MLB Player News

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Wednesday that Tarnok is currently shut down after having a setback with his surgically repaired right hip, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok had surgery last August and entered camp behind schedule. He has yet to appear in a Cactus League game, and now that he's experienced a setback, Tarnok looks like a virtual lock to begin the season on the injured list. Once healthy, Tarnok could be a candidate to join the Oakland rotation.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Hudson "will be in our bullpen," Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hudson is attending camp as a non-roster invitee, but Roberts' comments imply that the veteran reliever will be added to the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster ahead of the Dodgers' March 20 season opener versus the Padres in South Korea. Though he missed most of the last two seasons with knee issues, Hudson has been healthy thus far in spring training. Hudson hasn't been overly sharp in 3.2 Cactus League innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks, but the Dodgers will bet on the veteran right-hander's track record as they include him in their bullpen.

Killian underwent an MRI after exiting a Cactus League appearance Tuesday with right shoulder discomfort, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The results of the MRI aren't yet in, but it's certainly a discouraging development for the young right-hander. If healthy, Killian is likely slated for a spot in the Triple-A Iowa rotation, though he could also be an option for the big-league club as a reliever.

McMillon (forearm) is scheduled to make a relief appearance in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

McMillon will likely cover an inning Wednesday in what will mark his spring debut. The hard-throwing righty has been eased along during spring training while he works his way back from a forearm strain, but assuming he escapes Wednesday's outing free of setbacks, he should be on track to win a spot in the Royals' Opening Day bullpen. McMillon was impressive over a small sample of big-league action in 2023, striking out eight and allowing one earned run on one hit and no walks over four innings.

Kahnle (shoulder) acknowledged Wednesday that he's unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Kahnle ended last season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, and he's behind schedule this spring after the injury took a little longer than expected to clear up. The reliever is throwing pain-free bullpen sessions and looks to be on track to make a Grapefruit League appearance or two later this month, but he won't quite be ready for Opening Day. Kahnle held a nifty 2.66 ERA and 48:19 K:BB over 40.2 innings in 2023. If healthy, Kahnle should be a key setup man again for the Yankees in 2024.

Adcock (undisclosed) gave up an earned run on one hit over one inning of relief Tuesday in the Mariners' 10-9 Cactus League loss to the Rangers.

The one-inning outing marked Adcock's spring debut, after the Mariners had elected to take things slowly in camp with the right-hander while he managed an unspecified health concern. Adcock reached the big leagues for the first time in 2023, working 15.2 innings out of the Seattle bullpen while pitching to a 3.45 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 11:0 K:BB.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Wednesday that Stephenson (shoulder) will have time to get the appearances he needs in order to be ready for Opening Day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The right-hander is working his way back from a sore pitching shoulder, but it sounds like he'll be part of the Halos' Opening Day bullpen. Stephenson will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and, assuming that goes off without a hitch, he will throw off the mound again this weekend. If healthy, Stephenson is slated for setup duties ahead of closer Carlos Estevez.

Alzolay (illness) struck out one and worked around a base hit in a scoreless inning of relief Sunday in the Cubs' 5-3 win over the Guardians in Cactus League play.

Alzolay had been in line to make his second appearance of spring training last Friday, but the Cubs scratched him from the pitching schedule after he came down with the illness. The right-hander quickly overcame the ailment, clearing up any lingering concern about his status heading into Opening Day. Though Alzolay paced the Cubs with 22 saves in 2023, he could face competition for save chances from the likes of Hector Neris, who signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Cubs in January.

Fujinami (personal) returned to the Mets' camp this week and is scheduled to appear in relief during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The upcoming appearance will mark the spring debut for Fujinami, who signed a one-year deal with the Mets in early February but was a late arrival to camp while he remained in his home country of Japan to attend to a family matter. Since the Mets are likely viewing Fujinami as a one- or two-inning reliever this season, he'll likely need just a handful of appearances in the spring to get fully ramped up for Opening Day.

Jansen (lat) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Wednesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

It's possible the session is postponed due to rainy conditions in Florida, but if not, it will be the first time Jansen has faced hitters this spring as he works his way back from right lat soreness. The 36-year-old closer shouldn't require too many Grapefruit League appearances to prep for Opening Day, so he has plenty of time to get ready as long as he avoids setbacks.