MLB Player News

Musgrove allowed four runs on two hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch while failing to record an out against the Dodgers in Thursday's Cactus League opener.

Musgrove loaded the bases on a walk, single and hit-by-pitch before serving up a two-run ground-rule double to Teoscar Hernandez. The right-handed hurler was then pulled but charged with two more runs following his departure. It wasn't the most inspiring start from Musgrove, but it was at least promising to see him on the mound for San Diego's first exhibition contest after he ended last year on the 60-day IL due to a shoulder injury. Of course, fantasy managers shouldn't read much into Thursday's poor showing given the exhibition nature of the contest.

Henry will start the Diamondbacks' Cactus League matchup against the Rockies on Friday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Friday's start had originally been awarded to Eduardo Rodriguez, but Arizona will instead allow Henry to start the first game of spring training while Rodriguez throws a live BP session. Henry will spend the spring competing with Ryne Nelson for the final spot in the D-backs' rotation. While it's unknown how long Henry will remain in Friday's contest, a strong outing would certainly give him an early advantage.

Rodriguez will no longer start the Diamondbacks' spring opener Friday against Colorado, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Rodriguez will have to wait a bit longer to make his first appearance in a Diamondbacks uniform, as he will instead throw a live batting practice on a backfield Friday. Fellow southpaw Tommy Henry will get the nod to start against the Rockies in Rodriguez's place.

Perez was dealing with a cut on his right middle finger during Thursday's live batting practice session, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Perez mentioned that the cut developed while he was gripping his changeup. While there was some blood on his finger, Perez noted that he was not in any pain and isn't concerned about it lingering. That said, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Marlins hold the prized young righty out of a throwing session or two in order to let his finger heal.

Corry signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Thursday, Melissa Lockard of The Athletic reports.

Corry, 25, was a borderline top-100 prospect a few years ago but has had his career sidetracked by injury. He threw 34 innings over four stops in the Giants' system last season, posting a 5.03 ERA and 52:18 K:BB.

Reds manager David Bell said Thursday that Lodolo (tibia) is slated to face live hitters in his next throwing session, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo avoided offseason surgery to address a stress reaction to his left tibia, an injury he suffered in August while on a rehab assignment. The young southpaw is seemingly healthy again for the early stages of spring training, but the Reds have been taking it slowly with him following a lost season in which he was limited to just seven starts with the big club. Lodolo has thus far been pain-free during his bullpen sessions, and facing hitters without any discomfort will be the final hurdle he needs to clear before he's integrated into the Cactus League pitching schedule. He's still tracking to be part of the Reds' Opening Day rotation, though any setback with his leg or any other sort of health concern that crops up would likely result in him beginning the season on the injured list.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Thursday that Keller will serve as the club's Opening Day starter March 28 in Miami, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Shelton's announcement was seemingly a foregone conclusion after Keller signed a five-year, $77 million contract extension -- the largest for a pitcher in franchise history -- just hours earlier. Though Keller is the Pirates' No. 1 starter, he likely profiles as more of a depth arm for most fantasy pitching staffs after he went 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 210:55 K:BB in 194.1 innings over his 32 starts a season ago.

Abbott is scheduled to make his first Cactus League start Monday in a split-squad game versus the Mariners, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Though his performance faded over the second half of the season, Abbott still submitted a promising rookie campaign in 2023, compiling a 3.87 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 120:44 K:BB over 109.1 innings. While Cincinnati beefed up its starting depth in the offseason with the additions of Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez -- in addition to the expected return of Nick Lodolo (tibia) from injury -- Abbott's spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation still seems to be fairly secure.

Butto will be among those competing for the final spot in the Mets' rotation following the injury to Kodai Senga (shoulder), Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

He'll be going up against Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi and Max Kranick for the gig. Butto, who turns 26 next month, held a 3.64 ERA and 38:23 K:BB over 42 frames covering seven starts and two relief appearances for the Mets in 2023. He posted a 5.93 ERA in 19 starts during his time at Triple-A Buffalo.

Lucchesi will be in the mix for the fifth spot in the Mets' rotation following the injury to Kodai Senga (shoulder), Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Lucchesi fared well in nine starts for the Mets last season in securing a 2.89 ERA, although that came with a 1.31 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB across 46.2 frames. Tylor Megill is likely Lucchesi's chief competition for the gig, with Jose Butto and Max Kranick also in the mix.