MLB Player News

Kopech, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, is "on schedule" for a likely return in late May or early June, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Prior to MLB's shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, all signs pointed to Kopech opening the year at Triple-A Charlotte, where he would throw innings against live batters before joining the White Sox's rotation in June. It's unclear if that is still the plan if baseball is able to resume by June 1 following a brief two-to-three week ramp-up.

Rodon (elbow) said he feels good enough that he could be pitching by June, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Rodon went as far as saying a June return "is realistic," but the left-hander admits getting the White Sox management and medical staff to give him permission would be a sticking point. Original estimates pegged a July return for Rodon, who is in the final stages of rehab from Tommy John surgery. Rodon has been throwing three days per week at the team's spring training complex in Glendale (Ariz.), including bullpen sessions on Mondays and Fridays. That's the same activity he would have been performing even if MLB had started its season on time.

Chiang is competing for one of the final spots in what will likely be an expanded Tigers bullpen when the regular season is able to begin, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Chiang was widely expected to start the year at Triple-A Toledo when spring training began, but he could still make his way into the majors if teams get to work with expanded rosters when the regular season begins. Under such a scenario, Detroit will likely deepen its bullpen to deal with what figures to be a compacted schedule, and that could benefit Chiang.

Cortes, who generated a 1.80 ERA over three Cactus League appearances, should be on the Opening Day roster, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The 25-year-old southpaw is not only a particularly valuable commodity because of his handedness, but he also proved effective over his few opportunities before spring training was suspended. Cortes struggled during his first two big-league stints with the Orioles and Yankees in 2018 and 2019, respectively, but Drayer notes Cortes is a "natural fit" to follow starters that experience early exits due to his extensive experience working multiple innings in the minors.

Chirinos was on track to receive some opportunities as a traditional starter in 2020 when spring training was suspended, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander's spring didn't exactly inspire much confidence, as he posted a 9.00 ERA across six innings over three Grapefruit League starts. However, Chirinos has a solid track record at the big-league level over the past two seasons, posting sub-4.00 ERAs in each of those campaigns, along with a combined 14-10 record. The 26-year-old will still likely be utilized as a bulk reliever following an opener on occasion, but Topkin also notes the Rays may not utilize the "bullpen day" strategy as often in 2020.

The Athletics optioned Blackburn to Triple-A Las Vegas on March 7.

With Frankie Montas back after missing most of the second half of 2019 while suspended and youngsters Jesus Luzardo and A.J. Puk expected to become fixtures in the Athletics' rotation this season, Blackburn was quickly dismissed from the competition for a starting role with the big club. He'll likely serve as a depth option in the minors for most of 2020 unless injuries reopen an opportunity for him at the big-league level.

Schmidt has been throwing bullpen sessions and working on his mechanics at his home in Georgia during MLB's hiatus, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports.

"I'm trying to throw as many bullpens as I can, work on as much stuff as I can mechanically (and) pitch design, and stuff like that," Schmidt said Monday. The 24-year-old also noted that he has yet to be told where he will open the 2020 campaign. Although Schmidt was considered a longshot to make the Opening Day roster prior to the suspension of play, he performed well in Grapefruit League action and has an outside chance of breaking camp with the Yankees, especially if rosters are expanded as is widely expected.

Sale (elbow) will be out of his arm cast and start rehabbing Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

While speaking with reporters Tuesday -- a little over a week after undergoing Tommy John surgery -- Sale mentioned that he's ready to shed his cast and begin the long rehabilitation process. The lefty is hoping to rehab at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida, though he can do most of the early-stage work at home if necessary. Sale mentioned that he's "really happy" with where he's at now, as the surgery offered a "definitive answer, a finish line," per Speier. "I've been chasing a ghost for seven months," Sale said.

Canning (elbow) has begun throwing sessions of about 50 throws from approximately 75 feet, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Canning was cleared to resume throwing at the beginning of April following a month-long shutdown due to UCL issues in his right elbow. He appears to be slowly ramping up his activity in spite of MLB's hiatus. Should his recovery continue to go well, Canning could be ready to join the Angels' starting rotation by the time the regular season gets underway.

Farrell allowed two hits and three walks while striking out nine over 7.2 scoreless innings in spring training.

Farrell led all Texas relievers in spring innings and, along with Nick Goody, was a Cactus League star out of the bullpen. The right-hander made it back from a fractured jaw and concussion in 2019, posting a 2.70 ERA over 13.1 innings during the final weeks of the season. His strong camp could buy him a roster spot when MLB eventually begins play, particularly if rosters are allowed to expand to 29 for the first month.