MLB Player News

Morton isn't expected to be under any restrictions in terms of workload during the truncated 2020 season and enters Friday's start of summer camp with a well-conditioned arm, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The veteran right-hander was originally slated to be monitored carefully in a 2020 season of normal duration, considering both is age and the fact he logged a career-high 33 starts in 2019. Naturally, the eradication of 102 games from the schedule eases the potential wear and tear on Morton's arm significantly, and as such, he's considered "full-go" by the coaching staff. Additionally, Morton should be able to hit the ground running in the coming ramp-up to the regular season, considering he's worked up to over 50 pitches in his recent throwing sessions at Tropicana Field and also recently completed three innings of a simulated game.

Cole tossed a three-inning sim game at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Though the first official team workout is scheduled for Saturday, Cole got a head start against teammates Aaron Judge (rib), Aaron Hicks (elbow) and Luke Voit. According to pitching coach Matt Blake, the new staff ace hit 95-99 on his fastball and is "in a really good spot" in terms of his preparation for the regular season. Cole is expected to be on the mound against whomever the Yankees face on Opening Day.

The Rangers added Nicasio (back) to their 60-man roster pool Thursday.

Nicasio and Edinson Volquez both joined the 60-man pool, bringing the Rangers' total to 57 men. The 33-year-old made just two spring appearances before experiencing back tightness in early March. Nicasio recorded a 4.75 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and 45:21 K:BB across 47.1 relief innings with the Phillies in 2019. As a non-roster invitee, he's not expected to have a spot in the Texas bullpen come Opening Day.

Cole has been keeping in shape, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is uncertain if the ace will be ready to throw 100 pitches by Opening Day, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Cole's uncertain workload is hardly cause for concern since most MLB starters are likely to be in a similar position after the long layoff, and given the limited time available to ramp up activity during summer camp. It's reasonable to expect the Yankees to be cautious with Cole given the money ($324 million) and time (nine years) invested in him during the offseason.

Medina will attend summer camp as part of the Yankees' 60-man player pool.

Medina is among the top pitching prospects in the organization, making his continued development a priority for the Yankees. The 21-year-old has yet to pitch beyond the High-A level, so it's unlikely he'll see any big-league playing time in 2020.

Schmidt will take part in the Yankees' summer camp as part of their 60-man player pool.

The designation comes as no surprise given Schmidt's status as one of the organization's top prospects. The right-hander had yet to be optioned to the minors when spring training was suspended, due in part to a strong showing in Grapefruit League play. While he's unlikely to begin the 2020 campaign on the active big-league roster, it's feasible Schmidt could be called upon if a need for a starter arises. The possibility also exists that Schmidt could be given a chance to contribute as a reliever at some point during the campaign.

Gil will take part in the Yankees' summer camp as part of the 60-man player pool.

Gil is on the team's 40-man roster, so his inclusion in the player pool makes sense despite the fact that he has yet to pitch above High-A ball. The right-hander will have a chance to further his development by training with the Yankees this season, though he's unlikely to be ready to make an impact at the big-league level.

General manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday that Paxton "has recovered" from back surgery and "appears game ready," Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

It sounds like Paxton will enter summer camp without any major restrictions after undergoing a microscopic lumbar discectomy in early February. This is not a huge surprise as the lefty was said to be back to full strength more than a month ago, though it's still nice to get confirmation. Hopefully we will get word from the Yankees as to how deep into games they may allow their starters to go the first few times through the rotation.

Urquidy has been added to the Astros' 60-man player pool and is the presumed frontrunner for the fourth-starter role, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Urquidy burst onto the radar following his recovery from Tommy John elbow surgery, showing increased velocity and better strikeout rates during 2019, his first full season following surgery.

McCullers has taken an aggressive approach during the shut down and is "... probably ahead of everybody ...," manager Dusty Baker told Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Though McCullers was advocating against it, he was probably facing an innings limit during a full season, but with the 60-game season, he'll be under no such restrictions. Even before the surgery, McCullers carried plenty of injury risk, but this is one hurdle removed at least.