MLB Player News

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday that Bradish's right elbow is responding "well right now" to the pitcher's throwing program, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Bradish resumed mound work last Wednesday after weeks of flat-ground throwing. While the right-hander has thrown almost all fastballs, Hyde admitted that Bradish "might have spun a couple breaking balls," as well. It remains relatively early on in Bradish's rehab from a partially torn UCL, but so far things have progressed as well as can be expected.

The Guardians announced Tuesday that Bieber will start Opening Day against the A's on March 28, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

It's hardly a surprise the right-hander is taking the mound for Cleveland, as it will the fifth consecutive season he's started Opening Day. Bieber was limited to 21 starts last season due to an elbow issue and had a 3.80 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 107:34 K:BB over 128 innings. He'll open 2024 versus a favorable opponent in one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in MLB.

The Angels announced Tuesday that Sandoval will start Opening Day against the Orioles on March 28, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

The left-hander made a career-high 28 starts last season but took a step back with a 4.11 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 128:74 K:BB across 144.2 innings, so it's a bit of a surprise he'll get the nod Opening Day. Sandoval also wasn't particularly sharp during spring training with a 7.15 ERA and 10:6 K:BB over 11.1 innings, and he'll have a tough matchup in Baltimore to begin the campaign.

Manager Bruce Bochy announced Tuesday that Eovaldi will start the Rangers' March 28 season opener versus the Cubs in Arlington.

Eovaldi will be opposed by left-hander Justin Steele. Even before Bochy confirmed Eovaldi as the Opening Day starter, the 33-year-old right-hander looked like the clear choice for the defending World Series champs after going 5-0 in six postseason outings, collecting a 2.95 ERA and 41:10 K:BB over 36.2 innings along the way.

Manager John Schneider announced Tuesday that Berrios will start the Blue Jays' season opener March 28 versus the Rays in Tampa Bay, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The assignment likely would have fallen to Kevin Gausman (shoulder), but he's still getting ramped back up and won't be ready for Opening Day. Berrios made 32 starts for Toronto last season, finishing with a 3.65 ERA and 184:52 K:BB over 189.2 innings.

Manoah (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

It will be his first time throwing off a mound since he developed soreness in his right shoulder at the beginning of the month. Manoah is set for a stint on the injured list at the beginning of the season and a timetable should become clearer as he ramps up.

Gausman (shoulder) will throw a two-inning simulated game Wednesday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Gausman is continuing his ramp-up progression as he works his way back from right shoulder fatigue. The veteran hurler will not be ready for Opening Day, an assignment that will now fall to Jose Berrios. Gausman could be ready for his season debut around mid-April.

Bello has been named the Red Sox' Opening Day starter.

He was the pick over Nick Pivetta, who will start the second game of the season. It's been an eventful month for Bello, who agreed to a six-year, $55 million contract extension earlier this month and who now garners the first Opening Day start of his career. The 24-year-old will take on the Mariners in Seattle on March 28.

Eflin will start for the Rays on Opening Day, March 28 at home against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This had been widely assumed after Eflin turned in a career year in 2023, leading the team in innings pitched, wins and strikeouts. We now have confirmation that Eflin will start Opening Day, which lines him up for two starts on the season-opening homestand. The results this spring don't look good, but the right-hander has already built up to four innings and should be able to stretch out a bit more before he takes the hill in a game that counts.

Bielak is likely to make the big-league roster out of spring training due to a combination of injuries to the Astros' pitching staff and the fact that he is out of minor-league options, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Bielak hasn't pitched well this spring, allowing six earned runs across 7.1 innings while maintaining just a 5:4 K:BB. However, with both Justin Verlander (shoulder) and Jose Urquidy (forearm) destined for the injured list to begin the campaign, the Astros are in need of pitching depth. As things currently stand, Bielak is expected to serve in a relief role, with Ronel Blanco serving as the fifth starter.