MLB Player News

Henry will start the Diamondbacks' Cactus League matchup against the Rockies on Friday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Friday's start had originally been awarded to Eduardo Rodriguez, but Arizona will instead allow Henry to start the first game of spring training while Rodriguez throws a live BP session. Henry will spend the spring competing with Ryne Nelson for the final spot in the D-backs' rotation. While it's unknown how long Henry will remain in Friday's contest, a strong outing would certainly give him an early advantage.

Rodriguez will no longer start the Diamondbacks' spring opener Friday against Colorado, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Rodriguez will have to wait a bit longer to make his first appearance in a Diamondbacks uniform, as he will instead throw a live batting practice on a backfield Friday. Fellow southpaw Tommy Henry will get the nod to start against the Rockies in Rodriguez's place.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Thursday that he's "encouraged" with Verlander's (shoulder) progress, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Verlander threw another bullpen session Wednesday and evidently bounced back well a day later. The 41-year-old is being slow-played this spring after having what he described as a "hiccup" with his right shoulder during his offseason throwing program. Verlander's readiness for Grapefruit League games and Opening Day remains unclear, but he's trending in the right direction.

Perez was dealing with a cut on his right middle finger during Thursday's live batting practice session, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Perez mentioned that the cut developed while he was gripping his changeup. While there was some blood on his finger, Perez noted that he was not in any pain and isn't concerned about it lingering. That said, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Marlins hold the prized young righty out of a throwing session or two in order to let his finger heal.

Javier told reporters Thursday that he lost 15 pounds over the offseason, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier believes the added weight last season contributed to his mechanical issues and inconsistency. His ERA went from 2.54 to 4.56 and strikeout rate from 33.2 percent to 23.1 percent year-over-year. Javier hopes that by trimming down over the winter he can better lock in his mechanics and get back to what made him a breakout performer in 2022.

Woo, who logged 18 starts as a rookie in 2023, is focusing on improving considerably against left-handed hitters in his second season, Brandon Gustafson of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The right-hander, who made the jump straight from the Double-A level to the majors, finished with a 4-5 record and serviceable 4.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across his first 87.2 big-league frames. However, Woo had some drastic splits, surrendering a .283 average and .928 OPS in 180 plate appearances versus left-handed bats, numbers exponentially worse than the respective .179 and .494 figures he surrendered to righty bats. Woo, who's penciled in as the Mariners' No. 5 starter as spring camp gets underway, says he is absorbing plenty from two other accomplished young arms above him in the rotation in George Kirby and Logan Gilbert, who already have solid major-league resumes.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Schmidt is guaranteed a spot in the rotation, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Schmidt made 32 starts (33 appearances) for the Yankees last season, flashing promise but ultimately settling for a pedestrian 4.64 ERA and 149:46 K:BB over 159 innings. The Yanks will be hoping the 28-year-old takes a step forward in 2024 with a full season of big-league starting experience under his belt.

Corry signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Thursday, Melissa Lockard of The Athletic reports.

Corry, 25, was a borderline top-100 prospect a few years ago but has had his career sidetracked by injury. He threw 34 innings over four stops in the Giants' system last season, posting a 5.03 ERA and 52:18 K:BB.

Reds manager David Bell said Thursday that Lodolo (tibia) is slated to face live hitters in his next throwing session, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo avoided offseason surgery to address a stress reaction to his left tibia, an injury he suffered in August while on a rehab assignment. The young southpaw is seemingly healthy again for the early stages of spring training, but the Reds have been taking it slowly with him following a lost season in which he was limited to just seven starts with the big club. Lodolo has thus far been pain-free during his bullpen sessions, and facing hitters without any discomfort will be the final hurdle he needs to clear before he's integrated into the Cactus League pitching schedule. He's still tracking to be part of the Reds' Opening Day rotation, though any setback with his leg or any other sort of health concern that crops up would likely result in him beginning the season on the injured list.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Thursday that Keller will serve as the club's Opening Day starter March 28 in Miami, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Shelton's announcement was seemingly a foregone conclusion after Keller signed a five-year, $77 million contract extension -- the largest for a pitcher in franchise history -- just hours earlier. Though Keller is the Pirates' No. 1 starter, he likely profiles as more of a depth arm for most fantasy pitching staffs after he went 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 210:55 K:BB in 194.1 innings over his 32 starts a season ago.