MLB Player News

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Kikuchi has made encouraging adjustments to his delivery, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

"I love what I've seen out of Yusei so far," said Schneider. "He's made some small tweaks with his arm path and spent a lot of time in the offseason working on it." Kikuchi is expected to contend with Mitch White this spring for the final spot in the Jays' season-opening starting rotation. The 31-year-old left-hander struggled to a 5.19 ERA in 100.2 innings last season for Toronto.

Manager John Schneider said Thursday that Ryu's (elbow) recovery from Tommy John surgery is on schedule, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Schneider also noted if Ryu does make it back late in the season, the veteran lefty would immediately slide into the rotation. Ryu has a goal of returning from last summer's operation in July, though that timetable might be a bit optimistic. The Blue Jays surely would be happy if they can get a healthy and effective Ryu back at any point after the All-Star break.

Lorenzen will not be used as a hitter for the Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press on Thursday.

Lorenzen logged 147 plate appearances with the Reds between 2015-2021, but the Tigers want him to focus solely on pitching and believe he can be an effective part of their regular starting rotation. The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with Detroit in December after working to a 4.24 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 85:44 K:BB in 97.2 innings (18 starts) last season with the Angels.

Whitley said Thursday he's fully recovered from the right lat injury which prematurely ended his 2022 season, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Whitley had to be scratched from his final start for Triple-A Sugar Land last year after feeling something in the back of his lat during a bullpen session, but he said it's a non-issue now. The former top prospect has had a terrible time with injuries and throwing strikes the last few years, having posted a 7.09 ERA and 36:25 K:BB over 33 innings for Sugar Land last season. He's still just 25, though, and way too talented to give up on.

Mahle (shoulder) said Thursday he entered Twins camp with no restrictions, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Mahle battled shoulder troubles in both Cincinnati and Minnesota last season, but he was able to enjoy a fairly normal winter routine and even went to Driveline to work on a new slider. The 28-year-old right-hander is shaping up as a bounceback candidate for 2023 after posting an underwhelming 4.40 ERA and 126:43 K:BB across his 120.2 total innings (23 starts) in 2022.

Gil (elbow) is hoping to be cleared to throw a bullpen session during spring training, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Gil has been throwing from over 100 feet for a while and is aiming for mound work sometime this spring, although that hasn't been scheduled yet. He had Tommy John surgery last May and doesn't figure to be an option for the Yankees until the second half of the season.

Singer lost his arbitration hearing Wednesday and will be paid $2.95 million in 2023, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Singer had requested $3.325 million. The right-hander broke out for the Royals in 2022, holding a 3.23 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 150:35 K:BB over 153.1 innings. He could serve as Kansas City's Opening Day starter in 2023, with veteran Zack Greinke also in the mix.

Paddack (elbow) said Wednesday that he began a throwing program last week and has progressed to throwing off flat ground from 60 feet, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Paddack may be able to get back on the mound and/or face hitters by the end of spring training, but he acknowledged that he likely won't be ready to make his 2023 debut until August or September while he recovers from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last May. Because it was the second Tommy John surgery of his career, Paddack may face an uphill battle to return anywhere close to the level of success he enjoyed as a rookie with the Padres in 2019. Given that they signed Paddack to a three-year, $12.53 million contract extension in January, the Twins must at least be encouraged by how he's responded thus far from surgery.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Wednesday that Montas will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder on Feb. 21, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Montas underwent several tests to determine what the next step would be, and ultimately a surgical option was deemed to be the best for the right-hander. While the operation will cause him to miss a significant portion of the 2023 campaign, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said earlier Wednesday that the surgery isn't necessarily a season-ender. Even if he's able to come back at some point in the second half of the season, the 29-year-old likely won't be worth rostering in all but the deepest or redraft leagues at this stage.

Montas (shoulder) will undergo right shoulder surgery Feb. 21, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports Aaron Boone saying a late-season return is the "best-case scenario" for Montas, who was already expected to miss time with the injury. Even with a smooth rehab and quick build-up, it's unlikely the 30-year-old provides any legitimate fantasy value in 2023.