MLB Player News

Walker will make his Cactus League debut sometime next week, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

He threw well in Friday's two-inning simulated game but was not quite as sharp as he was in his previous outing, according to manager Scott Servais. The skipper said Walker needs to get into game action, and that he will get his chance sometime in the middle of next week. Walker is on track to make Seattle's rotation.

Kopech (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kopech has reportedly been impressing throughout camp as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent back in September of 2018. It looks as though he'll be ready for game action at the start of the regular season, though the young righty has said that he expects that action to come in the minors.

Dunning (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The session is an important step in Dunning's recovery from last March's Tommy John surgery. He's reportedly been throwing the ball quite well this spring, though a typical recovery timeline would have him out of game action for at least a month or two at the start of the season.

Clevinger (knee) could begin a throwing program as early as Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Clevinger underwent surgery exactly two weeks ago to address a partial tear of his left meniscus, and his return to throwing is the first tangible step toward his return. The 29-year-old is expected to be sidelined 6-to-8 weeks, putting the front end of the recovery timeline right around Opening Day on March 26. There should be a better idea of Clevinger's progression once he's cleared to resume mound work.

Civale (groin) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Civale has been a bit behind schedule this spring while dealing with a sore groin, but he still has plenty of time to prepare for the regular season. Assuming good health, he appears to have a safe roster spot after posting a 2.34 ERA in his 10-start debut last season.

Carrasco (hip) threw a live batting practice session Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Carrasco suffered a mild strain of his right hip flexor early in camp. The fact that he's throwing again just nine days later would seem to bode well for his readiness for Opening Day, though a clearer timeline may not emerge until he's back in game action.

Ryu made his first Grapefruit League appearance Thursday, allowing one run on two hits over two innings while striking out two, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

The veteran southpaw served up a solo homer to unheralded Twins minor-leaguer Zander Wiel but was otherwise pleased with the outing, as he threw 26 of 41 pitches for strikes. "The reason why I focus more on the pitch count and innings is because, as I progress towards the regular season, everything, including the command and also feel for my offspeed pitches, do come back and are ready once the regular season starts," Ryu said after the game through his interpreter Bryan Lee. With a four-year, $80 million contract in his pocket, big things are expected from Ryu this season as he prepares to get the start Opening Day for Toronto.

Canning underwent an MRI which revealed chronic changes to the UCL and acute joint irritation in his right elbow.

The 23-year-old had the issue crop up after his spring debut Wednesday, and the diagnosis of potential UCL issues is a worrying development. He also missed the final month-plus of last season with elbow inflammation. There is no official timetable for his return and Canning will continue to be evaluated over the next couple days, but his status for Opening Day and beyond is now in question.

Verlander (groin) threw about 30 pitches during a live batting practice session Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Verlander had been scheduled to make his spring game debut Thursday, but he was scratched after reporting discomfort in his right groin earlier this week. "It went about as good as I could've hoped today. Maybe noticed [the groin] just a little bit, but once I got on the mound, tried to pitch and not worry about it so much. It felt really good. Didn't feel it after that. Probably best-case scenario today," said the right-hander. Barring a setback, Verlander is scheduled to start next Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Montas started Wednesday's Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks and fired a perfect first inning during which he recorded a strikeout.

Montas needed just 15 pitches to get through his one frame, nine of which found the strike zone. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports the right-hander hit 99 mph with his fastball and looked sharp after pitching 25 innings in the Dominican Winter League and generating a 1.44 ERA. Montas felt the extra offseason work was necessary after he missed 80 games in 2019 due to a PED suspension, and he's already made an early impression on manager Bob Melvin with how prepared he arrived in camp. "We're looking for him to replicate what he did last year and what he did in the start he had late in the season after sitting out for so long," Melvin said. "He's eager to contribute to his team for a full season. He wants to be one of the high-end starters we have."