MLB Player News

Puk gave up one hit and two walks over three scoreless innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out six.

With Braxton Garrett (shoulder) not expected to be ready for Opening Day, the Marlins have a vacancy in their rotation, and Puk is making a compelling early case to win it. Through his first five spring innings, the 28-year-old southpaw has delivered a 9:3 K:BB and a 0.00 ERA. Puk hasn't started a game at any level since 2021 and hasn't been a full-time starter since a stint at Double-A in 2017, but the plan to stretch him out in camp has gone without a hitch so far, and he tossed 27 of 46 pitches for strikes Monday.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Tuesday that Gray has been diagnosed with a "mild" right hamstring strain and it would be "challenging" getting the pitcher ready in time for Opening Day, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Mozeliak referred to the news as "encouraging" on the whole, but Gray will need some down time and is not expected to be ready for what would have been his Opening Day start March 28 versus the Dodgers. Zack Thompson or Matthew Liberatore could fill Gray's spot in the rotation, and it's possible both will be needed if Steven Matz isn't quite ready.

Initial imaging on Giolito's right elbow showed a partial UCL tear and flexor strain, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Giolito will be examined further before any decisions are made, but season-ending surgery is a possibility. It's brutal news for a Red Sox team that already seemed a little light on rotation depth. Giolito's two-year, $38.5 million contract contains an opt-out after the first year, but he surely wouldn't exercise that if he winds up requiring surgery. Worth noting is that Jordan Montgomery remains a free agent and has been heavily connected to the Red Sox. If Boston fills Giolito's spot internally, it opens the door for both Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock in the rotation.

Smith-Shawver struck out five batters over 2.2 scoreless innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, allowing just one hit and one walk.

Facing most of Minnesota's likely Opening Day lineup, Smith-Shawver fired 32 of 48 pitches for strikes in a dominant outing that saw him count Carlos Correa and Carlos Santana among his strikeout victims. The 21-year-old righty is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett, but after making his big-league debut in 2023, it may not be much longer before he's pushing his way into the Atlanta rotation for good. Through 4.2 innings this spring, Smith-Shawver has an 8:2 K:BB.

France (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Wednesday and is on track to begin the season in the Astros' rotation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

France came into camp battling some right shoulder inflammation but has made steady progress since then. He should be cleared for games soon after if Wednesday's live BP session goes well, giving him time to ramp up for Opening Day.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Giolito felt right elbow soreness after his last Grapefruit League appearance and is not expected to be ready Opening Day, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Giolito will have the elbow checked out before more is known, but Cora admitted to being concerned about the right-hander, suggesting this could be a long-term absence. Both Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock would now appear locks for the Red Sox rotation, although the calls for the team to sign Jordan Montgomery no doubt will grow louder.

Taillon hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game yet this spring, as he's working on repeating his mechanics to keep from striding and landing open, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He had a good second half with the Cubs last year (3.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP), so it's a little concerning that he showed up to camp with mechanical issues. Taillon was scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday, so he is at least healthy enough to throw at full strength, even though he has also dealt with calf tightness this spring. If all went well Monday, the plan is for Taillon to get into a Cactus League game this weekend.

Baz's (elbow) throwing program will be delayed by about a week after he tweaked his oblique while picking up a weight, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Baz was close to being cleared to throw his first live batting practice session of the spring, but that will now be pushed back a bit. The young right-hander is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery but will begin the season in extended spring training as the Rays build him up slowly. It's unclear as to when Baz will be ready to make his season debut.

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Tuesday that Garrett (shoulder) will likely begin the season on the injured list, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Schumaker noted that Garrett "feels great" as he works his way back from some early-camp left shoulder soreness, but the team does not think it's a good idea to push him to be ready in time for Opening Day. The southpaw has been throwing bullpen sessions and a live batting practice session appears imminent. With Garrett expected to miss at least a start or two, it could clear a path for A.J. Puk in Miami's rotation.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Verlander (shoulder) will begin the season on the injured list, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Verlander has not encountered any setbacks and continues to progress well as he works his way back from an offseason right shoulder issue. However, the 41-year-old simply needs more time. Verlander has been throwing bullpen sessions but has not yet been cleared for live batting practice. It's not clear whether he will be able to get into any Grapefruit League games before the exhibition schedule wraps up. If Verlander is placed on the IL Opening Day, he would first be eligible to return April 11, although it would appear far from a given that he's ready at that time.