MLB Player News

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Brubaker (elbow) has progressed to throwing off the slope of the mound, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

It's another box checked for Brubaker as he continues the long road back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last April. The right-hander will likely be out until around midseason.

Lodolo (tibia) threw a two-inning simulated game Wednesday and said afterward that his next step is pitching in a Cactus League game, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo's left tibia still doesn't feel 100 percent after a stress reaction in the leg caused him to miss much of last season. However, the leg doesn't seem to be bothering him to the point where he can't pitch, and the Reds appear content to allow him to ramp up his progression. Lodolo is still far from a safe bet to be ready for Opening Day, but completing a simulated game is certainly a positive step forward.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that Jones is among those competing for a spot in the rotation, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Jones has turned heads this spring, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings with a 3:3 K:BB while touching triple digits on the radar gun. The 22-year-old is not on the 40-man roster and held a 4.72 ERA during his time at Triple-A Indianapolis last season, which would seem to make him a long shot for the Opening Day roster on the surface. The Pirates have a couple rotation spots up for grabs, though, so Jones could make the decision difficult if he continues to pitch well.

Lodolo (tibia) threw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo saw a specialist and underwent testing Monday as he deals with nagging discomfort in his left tibia. Reds manager David Bell also said the club had been set to meet Wednesday morning to discuss the next steps for the left-hander. What exactly came out of the exam and meeting remains unclear, but it would certainly appear to be a good sign that Lodolo is facing hitters again. The southpaw's status for Opening Day remains very much in question.

Lyles (back) will play catch Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lyles departed a "B" game Tuesday with lower-back tightness, but he's feeling better a day later. The veteran right-hander expects to be ready to make his next scheduled spring start, but the Royals will wait to see how he recovers over the next couple days. Lyles is competing for the final spot in Kansas City's Opening Day rotation.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Wednesday that Medina has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of the MCL in his right knee, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Medina suffered the injury during Monday's Cactus League appearance against the Reds. Kotsay declined to offer a timetable for the right-hander's return other than noting that Medina won't be ready for the start of the season. Medina had been competing for a spot in Oakland's rotation but now could be facing a fairly lengthy absence.

The Rangers have announced that Carrillo underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Friday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 25-year-old Carrillo has yet to make his MLB debut and was attending camp as a non-roster invitee after joining Texas on a minor-league contract in December. After requiring the reconstructive elbow procedure, Carrillo will miss the entire 2024 season, and his availability for the start of the 2025 campaign could be affected, too.

Medina (knee) was getting around on crutches in the Athletics' clubhouse Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Medina had to depart Monday's appearance against the Reds due to a right knee sprain, and while there's no word yet on how long he'll be sidelined, it would appear the absence could be a lengthy one. The 24-year-old was competing for a spot in the Athletics' rotation.

Winn (elbow) has progressed to throwing live batting practice, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Winn had to cut a bullpen session short two weeks ago due to right elbow soreness, but he's come along nicely since then. The next step for the righty should be appearing in a Cactus League game, although it's uncertain when exactly that will come. The hope is that Winn can ramp up in time for Opening Day, and if he can, he's expected to be part of the Giants' rotation.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Giolito will receive a second opinion on his injured right elbow Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

While he didn't explicitly confirm reports that Giolito has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain in his right elbow, Cora conceded that surgery is a possibility for the hurler. A decision on Giolito's treatment plan will be made after Monday's exam. If he does wind up needing Tommy John surgery, Giolito would be sidelined for the entire 2024 season, and perhaps the early part of 2025 as well.