MLB Player News

Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Florida, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

It was reported earlier this week that he will need at least one minor-league rehab start before coming off the injured list, and Verlander is expected to complete at least two throwing sessions before heading out on a rehab assignment. He appears to be tracking toward a return before the end of the month.

Woodruff (shoulder) had an MRI on Wednesday and remains shut down while doctors determine how best to proceed, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

This was relayed by manager Craig Counsell, and it certainly makes it sound like Woodruff's shoulder inflammation is fairly significant. Colin Rea had a strong spot start Thursday against the Padres and could remain in the rotation indefinitely as long as he keeps his head above water.

Houser (groin) will begin his rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Nashville, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Houser hasn't pitched in a game since exiting a spring training appearance with groin tightness March 25. If all goes well, Houser could return to the Brewers' bullpen within a week or so as a multi-inning reliever.

Wainwright (groin) said Friday that he expects to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday at Double-A Springfield, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Wainwright drew strong reviews after facing live hitters in a simulated setting Friday at Busch Stadium and is ready to take the next step in his recovery from a groin strain he suffered in late March. It's not clear how many rehab starts are lined up for the veteran right-hander, but he'll almost certainly be ready to join the Cardinals' struggling rotation before the end of April.

Sanchez (shoulder) will pitch in an extended spring training game Saturday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

After undergoing surgery on his right shoulder back in October, Sanchez first began facing hitters again earlier this month. Now, he's set to take the next step toward a minor-league rehab assignment. Sanchez hasn't appeared in a game at any level since 2020, so the Marlins will likely take it slow building Sanchez back up to the point where he can rejoin the Triple-A rotation.

Cueto (biceps) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday at the Marlins' spring training complex, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

It's good news that Cueto is ready to throw off a mound again, 10 days after landing on the IL because of a biceps issue, but the belief is that he will be brought back slowly after his spring buildup was affected by the same injury. The veteran right-hander could still miss several more weeks if that is indeed the plan.

Stripling will work out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Stripling's Giants tenure is off to a brutal start, as he's allowed 10 runs, including six home runs, over 10 innings in one start and two relief outings. Sean Manaea has been more effective and will take over in the five-man rotation while Stripling will seemingly have to work out his issues in long-relief assignments.

Webb and the Giants agreed on a five-year, $90 million contract extension Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

After operating as one of the best pitchers in the National League for the last few seasons, Webb gets his big paycheck. The right-hander produced a 2.90 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 163 strikeouts over 192.1 innings in 32 starts last season. After Carlos Rodon left San Francisco following the 2022 campaign, Webb became the unquestioned ace of the Giants' staff in 2023. With him locked up for the long haul, the 26-year-old can focus on his craft and no longer worry about contract negotiations.

Falter (0-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over 4.2 innings against Cincinnati. He struck out four.

While Falter turned in decent performances in his first two starts, this one left plenty to be desired. The California native has been unable to complete the sixth inning through three starts and has a 4.80 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB over 15 innings. His next turn through the rotation tentatively lines up for early next week against the White Sox.

Lodolo (2-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings in a 6-2 win over the Phillies. He struck out six.

Lodolo has now allowed just four earned runs in 17 innings this season, good for a 2.12 ERA. While that figure will likely increase as the season goes on, especially given his 1.41 WHIP, the former first-round draft pick has lived up to his billing after a strong rookie campaign last year. Lodolo lines up for a tough matchup against the Rays early next week.