MLB Player News

Shuster has a legitimate chance to open the year as Atlanta's No. 5 starter, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. "If you're ready, you're ready," manager Brian Snitker said. "It's very impressive what he's doing."

Atlanta's rotation depth is a strength, but with Mike Soroka (hamstring) and Kolby Allard (oblique) on the shelf and Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder failing to impress thus far in camp, Shuster has thrown his hat in the ring for the final rotation spot. The 24-year-old southpaw is known for his strong command and plus changeup and was a first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Shuster has a 1.04 ERA, 0.35 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 8.2 innings through three spring appearances, including five K's in 3.2 innings during Sunday's start against the Pirates. He has been seen as more of a No. 4 or No. 5 starter long term due to his low-90s fastball velocity and lack of an above-average breaking ball, and Shuster logged a 4.25 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 39:16 K:BB in 48.2 innings at Triple-A last season after an impressive run at Double-A in the first half (2.68 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 106:22 K:BB in 90.2 IP).

Ashcraft was removed from Sunday's spring start against the Dodgers due to calf cramps, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It's encouraging news for the 25-year-old, who exited Sunday's start during the third inning with an athletic trainer. Ashcraft should be able to make a quick return to the mound and will likely remain on track to begin the season as Cincinnati's No. 3 starter.

Ashcraft was removed from Sunday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers with an apparent leg injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 25-year-old started off with two scoreless frames but faltered during the third inning before spiking a pitch in the dirt and grabbing at his leg. The specifics of the situation remain unclear, but any absence at this point would likely affect Ashcraft's availability for the Opening Day rotation, for which he's already been named the No. 3 starter.

Peterson (foot) threw a bullpen session Saturday and could pitch in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old has now thrown off a mound twice since being struck in the left foot by a comebacker March 4, and he could make his return to game action this week. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, Peterson should have a chance to secure a spot in New York's Opening Day rotation with Jose Quintana (ribs) out indefinitely and Kodai Senga (finger) also banged up.

Senga (finger) told reporters Sunday that he expects to be ready for his first start of the season, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Senga was diagnosed with tendinitis at the base of his right index finger, and he told reporters that he attributes it to adjusting to the different baseball thrown in the majors. The right-hander was scratched from his start Saturday, but he emphasized that was precautionary, and he could have worked through the pain if it was a regular-season outing. Fantasy managers considering Senga will want to pay attention to further developments, but it does seem likely that he'll be ready to go for the 2023 campaign.

Davies allowed six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two over two innings in Saturday's start against the Angels.

As has become common for Arizona starters, Davies was pulled with two outs in the first inning -- when he allowed four runs and two home runs -- and returned to start the second inning. He gave up another pair of runs in the third before leaving with one out and reaching his pitch limit. Davies shrugged off the outing, telling Jack Magruder of MLB.com that once the game got away from him, he worked on stuff. "I'm working toward getting built up. I'm not worried about it. Stuff didn't feel quite as sharp," the team's projected fourth starter said. Davies also wants to focus on incorporating more curveballs into his fastball/changeup mix. The right-hander has thrown his curveball just five percent of the time, on average, over the last four years.

Padres manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that Groome has chance of making the Padres' Opening Day roster as a long reliever out of the bullpen, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan reports.

Groome was acquired by the Padres last August in the deal that brought Eric Hosmer to Boston. The left-handed hurler has yet to make his major-league debut, but he's been solid this spring, pitching 10.2 scoreless innings during which he's registered 10 strikeouts. On a less promising note, Groome has walked seven batters, but he appears to be impressing enough to earn serious consideration for a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old has pitched almost exclusively as a starter in the minors, so a long-relief role would enable him to stay stretched out enough to work as a spot starter, if needed.

Butto was optioned Saturday to Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets.

Butto was never likely to begin the season with the Mets, but he is one of the better pitching prospects in the system and reached the majors for one appearance in 2022. The 24-year-old will begin the season in the International League, and could make starts for New York if he's needed and pitches well for Syracuse this spring.

Senga is day-to-day after being diagnosed Saturday with tendinitis at the base of his right index finger.

Senga was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday in the Grapefruit League, but the Mets called his absence precautionary. The right-hander will likely need a few days of rest and may miss his next scheduled start, but barring a setback, he should be ready for the start of the regular season.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said the Mets are still not sure what the plan will be in regard to Quintana's rib injury, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Showalter told reporters that the team is still trying to decide what the best mode of operation is with Quintana, and that there are a "couple other people" looking at the injury. The left-hander was forced to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic because of the rib fracture, and there's a very good chance that the southpaw will have to open the season on the 10-day injured list. There should be more clarity in the coming days, but for now, it's a frustrating situation for all parties involved.