MLB Player News

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Thursday that Kopech (knee) doesn't have any lingering issues this spring, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Kopech reported early to White Sox camp in Arizona and has already completed a couple of successful bullpen sessions. "He's on pace," said Grifol. "He's in a good spot." The 26-year-old was limited to 119.1 innings (25 starts) last season due to knee and shoulder issues, but he appears to be locked into a regular spot in Chicago's starting rotation heading into 2023.

Blackburn (finger) enters spring training fully healthy after his 2022 season ended due to a tear of the flexor tendon sheath in his right middle finger, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

"I feel really good right now," Blackburn said Wednesday, adding that he's been pain-free since beginning a throwing program two months ago. Blackburn made the All-Star team in 2022 after posting a 3.62 ERA in 18 first-half starts, but he struggled in three second-half outings before the injury. The 29-year-old's fantasy ceiling is quite limited since he plays for the A's and doesn't get strikeouts, but he could still be a solid innings-eater if he stays healthy.

Maeda (elbow) threw about 40 pitches Thursday in his first bullpen session of the spring, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Park notes that Maeda only topped out at around 89 mph, but that is to be expected at this point for a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery. The 34-year-old right-hander is now more than 16 months removed from that procedure and is expected to have a spot near the back of the Twins' season-opening rotation. There's certainly some intriguing bounceback upside in Maeda's outlook for 2023.

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.