MLB Player News

Snell has been officially named as the Dodgers' starter for Thursday's home opener against the Tigers, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Snell will draw his first start as a Dodger when the team resumes its regular season against the Tigers after winning both of its matchups in Japan against the Cubs on March 18 and 19. The left-hander produced a 3.12 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 145 strikeouts over 104 innings in 20 starts with the Giants in 2024, and he'll look to keep it up with Los Angeles in 2025.

Wells (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Sunday.

Wells is still working his way back from right elbow surgery that he underwent in June, and he'll now be sidelined for at least the first two months of the 2025 campaign. The move to the 60-day IL opened a spot on the 26-man roster, which was filled by right-hander Matt Bowman, who had his contract selected Sunday.

Blackburn is expected to start the season working as a reliever, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets dealt with some injuries to their starting rotation during spring training, but Blackburn was unable to take advantage of the opportunity with eight earned runs allowed and a 9:6 K:BB over 12.2 frames in the Grapefruit League. Blackburn could still make some starts at some point this summer, but it doesn't seem like he'll be a consistent rotation piece for New York.

The Phillies designated Phillips for assignment Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander allowed nine runs with a 14:7 K:BB over 10.2 innings during spring training, so Philadelphia elected to DFA him in favor of waiver-claim Carlos Hernandez. Phillips threw a complete game shutout last year but overall struggled in the majors, finishing the regular season with a 6.87 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over 36.2 frames.

Elder was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Elder will open the regular season at Triple-A after posting a 4.97 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 12 strikeouts over 12.2 innings in five appearances, including one start, with Atlanta during the spring. Elder has combined to pitch in 224.1 innings over the last two seasons with Atlanta, and he'll likely make his return to the major-league roster in the not-too-distant future.

The Red Sox optioned Priester to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The right-hander was competing for a place in Boston's season-opening rotation, but his move to the minors leaves Sean Newcomb and Cooper Criswell in competition for that job. Priester combined for a 4.71 ERA in 11 appearances between the Red Sox and Pirates last season, and he'll likely be back up with the big club at some point in 2025.

The Royals granted Stripling's request to be released Sunday.

The right-hander signed a minor-league contract a month ago but surrendered 14 earned runs over eight innings during spring training. Stripling had a 6.01 ERA in 22 appearances with the A's last year and will likely have to settle for another minor-league deal elsewhere.

The White Sox claimed Vasil off waivers from the Rays on Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Vasil was selected by the Phillies during the Rule 5 Draft this winter, but he was quickly traded to the Rays. Tampa Bay elected not to keep him, however, and Chicago then put in a waiver claim. Vasil, who had a 6.04 ERA over 134 innings at the Triple-A level in 2024, will need to spend the full season in the majors with the White Sox, or he'll have to be offered back to the Mets.

Suarez was acquired by Atlanta from the Angels on Sunday in exchange for right-hander Ian Anderson, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Suarez made 99 appearances for the Angels since making his MLB debut in 2019, but he'll now continue his career in Atlanta. The left-hander started in three of his 22 outings last year and had a 6.02 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 56:27 K:BB over 52.1 innings. He'll likely fill a long-relief role with his new team, assuming he even sticks on the big-league roster.

The Angels acquired Anderson from Atlanta on Sunday in exchange for lefty Jose Suarez, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Anderson had a 2.65 ERA over 17 innings during spring training, but his command was all over the place with 18 walks. The right-hander is out of minor-league options, and Atlanta's decision to trade him is a clear indication he wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster. Anderson should have a better chance of sticking in the majors with Los Angeles.