MLB Player News

Jameson (elbow) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut in Wednesday's game against the Brewers, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Once starter Corbin Burnes exits the contest, Jameson is on track to make what will be his first appearance at any level since July 6, 2023 after he missed the last season and a half while recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in September of that year. Jameson progressed to throwing bullpen sessions by the end of last season, and his lengthy rehab program appears to have gone without any snags over the winter and during the early part of spring training. The 27-year-old is in contention for a spot in the Diamondbacks' Opening Day bullpen, but because he has two minor-league options remaining, an assignment to Triple-A Reno could be in the cards if he isn't sharp during his Cactus League appearances.

Minter believes he'll be able to regain his prior velocity following last August's hip surgery, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The 31-year-old southpaw averaged a career-high 96.7 mph with his fastball in 2022, leading to a 34.7 percent strikeout rate, but those numbers declined to 94.6 mph and a 26.1 percent K rate in 2024. "It's more of the biomechanical side, how to use my legs again," Minter said this week. "[The Mets] were showing me a few examples of the past. Like, in the '22 season, I was really good and throwing really hard. Then you could see the steady decline in my mechanics and then my velocity." Minter is being brought along slowly this spring, but he's expected to be ready to fill a high-leverage role in the bullpen early in the season, if not by Opening Day.

Hagenman could be get a look in the Mets' rotation this season, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

New York has already seen Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat) go down this spring, with both pitchers expected to begin the season on the injured list. If the spate of injuries continues, Hagenman might be the next man up, especially if the team wants to deploy a six-man rotation in April during a 13-day stretch with no off days. The 28-year-old right-hander has yet to make his MLB debut. but he's on the 40-man roster and posted a 4.91 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 98:31 K:BB over 91.2 innings for Triple-A Worcester in the Boston organization last season.

Waddell might be an option for the Mets' rotation this season, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

New York has already seen Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat) go down this spring, with both pitchers expected to begin the season on the injured list. If the spate of injuries continues, Waddell could find himself in the mix for some March or April starts. The 30-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021, spending the last three years in the KBO, and after signing him to a minor-league contract in December, the Mets would need to find room for him on the 40-man roster in order to add him to the big-league rotation.

Garcia (forearm) will face hitters Thursday, Shawn McDonald of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Garcia is behind schedule due to some irritation in his left forearm, but he's coming along nicely in his recovery. If the southpaw gets through Thursday's session with no concerns, he could be ready to appear in a Cactus League game soon. Garcia is expected to be a high-leverage reliever for the Rangers and in the mix to earn save chances.

Rainey has thrown two scoreless innings while striking out four and walking none across two Grapefruit League appearances.

Rainey is in Pirates camp as a non-roster invitee after a down 2024 season. Last year was his first back from Tommy John surgery, and he had been effective for several years prior while working out of the Nationals' bullpen. Pittsburgh boasts a relatively deep pool of relievers, but Rainey could sneak onto the roster if he continues to perform well.

Richardson gave up one run over two innings with three strikeouts in Tuesday's spring training start against the Yankees. His reached 93.7 mph with his fastball, MLB.com reports.

Richardson allowed just a solo home run. He's seen as the leading candidate for the fifth starter job in a competition with David Festa and Zebby Matthews (and possibly the fourth starter spot as well if Chris Paddack falters). Richardson's success last season keyed off his improved velocity -- up to 93.1 mph average fastball from 90.6 mph in 2023 -- and it's encouraging to see him throwing almost 94 mph this early in camp.

Acton (elbow) struck out two and gave up one earned run on one hit over an inning of relief Friday in the Rays' 6-4 loss to the Red Sox.

Acton made his big-league debut with the Athletics in 2023, but he was limited to just six appearances before getting sent back to the minors and then suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. He was released soon after sustaining the injury and then caught on with the Rays in December 2023 on a two-year, minor-league deal. After spending all of last season completing his rehab program, Acton doesn't appear to be operating with any limitations in spring training. The 26-year-old right-hander is expected to open the 2025 season at Triple-A Durham.

Cousins (forearm) will resume a throwing program Monday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Cousins reported to camp earlier this month with a right forearm strain but got his arm re-imaged recently and the results were "really good," the pitcher said Wednesday, adding that he's "ready to go." The reliever will have been shut down for nearly five weeks and will not be ready for Opening Day, but the hope is he will not have to miss much time.

Gage, who signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Dec. 20, gave up two earned runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one batter in one inning of relief Friday in the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Phillies in Grapefruit League play.

Gage previously saw big-league action in 2022 and 2023 with the Blue Jays and Astros, respectively, but he spent the entire 2024 campaign at the Triple-A level between stops with the Dodgers and Mets organizations, logging a 4.10 ERA and 51:22 K:BB in 41.2 innings. Though he's getting a chance to compete for a spot in the Tigers' Opening Day bullpen during spring training, the 32-year-old southpaw will most likely be headed to Triple-A Toledo to begin the campaign.