MLB Player News

Chapman will make his spring debut Wednesday against the Phillies, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Chapman hasn't reportedly been battling any injuries, so his delayed start to Grapefruit League action seems to be little more than a 10-year veteran knowing just how many innings he needs to get ready for the regular season. Chapman's 7.7-point drop in strikeout rate last season would be concerning for many pitchers, but when that number still comes in at an excellent 36.2 percent, there's little reason to worry.

Swanson (back) is expected to make his Cactus League debut in the next few days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

A back strain popped up several weeks before camp, so he is behind schedule. He worked as a starter and a reliever last year, and according to Johns, the Mariners were more impressed with his potential out of the bullpen. Swanson profiles as more of a multi-inning option, although his fastball/splitter combo gives him a chance to get high-leverage outs.

Hernandez will start Saturday's game against the White Sox, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez will be making his third spring appearance but first start. He's allowed one run on two hits while striking out four in two innings of Cactus League work.

Garcia pitched two innings against Atlanta on Friday, allowing two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out three.

Garcia breezed through a scoreless first inning, whiffing Ronald Acuna and Marcell Ozuna looking. However, he gave up a two-run shot to Johan Camargo following a walk in the second frame. Overall, Garcia threw 38 pitches (27 for strikes) and made a positive impression, though the 20-year-old remains likely to begin the season in the minors.

Burke underwent debridement surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder Friday and will be sidelined about 12 months.

Burke was already ruled out for the 2020 campaign earlier this week when the surgery was announced, but he now has an official recovery timeline. The 23-year-old could potentially be ready for Opening Day next year, but there are certainly no guarantees given the expected length of the recovery.

King is considered a frontrunner to join the Yankees' starting rotation to begin the season, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Already considered a contender for a rotation spot following James Paxton's back surgery, the 24-year-old has climbed further into the conversation with news that Luis Severino (elbow) will miss the entire season. King has pitched only two innings in the majors but has compiled a 2.93 ERA over 77 appearances in the minor leagues, 58 of which have come as a starter.

Honeywell (elbow) completed a 15-pitch bullpen session Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Honeywell resumed throwing in January and has now thrown his first bullpen session since undergoing Tommy John surgery in February 2018 and additional elbow surgery in June 2019. The 24-year-old last saw game action at Triple-A Durham in 2017 and compiled a 3.64 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 152:31 K:BB over 123.2 innings. There's a real chance he makes his major-league debut this season if he can return to full strength.

Mata allowed two hits and a walk while striking out two over two innings in Thursday's game against the Phillies.

Mata made his first spring start with the major-league club. He's trying to buck a trend in an organization that hasn't had much success developing its own starters. The last homegrown pitcher to win as many as 10 games was Felix Doubront, who did it in 2012 and 2013. Mata dazzled at High-A Salem in 2019 (1.75 ERA in 10 starts) before facing a more challenging environment at Double-A Portland (5.03 ERA in 11 starts). The Red Sox have an open spot at the back end of the rotation and will need a fill-in while Chris Sale (illness) spends the first couple of weeks on the injured list, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. It's unlikely the Red Sox view Mata as a candidate for either of those spots, preferring he gets more seasoning in Portland and possibly hitting Triple-A Pawtucket in 2020.

Santiago is competing for one of the Tigers' final bullpen spots to begin the season, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Santiago is now with his fifth organization in the past five years, and the journeyman doesn't figure to make a huge impact with the Tigers after posting a 6.68 ERA with the White Sox and Mets in 2019. The veteran is battling fellow lefties Nick Ramirez and Tyler Alexander for a role but will likely start the year with Triple-A Toledo, putting him squarely off the fantasy radar.

Alexander is competing for one of the Tigers' final bullpen spots to begin the season, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Alexander is battling fellow lefties Nick Ramirez and Hector Santiago for a role. The former turned in a 4.86 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 53.2 innings last year for the Tigers, working primarily as a starter. His ability to start when needed could help him earn the spot, though he could also begin the season with Triple-A Toledo as rotation depth.