MLB Player News

The Red Sox optioned Priester to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The right-hander was competing for a place in Boston's season-opening rotation, but his move to the minors leaves Sean Newcomb and Cooper Criswell in competition for that job. Priester combined for a 4.71 ERA in 11 appearances between the Red Sox and Pirates last season, and he'll likely be back up with the big club at some point in 2025.

The White Sox claimed Vasil off waivers from the Rays on Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Vasil was selected by the Phillies during the Rule 5 Draft this winter, but he was quickly traded to the Rays. Tampa Bay elected not to keep him, however, and Chicago then put in a waiver claim. Vasil, who had a 6.04 ERA over 134 innings at the Triple-A level in 2024, will need to spend the full season in the majors with the White Sox, or he'll have to be offered back to the Mets.

The Angels acquired Anderson from Atlanta on Sunday in exchange for lefty Jose Suarez, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Anderson had a 2.65 ERA over 17 innings during spring training, but his command was all over the place with 18 walks. The right-hander is out of minor-league options, and Atlanta's decision to trade him is a clear indication he wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster. Anderson should have a better chance of sticking in the majors with Los Angeles.

Manager Aaron Boone announced Sunday that Warren made the season-opening rotation and will make his first start April 1 versus Arizona, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

The right-hander entered camp with an outside shot to earn a place in the Opening Day rotation, but long-term injuries to Luis Gil (lat) and Gerrit Cole (elbow) blew that door wide open. Warren had a good showing during spring training with a 4.19 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB over 19.1 innings, though he did serve up three homers. Clarke Schmidt will begin the season on the IL due to a shoulder issue but may not be sidelined long, so Warren may need a strong start to the campaign in order to retain his rotation spot.

McClanahan was diagnosed with an inflamed nerve in his left triceps and will begin the season on the injured list, with manager Kevin Cash saying the diagnosis was "probably the best news that we could have heard," Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

The left-hander doesn't have an official timeline for his return as he begins a period of rest and recovery, but the initial diagnosis in encouraging after he exited Saturday's Grapefruit League game with the injury. A timetable for McClanahan's season debut could come into focus once he resumes a throwing program, but it appears he won't require as significant an absence as first anticipated.

The Guardians announced Sunday that McKenzie will begin the season operating as a reliever, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander had a 7.50 ERA and 10:7 K:BB over 12 innings during spring training, while Logan Allen's 1.89 ERA helped him earn a rotation spot. McKenzie could still see some spot starts this year, but he'll likely need to perform better than his 5.11 ERA over 75.2 regular-season innings in 2024 to get an extended look in the rotation.

Scherzer's thumb responded well to Saturday's 62-pitch start against the Twins in the Grapefruit League, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. Scherzer went four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out four.

The future Hall of Famer looks to be in the clear for the start of the regular season after a right thumb injury brought his availability into question earlier in the week. He will likely slot in as the No. 3 starter in Toronto behind Jose Berrios and Kevin Gausman to begin 2025, putting him on track for a home start against the Orioles on Saturday in his team debut. Scherzer figures to have some minor workload restrictions early on given where he is with his pitch count, plus the fact he begins to have issues gripping the ball with his thumb after reaching 50 pitches or so.

Allen was named the Guardians' No. 5 starter Sunday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The left-hander earned the job with a strong showing during spring training, as he made six appearances and had a 1.89 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB across 19 innings. Allen had a 5.73 ERA in 20 regular-season starts for Cleveland last year but had a 3.81 ERA over 125.1 innings as a rookie in 2023.

Hurter, Brenan Hanifee and Andrew Chafin are likely competing for Detroit's final bullpen spot to begin the regular season, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Hurter and Chafin are both southpaws, which could give them an edge, though the righty Hanifee impressed for the Tigers last year with a 1.84 ERA across 29.1 regular-season innings. Ultimately, all three players figure to see time in the majors this season, as the team needs bullpen reinforcements. Hurter pitched well last year during his MLB debut, compiling a 2.58 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 45.1 regular-season innings.

Buehler isn't starting Sunday's spring game against Minnesota due to an illness, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Buehler was slated to make one final appearance this spring, but Cooper Criswell has been slotted in to start against the Twins instead. Buehler is slated to pitch on the back fields at Boston's spring training site Monday, so the veteran hurler doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious illness. The right-hander is expected to take his first turn through the rotation Saturday, March 29 against Texas.