MLB Player News

Kolek may be one of two finalists to open the season as San Diego's fifth starter, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Kolek, Kyle Hart, Randy Vasquez and Matt Waldron have been battling for the Padres' final rotation spot for most of spring training, but Waldron recently suffered an oblique injury that will probably prevent him from being ready for Opening Day, and Hart had his throwing progression temporarily stalled due to the flu. That could leave Kolek and Vasquez as the finalists for a rotation role, and Kolek has looked slightly better in Cactus League action this far. Over nine innings spanning three appearances, Kolek has given up just one run while posting a 5:1 K:BB, while Vasquez has surrendered two runs over four frames with a 4:0 K:BB. However, Vasquez has the edge in terms of starting experience -- he started 20 games for San Diego last season, while Kolek came out of the bullpen for all 42 of his appearances.

Stewart exited Saturday's spring outing after two batters due to a "slight pull" behind his left knee, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He's set for further tests Sunday, but downplayed the severity of the injury.

The good news is that it isn't related to his arm as Stewart finished the 2024 season on the injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in August. Given Stewart's lengthy injury history, it wouldn't be surprising for the Twins to play it safe with his return and have him begin the season on the injured list.

Stewart left Saturday's spring training outing against Atlanta after two batters due to an apparent injury. He was unable to continue pitching after retiring a batter and walked off with a trainer under his own power.

The specific injury wasn't immediately clear, but it's an ominous development given his lengthy injury history. Stewart finished the 2024 season on the injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last August, but he was on track to be ready for Opening Day before this setback.

Myers told reporters after Saturday's spring game against the Angels that he will undergo imaging Sunday to determine the severity of his left oblique injury, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Myers was removed from Saturday's game after feeling discomfort in his left oblique. He appeared optimistic that he avoided serious injury, though manager Pat Murphy relayed that he expects the 26-year-old right hander to miss some time, per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Imaging will determine the severity of the injury and provide Myers a better idea of his recovery timeline, but he seems to be in jeopardy of starting the regular season on the injured list.

Feyereisen signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Feyereisen struggled mightily in his 10 appearances with the Dodgers last season, surrendering 10 earned runs over 11 innings. He fared better at Triple-A Oklahoma City (5.48 ERA, 1.40 WHIP in 42.2 innings), but it wasn't enough for Feyereisen to earn an invitation to big-league spring training, as he had remained a free agent all offseason. After catching on with a new organization, Feyereisen will likely have to have a run of sustained success at Triple-A Reno before getting a look in the Arizona bullpen.

Myers was removed from Saturday's game against the Angels with left oblique discomfort, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Myers was grabbing at his left side before leaving the game alongside a trainer in the second inning. It remains to be seen how severe his injury is, but the Brewers will likely take a look at him in the clubhouse and provide an update in the near future. If Myers would need to spend time on the injured list to begin the season, Tyler Alexander would be the most likely candidate to join Milwaukee's Opening Day rotation.

Leiter didn't pitch as scheduled Thursday against the Tigers due to a back injury, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Leiter's injury doesn't seem to be anything too serious, but the Yankees are choosing to be cautious with the righty. He's slated to face hitters in a live batting practice session Sunday, and if all goes well he could return to playing in the Grapefruit League soon.

Strahm (shoulder) began playing catch from 75 feet Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Strahm said he no longer has any pain in his left shoulder, and he was cleared to begin throwing after visiting a doctor Saturday. He's set to extend his throwing distance Sunday, but it's still unclear if he'll have enough time to build up to game readiness before Opening Day.

The Marlins placed Nardi on the 60-day injured list Saturday with lower-back inflammation.

A setback in Nardi's recovery from a lower-back injury has kept him shut down from throwing since March 5. His status for Opening Day had been in question, but moving to the 60-day IL will ensure he remains out until at least late May. His roster spot will be filled by Seth Martinez, who was claimed off waivers from the Mariners on Saturday.

The Marlins claimed Martinez off waivers from Seattle on Saturday.

Less than two weeks after moving from Miami to Seattle via waiver claim, Martinez will now head right back to Miami. The 30-year-old righty allowed four runs in just two-thirds of an inning during his lone appearance of the spring but his career 3.93 ERA should give him a good chance of sticking around in the Marlins' bullpen. Andrew Nardi (back) was placed on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.