MLB Player News

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Hamilton (infection) is expected to return in early April, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Hamilton was placed on the injured list Wednesday (retroactive to Monday), and Boone's comments suggest that the 29-year-old righty will be able to return to the bullpen when eligible April 8. The Yankees will presumably look to use him in a few minor-league games before then, and he's likely in line for middle-relief duty once he returns.

The Astros selected Okert's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Okert earned a bullpen spot following a stellar spring in which he tossed 10.2 scoreless innings with a 16.2 K:BB. He will be utilized in middle relief.

The Brewers placed Mears (illness) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Mears resumed pitching in minor-league games on the back fields of camp before spring training came to a close, but the reliever will open the season on the IL since he didn't have enough time to get fully ramped up after being set back by a stomach bug earlier in March. He'll be eligible for activation beginning April 8 and should be ready to join the Milwaukee bullpen at or around that date.

The Astros selected Montero's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Montero was removed from the Astros' 40-man roster last season but has made his way back on after a strong spring in which he struck out 10 batters and allowed a .194 batting average against over 8.2 innings in the Grapefruit League. He will serve as a middle reliever for Houston.

The Yankees placed Cousins (forearm) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

A forearm strain prevented Cousins from seeing any action in the Grapefruit League this spring, and the Yankees' decision to immediately send him to the 60-day IL indicates that he isn't anywhere close to making his season debut. The right-hander won't be eligible to play until late May; meanwhile, camp standout Pablo Reyes will fill the vacancy on the active roster.

The Padres recalled Cruz from Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Cruz was optioned to minor-league camp in mid-March but wound up cracking the Opening Day roster. He'll be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

The Red Sox placed Penrod on the 60-day injured list Thursday with a left elbow UCL sprain, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The move clears a spot on Boston's 40-man roster. Penrod is attempting to rest and rehab his injury rather than undergoing surgery, but it will be months before he can pitch in a game, even in a best-case scenario.

The Red Sox placed Murphy (elbow) on the 60-day injured list, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster. Murphy has been throwing off a mound and could be an option for the Red Sox by the time his 60 days are up, or close to that point. He's on the mend from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent April 10 of last year.

Pomeranz signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Pomeranz spent the spring with Seattle, allowing four runs in 7.2 innings, but he was released by the club Sunday. After testing the open market for a few days, the 36-year-old lefty will now return to the Mariners, though he's likely to only serve as depth for Triple-A Tacoma, given the fact he hasn't appeared in the majors since 2021.

The Red Sox selected Newcomb's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Newcomb was a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, let alone the rotation, when he inked a minor-league deal in January. He will open the season as the fifth starter, however, after permitting just two runs (one earned) with a 13:3 K:BB in 14.1 Grapefruit League frames. Newcomb is slated for his season debut Monday in Baltimore.