MLB Player News

Nelson will take the mound for Saturday's spring start against the Rockies, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Nelson is competing for the No. 5 starter job with several others. One of those competitors is Tommy Henry, who submitted two scoreless innings in Friday's Cactus League opener.

Rodriguez threw live batting practice on a back field Friday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

An initial plan to have Rodriguez start Friday's Cactus League opener was scrapped, because the left-hander wanted a more controlled environment. "He felt good enough and might have wanted [to throw] more pitches," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. There is no update on when Rodriguez will take the mound in a live setting.

Henry allowed one hit and struck out three over two scoreless innings in Friday's spring start against the Rockies.

Henry, pitching for the first time since a July 30 elbow injury ended his 2023 season, threw 15 of 22 pitches for strikes. He had command of all his pitches and was pleased with the results of mechanical tweaks implemented during the offseason, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The left-hander focused on his hips and making his front side sturdier, designed to achieve consistency with his release point. With Friday's outcome, Henry staked an early claim to the fifth spot in the rotation, which is seen as a competition, along with Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi and Bryce Jarvis.

Ashby (shoulder) told reporters Friday that he's healthy and will be competing for a spot in the Brewers' rotation this spring, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ashby had left shoulder surgery last April and was roughed up in seven rehab appearances after returning, posting a 15.43 ERA. His velocity was reportedly trending in the right direction as of last fall, so it will be interesting to see what the radar gun says this spring. It's not clear when the southpaw will be making his Cactus League debut. When he's healthy, Ashby has loads of upside, but he has some boxes to check from a stuff and performance standpoint before fantasy managers should get excited.

Darvish threw another live batting practice session Friday and expects his next outing to be in a Cactus League game, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Darvish's goal is to be ready to go for the Padres' series against the Dodgers on March 20-21 in South Korea, and he seems on track to meet that timeline. The veteran right-hander missed the final month of last season with a bone spur in his right elbow but has been throwing this spring without restrictions.

Carrasco (finger) will start Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Reds, Nick Camino of WKYC Channel 3 Cleveland reports.

Carrasco underwent surgery to repair a fractured finger in September but is ready for game action early in spring training. The 36-year-old joined the Guardians as a non-roster invitee after he posted a 6.80 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 66:38 K:BB over 90 innings (20 starts) for the Mets last season.

Gutierrez signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Francys Romero of MLB.com reports.

Gutierrez posted a 5.44 ERA over 32 appearances (30 starts) for the Reds from 2021-22. The 28-year-old threw just 6.1 rehab innings in 2023 and 36.2 frames in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery and subsequent setbacks, but he's healthy now and gives Miami a solid depth option.

The Royals placed Bubic (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Friday.

A spot on the 40-man roster was needed for new addition Austin Nola. Bubic has begun throwing off a mound but will be sidelined until around midseason while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Bradish (elbow) will play catch from 90 feet Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander extended his workouts to 75 feet earlier this week and will continue stretching out his throwing distance. Bradish is recovering from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow and is expected to begin the season on the injured list, though it's unclear how much time he'll miss.

Musgrove allowed four runs on two hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch while failing to record an out against the Dodgers in Thursday's Cactus League opener.

Musgrove loaded the bases on a walk, single and hit-by-pitch before serving up a two-run ground-rule double to Teoscar Hernandez. The right-handed hurler was then pulled but charged with two more runs following his departure. It wasn't the most inspiring start from Musgrove, but it was at least promising to see him on the mound for San Diego's first exhibition contest after he ended last year on the 60-day IL due to a shoulder injury. Of course, fantasy managers shouldn't read much into Thursday's poor showing given the exhibition nature of the contest.