MLB Player News

The Astros placed Garcia (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Manager Joe Espada said the team got "decent news" from the first opinion on Garcia's right elbow, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. However, the medical staff and Garcia are still awaiting the results of a second opinion before a decision is made on how to proceed. Garcia was pulled off his throwing program last week after experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired elbow.

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Matzek (oblique) is trending toward returning from the injured list in April, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Boone said that Matzek "isn't far behind" fellow reliever Ian Hamilton (infection) in his recovery and noted that the latter is expected back in early April. However, Matzek doesn't own a spot on the Yankees' 40-man roster, so he'll almost certainly be sent down to Triple-A once he's healthy.

The Astros placed Dubin (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Dubin missed the entirety of spring training with his shoulder issue. He's been throwing for most of this month, but he's without an official timeline for making his 2025 debut.

The Astros placed Trammell (calf) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Trammell suffered a right calf strain Feb. 21 while running the bases and doesn't appear close to returning. He could be a candidate to eventually shift to the 60-day IL.

The Astros placed Leon (knee) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Leon suffered a Grade 1 MCL strain in late February. He resumed a running program and other baseball activities by mid-March and might be ready for a rehab assignment before long.

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Hamilton (infection) is expected to return in early April, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Hamilton was placed on the injured list Wednesday (retroactive to Monday), and Boone's comments suggest that the 29-year-old righty will be able to return to the bullpen when eligible April 8. The Yankees will presumably look to use him in a few minor-league games before then, and he's likely in line for middle-relief duty once he returns.

The Astros recalled Gusto from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gusto had been optioned earlier this month but has ultimately been included as part of the Opening Day bullpen. He's been a starter for most of his minor-league career and should serve as a multi-inning relief option.

The Astros selected Rodgers' contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Rodgers will start in Thursday's season opener against the Mets, playing second base and batting eighth. Manager Joe Espada noted that Rodgers is not necessarily the starting second baseman, however, as Mauricio Dubon is also expected to see plenty of playing time at the position, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

The Tigers placed Vierling (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Vierling was cleared to resume hitting and perform shoulder strengthening exercises Friday as the latest step in his rehab from a right rotator cuff strain. He still has a few more boxes to check before he can hope to begin a rehab assignment, but the door is still open for him to return to Detroit before May.

The Astros selected Okert's contract from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Okert earned a bullpen spot following a stellar spring in which he tossed 10.2 scoreless innings with a 16.2 K:BB. He will be utilized in middle relief.