MLB Player News

Verlander (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Florida, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

It was reported earlier this week that he will need at least one minor-league rehab start before coming off the injured list, and Verlander is expected to complete at least two throwing sessions before heading out on a rehab assignment. He appears to be tracking toward a return before the end of the month.

Woodruff (shoulder) had an MRI on Wednesday and remains shut down while doctors determine how best to proceed, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

This was relayed by manager Craig Counsell, and it certainly makes it sound like Woodruff's shoulder inflammation is fairly significant. Colin Rea had a strong spot start Thursday against the Padres and could remain in the rotation indefinitely as long as he keeps his head above water.

Springs (arm) is expected to miss a minimum of two months, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Springs underwent an MRI on his left arm Friday after experiencing some nerve discomfort during his start Thursday afternoon against the Red Sox. Topkin notes that the Rays are seeking out multiple opinions, but the early indications are not good. The elbow issue could even be an injury that requires surgery and leads to a long-term absence. Springs landed a four-year, $31 million contract extension in January and had posted excellent numbers out of the gate this season.

Houser (groin) will begin his rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Nashville, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Houser hasn't pitched in a game since exiting a spring training appearance with groin tightness March 25. If all goes well, Houser could return to the Brewers' bullpen within a week or so as a multi-inning reliever.

Wainwright (groin) said Friday that he expects to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday at Double-A Springfield, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Wainwright drew strong reviews after facing live hitters in a simulated setting Friday at Busch Stadium and is ready to take the next step in his recovery from a groin strain he suffered in late March. It's not clear how many rehab starts are lined up for the veteran right-hander, but he'll almost certainly be ready to join the Cardinals' struggling rotation before the end of April.

The Mariners selected Milone's contract from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

He'll make a spot start Friday at home against the Rockies, filling in for Marco Gonzales (paternity). Milone tossed five scoreless frames in his lone start for Tacoma this season and holds a career 4.60 ERA over parts of 12 major-league seasons. Chances are, he'll be designated for assignment after Friday's outing.

Seattle placed Gonzalez on the paternity list Friday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Gonzales had been slated to start Friday against the Rockies, but those duties will now fall to Tommy Milone. While a specific return date to the Mariners' rotation for Gonzales isn't clear, he should be ready sometime next week.

Sanchez (shoulder) will pitch in an extended spring training game Saturday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

After undergoing surgery on his right shoulder back in October, Sanchez first began facing hitters again earlier this month. Now, he's set to take the next step toward a minor-league rehab assignment. Sanchez hasn't appeared in a game at any level since 2020, so the Marlins will likely take it slow building Sanchez back up to the point where he can rejoin the Triple-A rotation.

Cueto (biceps) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday at the Marlins' spring training complex, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

It's good news that Cueto is ready to throw off a mound again, 10 days after landing on the IL because of a biceps issue, but the belief is that he will be brought back slowly after his spring buildup was affected by the same injury. The veteran right-hander could still miss several more weeks if that is indeed the plan.

Paxton (hamstring) will make at least one additional rehab start after Friday's outing before being considered for activation, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Paxton was a little wild but generally effective over three innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Worcester and will look to get a little more stretched out Friday. If he has just one more rehab outing after that, it could potentially set him up to join Boston's rotation as soon as April 24. Nothing has been decided regarding Paxton's return date or role, however.