MLB Player News

Francis (1-2) took the loss against the Orioles on Saturday, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five across 5.2 innings.

Francis was excellent out of the gates, retiring the first 13 batters faced. However, things turned on their head in the fifth inning when Heston Kjerstad broke up the shutout effort with a two-run home run to center field. Francis came back out for the sixth frame, but he proceeded to be tagged for three more runs (two of which came on a Cedric Mullins double) before being replaced by Yariel Rodriguez. It was a disappointing finish for Francis in what looked to be a quality start, and through three starts he's registered a 4.76 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 17 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, which is tentatively slated for next weekend at home against the Mariners.

Rodriguez (elbow) threw a side session before Saturday's game against Toronto, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Rodriguez tossed his third session Saturday during his recovery from right elbow inflammation. This progression in his throwing program would appear to put him on track to perhaps face live hitters soon, although his next steps have yet to be determined. Rodriguez still needs to go on a minor-league rehab assignment as well, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect to have the hard-throwing right-hander available until sometime in early May at the earliest.

Fitts was removed from Saturday's game against the White Sox due to right shoulder pain, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Fitts had been cruising through his start Saturday, giving up just two hits and a walk while striking out five batters across five shutout frames. He came back out to start the sixth inning but only threw a couple of pitches before grabbing at his underarm/shoulder area. Fitts will return to Boston on Sunday to undergo an MRI on his shoulder to determine the severity of the injury, per Cotillo.

Moore isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Moore will step out of the lineup for a second consecutive game after going 0-for-7 with three strikeouts across his last two games. His absence will allow Leo Rivas to start at the keystone and bat eighth.

Manager Joe Espada said that Rodgers is out Saturday due to left hip soreness, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Rodgers was fielding grounders before the game, so keeping him out of the lineup was likely just a precautionary measure. Jose Altuve will start at the keystone Saturday with Zach Dezenzo in left field, and Rodgers will aim to return for Sunday's series finale.

Cecconi (oblique) threw live batting practice Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Cecconi suffered a left oblique strain in mid-March, and he began throwing bullpen sessions at the beginning of April. Now that he's been cleared to face live hitters, he appears to be on the verge of starting up a minor-league rehab assignment, though the Guardians have yet to confirm such plans.

Gelof (wrist) fielded grounders and threw on the field ahead of Saturday's game against the Mets, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Gelof underwent surgery in March to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right wrist. He still has plenty more boxes to check off before he can begin a rehab assignment, but he at least appears to be trending in the right direction.

Swanson (forearm) is expected to begin facing live hitters within the next several days, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Swanson has been throwing bullpens without any issues for about a week, and the Blue Jays are now comfortable advancing him to live batting practice. Once he gets through a few rounds of BP, he'll likely embark on a rehab assignment with one of Toronto's minor-league affiliates.

Burr (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Right shoulder inflammation has plagued Burr since the start of spring training, but his return to a mound Saturday marks a significant step in his recovery. If he can get through a few more sessions with no problems, he'll likely receive the green light to face hitters before eventually moving on to a rehab assignment.

Varsho (shoulder) will begin throwing in extended spring training games this week, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Varsho hasn't had any problems hitting while recovering from a shoulder procedure he underwent in September, and he's now been cleared to test his shoulder in a competitive environment. If he gets through a few extended spring training games with no issues, he'll be sent to Triple-A Buffalo to begin a rehab assignment before finally making his season debut with Toronto.