MLB Player News

Woodruff (shoulder) will face hitters Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It will mark Woodruff's first time facing hitters since he underwent surgery in October of 2023 to repair the anterior capsule in his right shoulder. While Woodruff is considered a full participant at the beginning of spring training, he acknowledged that his buildup will be slower than other pitchers'. The expectation is that he will need a stint on the injured list to begin the season, but more clarity on the righty's timetable should be available later in spring training.

Alcantara (elbow) threw his first live batting practice session of spring training Wednesday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

The Marlins' willingness to let Alcantara face off against hitters in the first week of spring training suggests that he experienced no setbacks over the offseason while he completed the final stages of his recovery from his Oct. 6, 2023 Tommy John surgery. Miami could still elect to slow play Alcantara's integration into the Grapefruit League pitching schedule as a matter of caution, but the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner looks well on his way to being ready to go for Opening Day. Alcantara could struggle to immediately recapture his pre-surgery velocity and command, though the fact that his arm operation was more than 16 months ago should help his chances of regaining form more quickly than if he were attempting to return on a shorter recovery timeframe.

Stone (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Dodgers on Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Stone was already expected to miss the entirety of the 2025 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in October, so his move to the 60-day IL was an expected one. The transaction cleared a spot for Enrique Hernandez to join the 40-man roster after the Dodgers and Hernandez officially agreed on a one-year, $6.5 million contract Tuesday.

Kershaw (toe/knee) agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers and is in camp Tuesday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports. The veteran lefty will earn between $5 million and $10 million guaranteed on the deal, which is expected to contain multiple performance-related bonuses.

The 36-year-old declined his 2025 player option in November, but it's always been the expectation that he would remain in Los Angeles. Kershaw underwent surgery on both his left knee and left toe during the offseason and still has to receive a physical exam before the deal is finalized. He doesn't have an official return timeline but isn't expected to be in game-ready shape by Opening Day.

Lowder's throwing program is being limited due to right elbow soreness, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

An MRI on Lowder's elbow showed no structural damage, which is certainly good news. However, any elbow-related issue is cause for concern. If healthy, Lowder will be competing for a spot in the Reds' rotation, but this injury could throw a wrench into that even if it's ultimately not serious. Slated to turn 23 in March, Lowder, posted a 1.17 ERA over six regular-season starts last season, although that came with a 22:14 K:BB across 30.2 innings.

Birdsong could be on the outside looking in for a spot in the Giants' rotation, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Birdsong flashed plenty of promise in 2024, particularly from a strikeouts perspective, posting a 4.75 ERA and 88:43 K:BB over 72 innings covering 16 regular-season starts. However, with the signing of Justin Verlander and expected return of Jordan Hicks to the rotation, Birdsong could begin the 2025 campaign back at Triple-A Sacramento. It might not be the worst thing since Birdsong still needs to work on his control, but he has some of the best upside of any of the Giants' starting pitchers and still figures to spend ample time in the major-league rotation.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that Megill will be stretched out as a starting pitcher this spring, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets' current plan is to open the season with a six-man rotation, and Megill will be in the mix for one of those last two spots along with David Peterson, Griffin Canning and Paul Blackburn (back). Megill could eventually shift to a relief role, although he does have minor-league options left; therefore, the righty could also open the season in the Triple-A Syracuse rotation.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that Butto will remain in the team's bullpen, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Butto made seven starts for the Mets in 2024 and has been a starter throughout his time in the minors, but he found his niche in the bullpen down the stretch last season, collecting a 2.00 ERA and 41:17 K:BB over 36 regular-season innings. The righty will be tasked with getting some key outs in a setup role.

Senga said Tuesday that he's felt fully healthy since the beginning of January, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Senga made just four appearances in 2024 between the regular season and playoffs due to shoulder and calf problems. He spent the first half of the offseason rehabbing but has gone through his normal throwing progression since then and won't have any restrictions at the start of camp. The 32-year-old had a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts in the 2023 regular season and could be in line for a big bounce-back season in 2025 if he can stay off the injured list.

With Javier Assad (oblique) set to potentially miss some time, Rea may end up as the Cubs' fifth starter out of camp, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad is dealing with oblique soreness and was scheduled to undergo imaging Monday. It's unclear how long he might be out, but the MRI makes it seem like he could be on the shelf for a bit. If that ends up being the case, Rea would be a natural option to step in. The veteran righty has plenty of starting experience at the MLB level, including 27 starts for the Brewers last year. Rea turned in a 4.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 167.2 innings in 2024.