MLB Player News

Scrubb (shoulder) isn't likely to be ready for Opening Day, Adam Spolane of SportsRadio 610 reports.

Scrubb has been sidelined over the past few days due to right shoulder inflammation, but he could return to the mound soon once the inflammation subsides. However, manager Dusty Baker revealed Wednesday that Scrubb likely won't be ready for game action by the start of the regular season. A timetable for him to make his season debut isn't yet known.

White Sox manager Tony LaRussa said Wednesday that Hendriks has been dealing with kidney stones this spring and has been limited to three Cactus League appearances as a result, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

LaRussa doesn't seem overly worried about Hendriks' medical situation, and the fact that the White Sox haven't shut him down from throwing adds credence to the team's belief that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day. Hendriks was able to complete a bullpen session of 25-to-30 pitches Wednesday and is tentatively scheduled to pitch in a game this weekend. Assuming he's able to do that, Hendriks is poised to open the season as the closer for what looks to be one of baseball's top teams, at least on paper.

Manager Aaron Boone said the MRI that Wilson (shoulder) underwent Tuesday revealed "nothing actionable."

Wilson has been dealing with left shoulder tightness since leaving Monday's spring game with a trainer. The southpaw will receive an oral anti-inflammatory medication over the next several days and will resume a throwing program following his treatment. While it appears unlikely that Wilson will be available for Opening Day, he seems to have avoided a serious injury and is currently considered day-to-day.

Leiter agreed to a minor-league contract with the Tigers earlier this month, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Leiter returns to affiliated ball after having most recently pitched for the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in 2020. He previously made 47 appearances at the big-league level between Philadelphia and Toronto in 2017 and 2018, but he hasn't pitched in affiliated ball since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2019. He'll likely open the upcoming campaign at Triple-A Toledo or Double-A Erie in his new organization.

Quijada (not injury related) reported to camp Tuesday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Quijada experienced visa issues in his native Venezuela this spring, but he'll join the Angels for the final week of camp prior to the regular season. The southpaw shed 30 pounds during the offseason and was expected to compete for a bullpen role this spring, but he'll likely begin the year at the team's alternate training site.

Law has pitched well enough during Graperfruit League play to potentially garner an Opening Day bullpen spot, manager Rocco Baldelli told MLB.com. Law has thrown six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and one walk this spring.

Law would seem to be a longshot, but the Twins may have found a way to improve his mechanics. Law didn't receive a call-up to the majors at any point in 2020 after being included in the Rangers' 60-man player pool, but the reliever made 58 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2019, compiling a 4.90 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. He'd likely work in middle relief if he does make the final roster, but he would need to be added to the 40-man roster considering he was a non-roster invitee to spring training.

Heuer allowed one hit and struck out three over one inning in Tuesday's spring game against the Cubs.

Heuer permitted a leadoff triple before striking out the side to finish off the eighth inning. He's fanned 13 batters without a walk over eight Cactus League innings. Heuer, who's pitched multiple innings in two of his six spring outings, will be part of a deep White Sox bullpen, likely in a middle-relief role.

Chapman (suspension) is slated to pitch every other day through the end of spring training, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran closer tossed a scoreless inning in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Philadelphia, allowing one walk while striking out a pair. He has not allowed a run or a hit while posting a 5:1 K:BB in spring play, though he has hurled only four innings. It appears Chapman will get more work going forward as he prepares for his 12th big-league campaign.

Hatch's elbow discomfort isn't tied to his UCL, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Elbow issues are always worrisome for a pitcher, but it looks as though Hatch has avoided the worst-case scenario. The Blue Jays remain hopeful that he won't miss too much time.

Pearson (groin) has resumed throwing and will throw a bullpen session within the next few days, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

While Pearson is making good progress, the Blue Jays are proceeding cautiously since he already had a setback last week. He doesn't appear to have time to make the Opening Day roster, but Pearson could join the rotation at some point early in the year.