MLB Player News

Garrett could be fighting with Edward Cabrera for the final spot in the Marlins' Opening Day rotation, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The offseason addition of Johnny Cueto could push a younger pitcher to Triple-A Jacksonville, although the team is also considering a six-man rotation. Garrett took a big step forward with his command in 2022, posting a 24.1 percent strikeout rate and 6.4 percent walk rate over 17 starts and 88 innings, and the 25-year-old southpaw could be poised for a breakout if he gets a chance to be a regular part of the Marlins' rotation.

Anderson returned to the Reds on a minor-league contract Saturday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Anderson made seven starts and two relief appearances for the Reds last season, struggling to a 6.38 ERA. That ERA at least beat the 7.22 and 6.75 marks he'd posted the previous two years. Even on a weak Reds roster, Anderson probably shouldn't break camp with a rotation spot, but when the top competition for the last two jobs consists of Luis Cessa, Justin Dunn, Connor Overton and Luke Weaver, it's not impossible that things could break his way.

Lucchesi will be stretched out as a starter in spring training, indicating he could begin the regular season in the rotation at Triple-A Syracuse, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets have five veteran starters on guaranteed contracts, which means when everyone is healthy, depth options like Lucchesi will either work out of the big-league bullpen or get stashed in Syracuse. As the 29-year-old lefty has minor-league options remaining, the latter route seems more likely to begin the season. Lucchesi didn't pitch at all in the majors last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery but made eight of his 11 appearances for the Mets in 2021 as a starter, posting a 4.46 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 41:11 K:BB over 38.1 innings.

Megill will be stretched out as a starter in camp but is likely to begin the regular season as part of Triple-A Syracuse's rotation, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets have five veteran starters on guaranteed contracts, which means when everyone is healthy, depth options like Megill will either work out of the big-league bullpen or head down to Syracuse. As the 27-year-old right-hander has minor-league options remaining, the latter route seems more likely to begin the season. Megill appeared in 15 games (nine starts) for the Mets in 2022 and was the team's Opening Day starter, posting a 2.43 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB in 33.1 innings over six starts in April and May before injuries put him off course the rest of the way.

Hendricks (shoulder) will throw a light bullpen session Friday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Hendricks' timeline remains unclear, and his upcoming bullpen was described as "touch-and-feel," but it's nonetheless a positive to see him advancing in his throwing progression. He's a month behind schedule, though he's about five days ahead of reports from mid-January, which held that he was targeting March 1 for his return to mound work. It's likely Hendricks misses the start of the season, but a move to the 60-day injured list doesn't seem to be planned as of yet.

Peterson will be stretched out as a starter in spring training, indicating he could begin the regular season in the rotation at Triple-A Syracuse, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets have five veteran starters on guaranteed contracts, which means when everyone is healthy, depth options like Peterson will either work out of the big-league bullpen or get stashed in Syracuse. As Peterson has minor-league options remaining, the latter route seems more likely to begin the season. The 27-year-old southpaw made 28 appearances (19 starts) for the Mets in 2022 with a career-high 27.8 percent strikeout rate and solid 3.64 FIP, and he could be the first pitcher called upon should injuries hit the rotation.

Nola and the Phillies have begun negotiations on a potential long-term contract extension, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Nola is locked in at a $16 million salary for 2023, but he's currently scheduled to reach free agency once this year's postseason concludes. Gelb writes that there "appears to be momentum for an agreement sometime this spring" and notes that Nola reiterated Friday that his desire is to remain with Philadelphia for the foreseeable future. The 29-year-old right-hander registered a stellar 3.25 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 235:29 K:BB across 205 regular-season innings (32 starts) last year for the NL champs.

Strasburg (ribs/shoulder) is scheduled to visit multiple doctors in an effort to form a treatment strategy for his latest nerve-related setback, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Strasburg underwent surgery way back in July 2021 for thoracic outlet syndrome, and he continues to experience complications here in 2023. There'sno clarity at this point as to when -- or even if -- he might return to the mound. "We're going to take it day by day, literally day by day," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Friday. "We'll get all the opinions. We'll sit down with Stras. And we'll make out a game plan."

Kershaw announced Friday he will not participate in the World Baseball Classic, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kershaw previously said he was facing "challenges" getting cleared to play in the WBC. While he still did not specify what those challenges were, he made sure to note there are no concerns regarding his health. Kershaw will now remain with the Dodgers for the rest of spring in preparation for the 2023 season.

Alexander will be sidelined until around late May due to right shoulder soreness, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Alexander's shoulder started bothering him last month when he ramped up his throwing program. It doesn't appear there's concern about any structural damage, but he'll need some down time. If healthy, Alexander could be used in a swingman role for the Brewers this season.