MLB Player News

Zastryzny signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Monday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training.

After being cast off the Cubs' 40-man roster earlier this month, Zastryzny elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Chicago's Triple-A affiliate. He quickly found work with the Yankees, who will give the 32-year-old lefty a chance to compete for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen this spring. Zastryzny made nine appearances in the majors with the Brewers in 2024, turning in a 1.17 ERA and 0.65 WHIP across 7.2 innings.

Sousa (shoulder) confirmed Sunday that he's fully healthy and has completed his recovery from the season-ending thoracic outlet syndrome surgery he underwent in April, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After a strong finish to the 2023 season, Sousa was poised to win a spot in Houston's Opening Day bullpen coming out of last spring training, but he developed shoulder inflammation late in camp and was placed on the injured list. He was then recommended for thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, after Sousa said that he had been dealing with symptoms of the syndrome for years. Though he experienced a complication during the procedure involving a buildup of fluid in his lung that required a hospital stay, Sousa's throwing program was relatively unaffected. He resumed playing catch in early July and stepped back on the mound for a bullpen session by September, so he's not expected to face any restrictions in camp. Sousa faces stiff competition for a spot in the Astros bullpen, however, and the fact that the lefty has a minor-league option remaining could hurt his chances of breaking camp with the big club.

Montero reported to Astros camp Monday after previously dealing with visa issues, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Montero wound up being only a few days late in reporting, so his preparation shouldn't be too affected. He's owed $11.5 million in the final year of his contract but is in camp as a non-roster invitee.

Avila agreed to a contract Wednesday with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, SI.com reports.

Avila will head overseas after he elected free agency in January rather than accepting an outright assignment to the Guardians' Triple-A affiliate. The 28-year-old righty made 54 appearances in the big leagues in 2024 between stops with the Padres and Guardians, logging a 3.81 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 82:36 K:BB in 82.2 innings. Though he worked exclusively as a reliever last season, he could transition back to a starting role as he heads to Japan.

Lawrence changed the grip on his sweeper this offseason, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence entered 2024 as one of Colorado's better relievers, but he struggled to a 6.49 ERA and 1.78 WHIP across 59.2 innings and quickly lost his role as closer. He consulted with pitching experts at Rapsodo Baseball this offseason, who determined that Lawrence was releasing the ball off of his index finger rather than his middle finger when throwing a sweeper. With the adjustment, Lawrence is hoping to regain his 2023 form that resulted in 11 saves and 11 holds.

Moreta (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Sunday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Moreta is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in March of 2024. The right-hander will now be forced to miss the first two months of the 2025 season while on the 60-day IL. The transaction opened a spot on the 40-man roster for newly-signed outfielder Tommy Pham.

Farmer has joined Atlanta's spring training camp as a non-roster invitee, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Farmer appeared in 61 games, including one start, with the Reds in 2024, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 70 strikeouts over 71.0 innings. He'll now get a chance to prove himself with Atlanta ahead of the 2025 season.

Garrett agreed to a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Sunday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Garrett joined the Angels on a minor-league deal for 2024 but had a 5.08 ERA at Triple-A Salt Lake and made just six appearances in the big leagues. The left-hander will need a strong showing in camp to make Toronto's Opening Day roster, otherwise he's likely to open the campaign at Triple-A Buffalo.

Garcia (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander was shut down from throwing for a few days after reporting to camp with nerve irritation in his left forearm, but he's poised to get back on the mound Tuesday. Assuming Garcia doesn't experience a recurrence of the injury, he should have plenty of time to be fully built up for Opening Day.

The Angels placed Stephenson (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Stephenson is still working his way back from the Tommy John procedure he underwent in May and isn't expected to make his return until July. Therefore, the Angels will temporarily strip him of his 40-man roster spot and give it to Kenley Jansen (shoulder), who officially signed his one-year deal with Los Angeles on Saturday.