MLB Player News

Paxton (back) said Sunday he could begin throwing late this week or early next week, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

The veteran left-hander has been progressing well in his recovery and previously indicated he might throw early this week, but he's instead looking to hold himself back a bit to avoid rushing things. Paxton underwent back surgery in early February and is hoping to rejoin the Yankees in early May.

Giolito (chest) could make his Cactus League debut later this week, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Giolito has been recovering from a strained muscle in his rib cage area in the early parts of spring training, but his return to game action appears to be on the horizon. The 25-year-old has thrown live batting practice and multiple bullpen sessions, so he appears clear of any significant hurdles for his spring training debut.

Civale (groin) is scheduled to start Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander had a delayed start to spring training after experiencing some soreness in his groin, but he recently threw live batting practice and is cleared for game action. Civale is primed to begin his first full season in the majors after posting a 2.34 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB over 57.2 innings (10 starts) last season.

Manager Joe Maddon said Canning was unable to throw Saturday and is likely to begin the season on the injured list, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 23-year-old was scheduled to throw Saturday as part of his medical tests after an MRI revealed some issues with the UCL in his right elbow, but the elbow apparently didn't feel well enough for him to throw. Canning is now set to undergo further testing to see if it's a joint issue rather than a ligament. The right-hander remains without a timetable for his return, though any time on the injured list would sideline him for at least the first couple series of the season.

Sale (illness) will throw two simulated innings prior to Sunday's game against the Braves, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander is expected to throw 30 pitches in the sim game. This will mark the first time Sale has thrown to hitters since an Aug. 13 start against the Indians. He was shut down for the rest of the season following that appearance due to a left elbow injury.

Rodriguez allowed two hits and struck out six over three scoreless innings Saturday against the Yankees.

Rodriguez was sharp again Saturday, five days after looking equally impressive during a simulated game during which he fanned teammate Rafael Devers five times. "He threw some really good pitches. Located his fastball well. Threw some good changeups," interim manager Ron Roenicke told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "He got in a little bit of trouble, but his command is so good [that] he's able to get out of it. He makes pitches when he needs to." After a string of seasons in which a leg injury of some sort curtailed Rodriguez, the left-hander dazzled in 2019, finishing sixth in voting for the AL Cy Young award, tying for the MLB lead with 34 starts and throwing more than 200 innings for the first time in his career. The Red Sox haven't named an Opening Day starter yet, but that honor is expected to go to Rodriguez.

Valdez allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 scoreless innings in Saturday's game against the Mets.

Valdez faced traffic in each frame but escaped unscathed to run his string of scoreless innings to 4.2 while getting his pitch count to 50 (31 strikes). So far, so good in the left-hander's quest to win the No. 5 starter job. His three walks in 4.2 innings hints at the issue that has prevented Valdez from succeeding in the big leagues, but his ability to work around difficulty and slow things down when getting into a jam was an encouraging sign.

Teheran (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Teheran's throwing session lends credence to the belief that his hamstring issue is minor. The right-hander is expected to make his first Cactus League start Monday or Tuesday and should be good to go for the onset of the regular season.

Cole held the Tigers scoreless over 2.2 innings Saturday, allowing two hits and striking out two.

Cole looked every bit the ace the Yankees are paying him to be, throwing 21 of 30 pitches for strikes in the efficient outing. The 29-year-old has yet to allow a run in 3.2 innings of Grapefruit League play.

Snell felt some discomfort in his elbow after Wednesday's start and received a cortisone shot Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

The Rays are reportedly not overly concerned, and although he'll miss his next Grapefruit League start, Snell is already scheduled to play catch Tuesday and throw a bullpen session Friday, so he won't be shut down for long. Manager Kevin Cash noted that the shot was in the lefty's outer elbow, not near the tendon, which would be a considerably more concerning area. Still, it's hard not to worry about elbow issues popping up early in camp for a pitcher who missed two months for elbow surgery last season. Whether or not Snell is expected to miss time at the start of the regular season should become clear over the next week as he resumes throwing.