MLB Player News

Herz (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

It's the first time the left-hander has thrown from the bump since he underwent Tommy John surgery last April. Herz has already been placed on the 60-day injured list, and given where he is in his throwing program, a return around midseason is probably a best-case scenario.

Lindor (hand) took batting practice on the field Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It's the first time since Lindor underwent right hamate bone surgery at the start of Mets camp that he went through a full round of batting practice on the field. After BP, Lindor faced fellow rehabber A.J. Minter (lat) in a live batting practice session. It's not clear when Lindor might be cleared to play in games, but everything is pointing toward him being available Opening Day against the Pirates.

Basallo went 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI and two runs scored in Friday's Grapefruit League loss to the Phillies.

Basallo missed a couple days with an abdominal issue last month but has been on a tear at the plate this spring, as he's now slashing .320/.414/.560 across 29 trips to the plate. His third-inning home run Friday came off Andrew Painter and left the bat at 105.7 mph. Basallo later added a 108.7 mph bases-clearing, three-run double to center field. The 21-year-old Basallo is expected to see regular at-bats at designated hitter while spelling Adley Rutschman at catcher this season.

Schneemann was scratched from Friday's Cactus League contest against the Angels due to a right ankle sprain, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Schneemann was scheduled to bat third and start at shortstop for the Guardians. The utility man should be considered day-to-day until the team provides an update. Schneemann slashed .206/.283/.354 with 12 home runs, 41 RBI, 48 runs scored, nine stolen bases and a 38:117 BB:K across 422 plate appearances last season.

The Nationals optioned Parker to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Parker lost his spot in the Nationals' rotation last season and didn't do enough this spring to get it back, collecting an uninspiring 3:5 K:BB over 3.2 innings during Grapefruit League action. The left-hander should open the season in the rotation at Rochester as he awaits another opportunity with the big club.

The Nationals optioned Eder to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Eder has pitched 6.2 frames this spring in Grapefruit League play, yielding four runs (two earned) with a 6:6 K:BB. The left-hander will likely be part of Rochester's rotation to begin the season, but all nine of his big-league appearances have been out of the bullpen. He could fill either role with the Nationals when called upon.

The Nationals optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

While Alvarez was technically in the running for a spot in the Nationals' rotation, it's been likely from the jump that he would begin the year at Rochester. The southpaw has pitched well this spring, allowing two runs with an 11:5 K:BB over nine innings. Alvarez remains a good bet to make some starts for the Nationals this season.

Woodruff (lat) said Friday that his status for Opening Day remains "up in the air," Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Woodruff threw two innings in his Cactus League debut last weekend and tossed four frames in a simulated game Friday. The right-hander has been brought along slowly in Brewers camp after ending last season with a right lat strain, and while he's considered healthy, the buildup could continue after Opening Day. Woodruff also said that "maybe the majority" of his starts this season will be on five days' rest or more, and his "main goal" remains being healthy at the end of the season.

Horn (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Horn underwent a left elbow scope during the offseason and is still working his way back into game shape. He's been throwing for multiple weeks and appears to be nearing game action. The left-hander pitched in 10 games out of the bullpen for Detroit last season, logging a 1.59 ERA, though his FIP was much higher at 4.37. He struck out 10 and walked seven across 11.1 innings.

The Tigers announced Friday that Sweeney (shoulder) has started his throwing program, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Sweeney is working his way back from a right shoulder strain. After being cleared to start hitting again earlier this week, he's now able to start throwing. It gives Sweeney a chance to be ready for Opening Day in 13 days.