MLB Player News

Heuer's unspecified arm procedure that he underwent Monday was in fact Tommy John surgery, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Heuer announced the surgery on his personal Instagram page but didn't note exactly what the procedure was. It's now clear that he'll be unable to return until some point in 2023, likely closer to midseason. Rowan Wick seemingly has a firmer grip on the Cubs' closer job in Heuer's absence, with Brad Wieck and Manuel Rodriguez lining up as potential challengers.

Heuer announced Tuesday via his personal Instagram account that he underwent an unspecified arm surgery this week.

Until it becomes clear exactly what procedure Heuer underwent, it's difficult to say when he'll be back. If he underwent Tommy John surgery, he'll definitely miss all of the upcoming season as well as a substantial portion of 2023, though a lesser procedure could still give him a chance to return this year. Heuer had looked like one of the top alternatives to presumed closer Rowan Wick, but Wick's job now appears to be comparatively safe. Brad Wieck and Manuel Rodriguez look like Wick's main competition for now.

Rockies player development director Chris Forbes announced Friday that Pint has ended his brief retirement and rejoined the organization, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Pint, whom the Rockies selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft, previously announced plans to step away from baseball last June after he endured a slew of injuries and rampant control issues during his first six years in the professional ranks. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Pint's workhorse frame and big fastball that touches triple digits makes it easy to see why the Rockies fell in love with him leading up to the draft, but his poor results at nearly every stop of the minors thus far make it somewhat unlikely that he'll ever reach the majors. He's expected to open the upcoming campaign at High-A Spokane.

Bolton relayed Wednesday that he's "100 percent perfect" after undergoing surgery last April to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Bolton has backed up his own optimism about his health by throwing two live-batting practice sessions in the early stages of the Pirates' minor-league spring training camp in Florida. Due to the cancellation of the 2020 minor-league season on account of the COVID-19 pandemic before he suffered the untimely knee injury, Bolton hasn't pitched in affiliated ball since 2019, when he amassed a 3.28 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 102:30 K:BB in 101.2 innings between High-A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona. After serving as a full-time starter that season, Bolton is expected to begin the 2022 campaign in a middle-relief role as he looks to build up innings and regain comfort on the mound following an extended absence.

Helsley (elbow/knee) posted a video on his personal Instagram account last week featuring his throwing a bullpen session off a mound, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The Cardinals won't provide a formal update on Helsley's health until the MLB lockout ends and members of the 40-man roster are able to begin spring training, but his ability to throw off a mound at near-peak velocity -- 97 miles per hour, according to the caption of the Instagram video -- is certainly a positive sign that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day, whenever it might be. Helsley didn't make an appearance after Aug. 14 last season due to a stress reaction in his right elbow and a left knee injury that later required offseason surgery. If available for the start of the upcoming season, Helsley will likely fill a setup or middle-relief role for St. Louis.

Weems signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Sunday, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports.

Weems made seven relief appearances for the Athletics and Diamondbacks during the 2021 campaign but struggled, as he allowed 10 runs in 5.2 innings. The right-hander will be invited to major-league camp once it gets underway. Weems could make some big-league appearances while serving as organizational depth in 2022, but he'll presumably serve in a low-leverage role if he's called up.

Edwards signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Friday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Edwards spent most of the 2021 campaign in the minors and logged a 2.65 ERA and 0.76 WHIP in 17 innings across 18 relief appearances at the Triple-A level. The right-hander will likely be at big-league camp once the lockout is over, but he hasn't made double-digit appearances in the majors since 2019.

Garrett signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Garrett spent the last two seasons in Japan but has joined the Nationals for spring training. The right-hander hasn't appeared in the majors since 2019, when he logged 13 relief outings for the Tigers. He'll likely serve as organizational depth for Washington once the season gets underway.

Payano signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Feb. 1.

Cincinnati has since assigned Payano to Double-A Chattanooga, where he'll likely open the 2022 campaign. The 27-year-old right-hander previously made six appearances (four starts) for the Rangers during the 2020 season, but he spent all of 2021 in the minors while he was a member of Detroit's organization. Between stops at Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie, Payano submitted a 4.65 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 124 innings.

Neal signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies on Thursday, according to his representation at MSM Sports.

Neal has played the last three season in the Nippon Professional Baseball league with the Seibu Lions. He worked exclusively as a reliever and maintained a 4.85 ERA to go along with only 185 strikeouts across 337.2 innings. Neal will have the chance to earn a bullpen role in Colorado, though even if he sticks with the team he isn't likely to serve in a high-leverage role.