MLB Player News

Pomeranz signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Pomeranz spent the spring with Seattle, allowing four runs in 7.2 innings, but he was released by the club Sunday. After testing the open market for a few days, the 36-year-old lefty will now return to the Mariners, though he's likely to only serve as depth for Triple-A Tacoma, given the fact he hasn't appeared in the majors since 2021.

The Red Sox placed Giolito (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Giolito tweaked his hamstring during his first start of the spring back in mid-March. He was never shut down from throwing, and he most recently threw a two-inning simulated game at the Red Sox's spring training complex Sunday, according to MLB.com. The Red Sox appear optimistic that the right-hander won't miss much more than two or three turns through the rotation before making his team debut at some point in April.

The Red Sox placed Crawford on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right patellar tendiopathy, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Crawford's knee issue dates back to early last season, but he has resumed throwing off a mound. The right-hander is without a timeline to make his season debut, but he appears likely to miss at least the first month or so.

The Red Sox placed Bello on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right shoulder strain, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Bello has made nice progress following an early-camp shoulder problem, but he needs more time to get ready. The Red Sox are optimistic he could be ready to rejoin the rotation by mid-April.

The Astros placed McCullers (forearm) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

McCullers hadn't pitched in a game since the 2022 World Series before he finally took the hill late in spring training, throwing a scoreless, 13-pitch inning in a March 18 Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals. The right-hander checked out fine physically coming out of that appearance and then made another 33-pitch appearance in a minor-league game at Astros camp earlier this week. He's now scheduled to report to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday to make his first rehab start, per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Given his long layoff, McCullers will likely be stretched out slowly over the course of several minor-league appearances before the Astros consider bringing him off the IL, possibly as soon as late April.

The Red Sox placed Yoshida (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Yoshida still isn't able to play defense as he works his way back from a right shoulder labral repair surgery, so he'll get a late start to the season. He's ramping up his throwing and could be ready to begin a rehab assignment before long. With the Red Sox seemingly committed to Rafael Devers as their full-time designated hitter in 2025, Yoshida could have difficulty finding regular at-bats once he's healthy.

The Red Sox selected Newcomb's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Newcomb was a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, let alone the rotation, when he inked a minor-league deal in January. He will open the season as the fifth starter, however, after permitting just two runs (one earned) with a 13:3 K:BB in 14.1 Grapefruit League frames. Newcomb is slated for his season debut Monday in Baltimore.

The Red Sox placed Hendricks on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Hendriks had a rough spring, allowing seven runs while striking out just four over 6.1 innings. The Red Sox hadn't provided an indication that he was hurt, but the injury designation is troubling considering his past Tommy John surgery. Hendriks will be eligible to return April 8, but there's no word yet on how long he might be out. Aroldis Chapman will open the season as Boston's closer.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Stanton (elbows/calf) has resumed swinging a bat but has "still got a ways to go" before he returns, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

Stanton picked up a calf injury earlier this month, but it's tennis elbow in both arms that's the biggest culprit of a likely long-term absence. He does appear to finally be making progress, but there is no timetable for the designated hitter's return. Ben Rice is expected to be the Yankees' primary DH while Stanton is out.

The Astros selected Smith's contract, and he'll start in right field and bat seventh in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith will bypass the Triple-A level after hitting his way on the Opening Day roster with a .342/.419/.711 slash line to go with four home runs over 15 games during the Grapefruit League. The 22-year-old will have big shoes to fill as he steps into the everyday role in right field that used to belong to three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, whom the Astros traded to the Cubs this winter in the deal that sent Smith to Houston.