MLB Player News

Winn (elbow) will throw a bullpen session this weekend, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

He'll be getting back on the bump for the first time since he had to cut a bullpen session short a little over a week ago due to right elbow soreness. It's not clear when Winn might be cleared to pitch in Cactus League games, but the Giants are hopeful he'll have time to get ready for Opening Day. He's expected to open the season in San Francisco's rotation, if healthy.

Gallen is scheduled to throw a simulated game Friday, Steve Stockmar of MLB.com reports.

Gallen is being brought along slowly this spring and has yet to throw in a Cactus League game. He threw a bullpen session Wednesday, about which manager Torey Lovullo said he looked great and "everything's falling in line for him," as Gallen preps to be the club's starter Opening Day. Including Friday's sim game, the right-hander will pitch in five games this spring.

Henry walked one and struck out one over three hitless and scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring game against Cleveland.

Henry made his second Cactus League appearance, entering the second inning following starter Brandon Pfaadt. The left-handed Henry was equally impressive Wednesday as he was during his scoreless start last week. "The two to three [inning] jump feels like the first real start," Henry said. "Two, you can argue, is kind of still bullpen. Now that third 'up' is your body treating it more like a start." He's in the mix for the Diamondbacks' final rotation spot. Ryne Nelson figures to be the main competitor, but the Diamondbacks are also looking at Slade Cecconi and Bryce Jarvis.

Pfaadt allowed two runs on two hits and one walk over one inning in Wednesday's spring start against the Guardians.

Unlike previous starters making their Cactus League debuts, Pfaadt was only scheduled to throw one inning, per Steve Stockmar of MLB.com. The 25-year-old right-hander said his slider was off but it was good to get the work in. Pfaadt, who was a postseason darling last year, threw a career-high 178.2 total innings in 2023, which may be the reason to control his buildup during camp. Last spring Pfaadt was pitching to earn a roster spot, but this year he's locked into the rotation.

Jones has made two appearances and thrown 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two in Grapefruit League action.

Jones pitched with Triple-A Indianapolis for half of the 2023 season. He struggled a bit at the level, putting up a 4.72 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 82 innings, though his 99:34 K:BB highlights his potential. Jones is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster after the Pirates made multiple additions to the rotation this offseason, but he will almost certainly make his big-league debut at some point in 2024.

Priester threw his slider at an average of 88.7 mph in his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Priester reached the majors in 2023, but he struggled to a 7.74 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 50 innings in Pittsburgh. One notable problem was a dip in velocity, something he aimed to change by reworking his delivery this offseason. The early returns were positive, as his slider velocity ticked up 3.2 mph compared to the 2023 campaign. The movement on the pitch also changed and now resembles more of a cutter than a slider. Priester is competing for a back-end rotation spot this spring and turned in two perfect innings with one strikeout Wednesday against the Tigers.

Yamamoto tossed two scoreless innings in a Cactus League contest against Texas on Wednesday, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out three.

Yamamoto's first game action in a Dodgers uniform began with a strikeout of Marcus Semien, and the only hit he allowed -- a first-inning single by Evan Carter -- was wiped out by a double play on the following pitch. The right-handed hurler's success in Japan was tied to his ability to strike batters out while limiting homers and walks, and that skill set was evident Wednesday, as Yamamoto punched out half of the six batters he faced while throwing 16 of 19 pitches for strikes. There's already plenty of hype around Yamamoto due to his dominance overseas and the lucrative 12-year deal he received from Los Angeles in December, and his Cactus League debut should provide more fodder for expectations that are already sky high.

Wicks logged three scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers. He allowed four hits and struck out two.

Through two spring appearances, Wicks has now allowed one run across 4.2 innings while striking out three. The lefty is competing for the No. 5 spot in the Cubs' rotation and appears to be off to a good start. His fantasy value would of course go up if he secures a starting role versus a bullpen job or an assignment to Triple-A Iowa. Wicks has some upside and could be poised to take a step forward in his second MLB season.

Ashcraft (toe) will start Thursday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Ashcraft will make his spring debut "within the next week," and it will end up coming just a day later. The right-hander has been brought along slowly in camp as he returns from September toe surgery, but it shouldn't affect his availability for Opening Day given how much time he has to ramp up his workload.

The Rockies placed Senzatela (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Senzatela is expected to miss the entire 2024 season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery, so his move to the 60-day IL was an inevitability. The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Sam Hilliard, whom the Rockies claimed off waivers from the Orioles on Wednesday.