MLB Player News

Bieber (elbow) is expected to begin pitching in simulated games at the Guardians' spring training complex in Arizona at some point in May, SI.com reports.

Though the Guardians haven't officially confirmed as much, Bieber appears to have reached the point in his rehab that he's facing hitters, after he had been limited to throwing bullpen sessions by the end of spring training. The right-hander is working his way back from April 12, 2024 Tommy John surgery and will require an extensive ramp-up period once he's deemed ready for game action in the minors. If he avoids any setbacks, Bieber could be ready to make his 2025 debut for the Guardians around midseason.

Grisham went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two walks in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against Toronto.

After sitting out the matinee, Grisham started in center field and batted leadoff for New York in the nightcap of the twin bill. The veteran outfielder made a quick impact, leading off the bottom of the first inning with a solo shot to right-center field. The long ball was the seventh of the season for Grisham, who has needed just 65 plate appearances to reach that mark. Among players with at least 50 PAs, his 8.14 AB/HR ranks third behind only Carson Kelly (6.83) and Sean Murphy (7.14).

Gibson (back) is expected to be called up from High-A Aberdeen to make his Orioles debut Tuesday against the Yankees at Camden Yards, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Because Gibson didn't sign a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Orioles until spring training had already wrapped up, he agreed to begin the season in the minors to continue building up his pitch count. The right-hander turned in a 3.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB over 12 innings across his three outings in the minors, though he hasn't pitched since April 20 after developing back tightness following his appearance with Aberdeen that day. The Orioles don't view that injury as a major concern, however, and since Gibson covered five innings and 78 pitches in his final minor-league outing, he should be ready to take on something close to a traditional starter's workload in his 2025 big-league debut. Though Gibson has never been a major fantasy contributor, the 37-year-old right-hander's ability to competently eat innings should prove valuable to an Orioles rotation that has been decimated by injuries and has received poor performances from veterans Charlie Morton and Dean Kremer through the first month of the season.

The Red Sox will promote Arias from Single-A Salem to High-A Greenville this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

After a stellar run in the Florida Complex League last summer, Arias received a taste of the Carolina League late in the 2024 campaign before returning to Salem to begin 2025. He hit .346/.407/.397 with four stolen bases in 86 plate appearances with Salem this season, and the Red Sox determined the 19-year-old infielder was ready for a tougher test.

McDermott (lat) covered 1.2 innings in his first rehab start Sunday with Double-A Chesapeake, striking out three while allowing one earned run on one hit and three walks.

McDermott has resided on the Orioles' 15-day injured list all season after suffering a lat strain early in spring training, but after facing live hitters at extended spring training last week without issue, he received the green light to make his 2025 debut in the minors. Unsurprisingly, McDermott was a bit shaky in his first outing, needing 43 pitches to record four outs and throwing more balls (22) than strikes (21). Though the Orioles have multiple holes in their big-league rotation, McDermott could need most of his 30-day rehab window in the minors to shake off the rust and build up his pitch count before he's activated from the IL.

The Red Sox optioned Criswell to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday.

Criswell was up as the 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians but did not make an appearance. The right-hander's last two appearances at Worcester were starts, and he'll likely rejoin its rotation this week.

The Tigers optioned Montero to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday.

Montero made a spot start during Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles, yielding one run on four hits and two walks while striking out two across 4.1 innings of work. The right-hander will now rejoin the rotation at Toledo as he awaits another opportunity at the big-league level.

The Guardians optioned Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Nikhazy was up as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader versus the Red Sox and struggled in a spot start in his major-league debut, allowing six runs over three innings while taking a loss. The left-hander will now rejoin the rotation at Columbus.

Walls went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Padres.

Walls got the Rays on the board with a solo home run to center field. It was his first home run and first extra-base hit of the season. He's now driven in a run in consecutive games but is hitting just .164/.260/.209 with six RBI, nine runs scored and a 9:19 BB:K in 77 plate appearances.

Fairbanks earned the save Sunday in San Diego after pitching a perfect ninth inning. He did not walk nor strike anyone out.

Fairbanks sent the Padres down in order to pick up his third save in the last four days. Sunday capped off a big week for Fairbanks who pitched 3.2 scoreless innings while picking up three saves and a win in four appearances. The 31-year-old owns a 2.38 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB in 11.1 innings.