soon, so he could return in late April or May. The 21-year-old catcher hit .259 with eight home runs and 20 steals in 100 games last year in the lower levels of the Astros system.

The Athletics recalled Perkins from Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Perkins has been operating as a multi-inning reliever at Las Vegas, allowing four runs with a 9:7 K:BB over 7.2 innings. The Athletics need a fifth starter after sending down Luis Morales earlier this week, and Perkins has plenty of past experience in the rotation. However, the righty's usage this season suggests it's more likely he'll provide length in the bullpen.