MLB Player News

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said in an interview with MLB Network on Thursday that the team is now "looking at June" for the return of Scherzer (back).

Bochy noted that the June timetable for Scherzer is "a little earlier than we thought." When Scherzer underwent surgery in mid-December to repair a herniated disc in his back, the Rangers said at the time that the veteran righty could be back in June or July. It's not clear what exactly Scherzer is currently able to do during his rehab, but evidently the club is optimistic he can make it back on the early side of its initial timeline. It's still very early in the process, of course, and Scherzer's age (39) won't help him.

Boyle looks to be in the driver's seat for the fifth spot in the Athletics' rotation, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Boyle has impressed in his first two Cactus League outings, yielding just one earned run with a 5:0 K:BB over 5.1 innings of work. The big right-hander's stuff has never been in question, but he's sported an ugly 18.7 percent walk rate in the minors. However, Boyle walked just five in 16 frames during a late-season audition with the A's, and the improved control has carried over into spring training this year. He has plenty of bat-missing upside if he can keep the walks to an acceptable level.

Lynn is penciled in to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday versus the Nationals, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Lynn has been working on the back fields so far, giving the Cardinals an opportunity to evaluate other pitchers in spring games. Lynn will don the Cardinals' jersey for the first time since 2017 after signing a one-year deal with the team in November. The right-hander endured the worst season of his career in 2023, posting a 5.73 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 44 home runs allowed over 183.2 innings between the White Sox and the Dodgers. He'll play most of 2024 at age 37, so it's unclear how much he'll be able to bounce back, though he'll at least have his home games in a pitcher-friendly stadium.

Liberatore is in competition with Zack Thompson for the last spot in the Cardinals' rotation, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Liberatore is lagging behind in results with three runs allowed over five innings across two spring starts so far. There's a chance both Liberatore and Thompson could make the rotation -- Steven Matz is being brought along slowly this spring after an injury-riddled 2023. Liberatore started half of his 22 outings last season, pitching to a 5.25 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 46:25 K:BB over 61.2 innings. He'll need to show better to avoid a trip to Triple-A Memphis.

Perez exited his start Saturday against the Mets due to a broken nail on his right middle finger, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Perez had been dealing with a cut on the same finger earlier during camp, but his removal Saturday was unrelated. Perez said after his start that he felt no pain from the broken nail, and he doesn't expect it to become an issue going forward. The 20-year-old righty lasted 2.1 innings against New York, striking out two batters and walking one.

Eder experienced soreness in his right shoulder Saturday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Eder is slated for a side session Sunday, and the White Sox will determine next steps after he's thrown. The 25-year-old southpaw spent most of last season in Double-A, accumulating a 6.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 47 innings.

Perez was removed from his appearance during Saturday's spring training game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Perez called a trainer out to the mound during the third inning of Saturday's game to take a look at his hand. Perez recently had problems with a cut on his right middle finger, so it's possible he aggravated the injury during the game. The Marlins should offer more information on Perez's condition in the near future, but his status for Opening Day likely won't be affected.

Walker (knee) told reporters Saturday that he's aiming to throw off the mound in the next few days after playing catch Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Walker experienced right knee soreness during his bullpen session Thursday after returning from an absence due to personal reasons. He's set to play catch again Sunday from a longer distance and will look to throw off the mound in the coming week. In his first season with the Phillies in 2023, Walker finished with a 15-6 record over 31 starts with a 4.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 138:71 K:BB across 172.2 innings.

Gore gave up one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros. He struck out three.

The 25-year-old southpaw has had an impressive start to the spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB over five scoreless frames. Gore had an uneven first full season in the majors last year; his 151:57 K:BB through 136.1 innings highlighted both his ability to miss bats and his issues finding the plate. A first-round pick of the Padres in 2017, Gore has the upside to develop into an ace if he can sharpen his control and command.

Severino struck out one over two scoreless innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

In his first game action of the spring, Severino showed good velocity, topping out at 97.8 mph with his fastball, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Injuries have derailed the 30-year-old righty's career and helped lead to a 6.65 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over 89.1 innings for the Yankees last season, but the Mets are hoping Severino can stay on the mound in 2024 and provide them with some reliable innings.