MLB Player News

DeSclafani (elbow) is considered fully healthy at the start of spring training, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

DeSclafani was limited to 19 starts in 2023 due to a right flexor strain but told reporters Wednesday that he's been throwing for months. The veteran right-hander was acquired via trade last month and is competing to be the Twins' fifth starter.

Verlander said Wednesday that he's "a couple weeks behind" schedule after his right shoulder didn't bounce back as hoped during his offseason throwing program, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Verlander referred to his ongoing recovery as a "hiccup" rather than a setback and added that he's thrown three bullpen sessions as he ramps back up. Though Verlander seems confident the shoulder issue isn't a major concern, the veteran right-hander notably missed the first five weeks of last season with a shoulder problem that developed during spring training. The Astros haven't outlined a timeline for when Verlander might be ready to pitch in a Grapefruit League game.

The Rays placed McClanahan (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Tampa Bay needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Phil Maton. McClanahan will be sidelined until 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Buchanan signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Tuesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training.

Buchanan had a 5.01 ERA in 35 starts for the Phillies between 2014 and 2015, but he's spent the past number of years playing overseas in Japan and Korea. The 34-year-old righty started 30 games for the Samsung Lions of the KBO last season and had a 2.54 ERA and 139:43 K:BB across 188 innings.

Ashcraft indicated Tuesday that he's still not quite 100 percent after having surgery on his right big toe in September, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ashcraft noted that the toe is "starting to get better" but it will "take its time to get feeling right." The right-hander fully expects to be ready to go come Opening Day, but it sounds like he could be a little behind other Reds pitchers in camp. Ashcraft posted a 4.76 ERA and 111:52 K:BB across 145.2 innings covering 26 starts in 2023.

Stoudt was designated for assignment by the Reds on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Stoudt really struggled in 2023, posting a 6.23 ERA at Triple-A Louisville and a 9.58 ERA during his brief time with the Reds. The 26-year-old has been a prospect of some significance in the past, so perhaps he'll draw some interest on waivers.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday that Baz (elbow) will be built up slowly coming out of spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Baz had Tommy John surgery nearly 17 months ago and has completed that rehab. However, since he's coming off a lost season and didn't have ton of pro innings under his belt prior to that, the team will proceed cautiously with the young right-hander. Whether that could mean starting his season at extended spring training or in the minors isn't clear. Baz posted a 4.02 ERA and 48:12 K:BB over 40.1 innings covering nine starts for Tampa Bay from 2021-22.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander indicated Tuesday that he doesn't expect Rasmussen (elbow) back until well into the second half of the season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Neander listed July or August as a timetable for Jeffrey Springs (elbow) and added that Rasmussen's return isn't expected until sometime after that. The right-hander underwent an internal brace procedure in July and probably can't be counted on as an impact fantasy option again until 2025.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday that Springs (elbow) is on track to return in July or August, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Springs underwent Tommy John surgery in late April, so the timetable Neander offered up would have the left-hander back in around 16 months. Of course, it's a rough timeline at this point, and Springs will be facing workload restrictions when he does make it back. Fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on a major impact until 2025.

Ashcraft (toe) is projected to be part of the Reds' rotation, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

Ashcraft, who suffered a toe injury at the end of August, missed the final month of the 2023 season. He underwent surgery in September, but the right-hander was expected to be ready to go by spring training. More should be learned about Ashcraft's status in the coming days. Cincinnati's pitchers and catchers report Tuesday and have their first workout Wednesday.