MLB Player News

The Astros placed McCullers (forearm) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

McCullers hadn't pitched in a game since the 2022 World Series before he finally took the hill late in spring training, throwing a scoreless, 13-pitch inning in a March 18 Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals. The right-hander checked out fine physically coming out of that appearance and then made another 33-pitch appearance in a minor-league game at Astros camp earlier this week. He's now scheduled to report to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday to make his first rehab start, per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Given his long layoff, McCullers will likely be stretched out slowly over the course of several minor-league appearances before the Astros consider bringing him off the IL, possibly as soon as late April.

The Brewers optioned Quintana to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

Quintana agreed to be optioned to the minors so that he could continue to get stretched out after he was unsigned throughout the offseason before reaching a one-year deal with Milwaukee on March 5. The veteran southpaw built up to three innings and 37 pitches in his final Cactus League outing March 22, so he may need just a couple of starts in the minors before the Brewers deem him ready to join the big-league rotation.

The Brewers recalled Patrick from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

Patrick was previously optioned to Nashville on March 9, but he'll wind up being included on the Brewers' Opening Day roster due to Tobias Myers (oblique) beginning the season on the injured list and Jose Quintana needing more time to ramp up before making his Milwaukee debut. The Brewers are carrying just three designated starting pitchers on their roster, and though Patrick will be available out of the bullpen for the opening series in New York, he could end up making a start or serving as a bulk reliever during next week's series versus the Royals.

The Cubs selected Keller's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Keller showed a bump up with his stuff this spring and he accrued a 13:2 K:BB over 11.2 innings. The veteran right-hander will likely work in long relief for the time being.

The White Sox designated Eder for assignment Thursday.

Eder was once a highly regarded pitching prospect but hasn't been able to regain his stuff following his September 2021 Tommy John surgery. It's possible some team will still be intrigued enough by his pedigree to scoop him up on waivers.

Lively will start Thursday's season opener versus the Royals in Kansas City, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Lively had been expected to make his 2025 debut during the Guardians' second series next week in San Diego, but he'll instead draw the Opening Day nod after Tanner Bibee was scratched from the assignment due to a stomach illness. The 33-year-old right-hander will be pitching on five days' rest after covering six innings and 81 pitches in his final Cactus League start March 21.

The White Sox placed Thorpe (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Travis Jankowski, whose contract was selected in a corresponding move. Thorpe will miss all of the 2025 season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Bibee has been scratched from his scheduled start Thursday against the Royals due to acute gastroenteritis, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee is recovering from a bout with food poisoning and will get some extra time off to recuperate. Ben Lively will be pushed up in the pitching schedule and will get the Opening Day nod in place of Bibee, who could still make his season debut later on in the three-game series in Kansas City, depending on how quickly he bounces back from the stomach bug.

The Pirates placed Jones (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Jones has damage to the UCL in his right elbow but will attempt to treat the injury with rest and rehab rather than surgery. He will be shut down from throwing for six weeks before ramping back up. The righty will be a candidate to be shifted to the 60-day injured list when/if the Pirates need a roster spot, as it's unlikely he'll be back before June.

The Marlins recalled Bellozo from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Bellozo will fill a rotation slot while Ryan Weathers (forearm) and Edward Cabrera (blister) open the season on the injured list. The right-hander is slated to make his season debut Saturday against the Pirates.