MLB Player News
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Erik Swanson RP | TOR
Blue Jays' Erik Swanson: IL stint likely
Swanson (forearm) is expected to begin the season on the injured list after he experienced right elbow discomfort after a bullpen session this week, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.
The Blue Jays are awaiting the results of an MRI, which could provide some clarity on how long the 31-year-old will be sidelined. After operating as a reliable high-leverage reliever from 2021 to 2023, Swanson struggled to a 5.03 ERA across 45 appearances last season.
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Tyler Matzek RP | NYY
Yankees' Tyler Matzek: Expected to miss a few weeks
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Matzek (oblique) has a "pretty good strain" and will be sidelined a few weeks, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.
Matzek hasn't appeared in a Grapefruit League game since Feb. 25 due to an oblique strain. The good news is Boone noted that Matzek is now asymptomatic and could resume a throwing program Monday. The lefty reliever had been in line to make the team as a non-roster invitee, but he now won't be ready for Opening Day.
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Shawn Dubin RP | ARI
Astros' Shawn Dubin: Cleared to play catch
Dubin (shoulder) will resume playing catch Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Dubin has been out all spring with right shoulder inflammation but is finally ready to begin a throwing progression. He will not be ready in time for Opening Day, however.
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Jonathan Loaisiga RP | ARI
Yankees' Jonathan Loaisiga: Throwing off mound
Loaisiga (elbow) has been throwing off a mound since at least March 4, per MLB.com.
Loaisiga is working his way back from the internal brace procedure he underwent last April. The righty reliever isn't going to be ready for the start of the regular season, but he could rejoin the Yankees' bullpen around early May. Loaisiga may be able to work his way up to a high-leverage role once he's back in action.
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Kaleb Ort RP | LAA
Astros' Kaleb Ort: Throwing on flat ground
Ort (oblique) has progressed to flat-ground throwing, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Ort tweaked his left oblique early in camp but has made progress of late. However, given that he's not throwing off a mound yet, his availability for Opening Day would appear to be in question.
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Clayton Beeter RP | WAS
Yankees' Clayton Beeter: Not expected for Opening Day
Beeter (shoulder) is not expected to be ready in time for Opening Day, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.
Beeter has not appeared in a Grapefruit League game because of a right shoulder problem. He had been throwing off a mound, but it's not clear whether he might have suffered a setback. Beeter has been converted to reliever and could work his way into an important role in the Yankees' bullpen, once healthy.
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Prelander Berroa RP | CHW
White Sox's Prelander Berroa: Slated for Tommy John surgery
Berroa (elbow) needs Tommy John surgery, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.
Berroa had been diagnosed with a right elbow strain following a Cactus League appearance in late February, but subsequent testing has revealed more extensive damage. He will be sidelined for the duration of the 2025 campaign and could get a late start to next season, as well. Prior to the injury, Berroa had a shot to serve in a high-leverage relief role for the White Sox.
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Tyler Matzek RP | NYY
Yankees' Tyler Matzek: Nursing oblique injury
Matzek may not be ready for Opening Day after being diagnosed with an oblique injury, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.
The severity of the issue isn't clear, but any sort of oblique strain this close to the start of the season likely means Matzek won't be ready for the opener. The southpaw is in camp as a non-roster invitee but likely would have made the initial 26-man roster if he was healthy. Instead, Matzek will aim for a mid-season debut with the Yankees.
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Garrett Whitlock RP | BOS
Red Sox's Garrett Whitlock: Spring debut set
Whitlock will make his spring debut Friday against the Marlins, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Whitlock was on a strict throwing schedule this spring as he recovered from an internal brace procedure, which included planned one-week downtimes which the team described as "de-load" weeks. He'll pitch Friday in relief of starter Walker Buehler. Red Sox manager Alex Cora sees Whitlock has a high-leverage, multi-inning weapon that can deployed in the late innings. Save opportunities are not out of the question, but the Red Sox have Liam Hendriks, Aroldis Chapman and Justin Slaten pegged for closing duties.
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Garrett Crochet RP | BOS
Red Sox's Garrett Crochet: Dominant third outing
Crochet allowed two hits and one walk while striking out seven over three scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring game against the Rays.
Crochet cruised through his third Grapefruit League start and finished it in style by striking out the side in his third and final inning. The left-hander has not allowed a run over 6.1 spring innings while striking out 14.