MLB Player News

Rodriguez (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

This is a major step in Rodriguez's rehab from shoulder surgery, as it will represent his first time throwing to live hitters since August of 2021. The right-hander has been tossing bullpen sessions this spring, but his overall recovery from the shoulder issue has been very slow. If Tuesday's session goes well, Rodriguez could throw a sim game or even make an appearance in an exhibition game soon thereafter, but it's likely he'll open the campaign on the injured list.

Kauffmann was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Rockies on Monday.

Kauffmann made 28 starts in the upper minors in 2022, and finished with a 4.96 ERA over 141.2 innings of work for Double-A Harford and Triple-A Albuquerque. The 25-year-old right-hander will be a part of the Isotopes' rotation in Triple-A to begin 2023, and could be called on to make starts for Colorado at some point over the summer.

The White Sox optioned German to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Chicago acquired German from Boston in February in a deal that sent Theo Denlinger to the Red Sox. The right-hander stands a good chance of making appearances with the White Sox this summer, but he'll open the 2023 campaign in the International League.

Alexy was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte by the White Sox on Monday.

Alexy made just one appearance in the Cactus League, and he allowed two runs in 0.2 innings of work with two walks. The right-hander will likely see time with the White Sox before the end of 2023 as an up-and-down arm who offers no fantasy relevance.

Raley (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Sunday and believes he's on track for Opening Day, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Raley is hoping to get in at least one Grapefruit League game by the end of the week. The left-hander has been out with a left hamstring strain and was forced off the World Baseball Classic roster. Raley could be an option for saves if he is healthy, but he'll need to get in at least a game or two in Florida if he's going to be a part of the Opening Day roster.

Atlanta optioned Anderson to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Anderson pitched well in the Grapefruit League before the demotion with a 2.57 ERA and 11:1 K:BB over his six appearances. The right-hander has been riddled with injuries over the past few seasons, but has a real shot of being a contributor for Atlanta by the time 2023 comes to a close.

Zimmermann was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk by the Orioles on Monday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Zimmermann has been competing for a spot in the Orioles' rotation but always seemed to be on the periphery. The left-hander does figure to make some starts with the big club this season but for now will head to Norfolk.

Vespi was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk by the Orioles on Monday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Vespi is just now returning from sports hernia surgery that he underwent in January, and the southpaw will need more time to get ready for the regular season. The 27-year-old will likely be an up-and-down option for Baltimore throughout the 2023 campaign.

Hudson (knee) told reporters Monday that he won't pitch in a Cactus League game this spring and won't be ready for the start of the season, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Hudson said that he doesn't want to take a spot away from someone if he's going to need a few days between outings, and that will play a factor in his rehab schedule. The Dodgers are currently trying to create a rehab routine for Hudson, as his knee has required more days to bounce back between bullpens than anticipated. At this point, it's likely Hudson doesn't pitch for the Dodgers until the middle of April at the earliest.

Hall (back) being used as a reliever at the start of the season was not ruled out by Orioles manager Brandon Hyde on Monday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The plan prior to Hall suffering a back injury had been to stretch the left-hander out as a starter. That could still happen at Triple-A Norfolk, but now keeping him in the majors as a member of the bullpen is also being considered. Hall made his Grapefruit League debut Monday against the Phillies, striking out four but allowing three runs -- one earned -- over 1.2 innings of work.