MLB Player News

Buehler and Dustin May could form a piggyback pairing early in the season while Buehler builds up to a full workload, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Buehler reportedly followed a less frequent pitching schedule than his rotation mates during the MLB shutdown and thus needs more time to ramp up to a full starter's workload. He tossed two innings in an intrasquad game Friday, which puts him well behind schedule with Opening Day less than a week away. As such, May -- who also remains in contention for the fifth starter spot -- could be called upon early to form a 1-2 punch with Buehler until the latter is no longer limited.

Mahle went four innings in Friday's scrimmage, allowing four runs on three hits, with the big shot coming on a three-run homer by Matt Davidson. But he also struck out seven without allowing a walk, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Mahle was paired up against Wade Miley, whom he might work in tandem with early in the season as Miley builds up his endurance.

Miley pitched four scoreless innings in Friday's intrasquad scrimmage, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out seven, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

It was interesting to see Miley matched up against Tyler Mahle, who could work in tandem with him during the regular season. Miley will be the Reds' fourth starter to begin the season, with his first start coming against the Cubs if everything goes according to plan.

Gonsolin was optioned to the Dodgers' alternate training site Friday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Gonsolin had missed the first several days of camp for an undisclosed reason, but he was still able to work at the team's major-league camp. However, Friday's transaction signals that he won't begin the season in the majors as he'll continue developing among some of the Dodgers' top prospects. The right-hander made 11 appearances (six starts) in the big leagues last year, posting a 2.93 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 40 innings. He could be one of the team's top options if injuries occur on the major-league pitching staff.

Woodruff was named the Brewers' Opening Day starter Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Woodruff will get the nod July 24 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. It's no surprise to see him earn the honor, as he's clearly the Brewers' top starter, having cruised to a 3.62 ERA and 29.0 percent strikeout rate last season.

Toussaint (illness) was cleared to return to the field Friday, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Toussaint hadn't been able to report to camp after testing positive for COVID-19. He's since cleared MLB protocol by testing negative twice and is now back on the field. It's unclear whether or not the lost time will prevent him from playing a role early in the season, though he doesn't project as a key member of the Braves' staff after struggling to a 5.62 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP in 41.2 innings last season.

DeGrom (back) felt loose following his bullpen session Friday and will throw a simulated game Sunday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Barring setbacks, it doesn't appear that the back soreness that deGrom has been dealing with in recent days will wind up costing him any starts. He'd been lined up to pitch in an exhibition game against the Yankees on Sunday, but the Mets adjusted their plans slightly. He'll still pitch that day, however, and is expected to throw 50-60 pitches, which lines him up to throw somewhere close to 80 pitches Opening Day against the Braves.

Musgrove was named the Pirates' Opening Day starter by manager Derek Shelton on Friday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

The announcement is hardly a surprise, but the right-hander is now officially set to face the Cardinals in the season opener next Friday. Musgrove had a 4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 157:39 K:BB over 170.1 innings last year, though he had a strong finish with a 3.74 ERA across his final eight starts.

Gray threw four innings in Thursday's intrasquad game, giving up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

He sat 94-96 mph with his fastball and landed some nice sliders for strikes against a lineup mostly populated by big leaguers. Gray is the Dodgers' second-best pitching prospect (behind Dustin May) and has a bright future in the majors. However, given the team's impressive pitching depth, Gray doesn't project to enter the rotation until sometime in 2021.

DeGrom (back) threw a bullpen session Friday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

DeGrom's preseason buildup hit a speed bump when he left Tuesday's intrasquad game with back tightness after throwing just one inning. An MRI didn't reveal any serious issues, however, and he's considered day-to-day. He remains in contention for the Mets' Opening Day start against the Braves next Friday, provided his bullpen session goes smoothly, though there's a chance his disrupted summer camp prevents him from handling a full workload in his first outing or two of the year.