MLB Player News

Rodriguez could begin the season in the rotation if Max Scherzer (thumb) isn't ready to make his first start, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The Blue Jays will need a fifth starter March 31, giving Scherzer little time to recover and get fully stretched out. Rodriguez has worked 9.2 innings in Grapefruit League action this spring, striking out 11 batters but also walking seven and serving up four homers. If Toronto decides he's better suited for a long-relief role, or Scherzer's thumb issue is deemed to be minor and he's only expected to miss one or two turns through the rotation, Jake Bloss or Eric Lauer might be called upon instead.

Cobb (hip) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is slated to throw another one Wednesday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Saturday's session was the first time Cobb has thrown off the mound since he was diagnosed with right hip inflammation at the beginning of spring training. The Tigers had indicated previously that Cobb might be ready to pitch in games by mid-March, but clearly he's not ready for that yet. There's no timetable for the veteran right-hander's return, but he can safely be expected to miss at least the first month or so of the season.

The Tigers announced Tuesday that Vierling (shoulder) has been cleared for conditioning work and defensive drills, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Both Vierling and Parker Meadows seem to be at similar spots in their respective recoveries from arm injuries, as the latter has also been cleared for all activity except for throwing and hitting. Until Vierling is able to start playing catch and begin a hitting progression, it may be difficult to project when he'll be ready to make his season debut as he works his way back from a right rotator cuff strain. Once healthy, Vierling should handle a near-everyday role at third base or in the corner outfield.

The Tigers announced Tuesday that Meadows (upper arm) has been cleared to do conditioning and defensive drills, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The fact that Meadows isn't shut down from activity entirely while he contends with a nerve issue in his right arm is encouraging, but until he's able to start a hitting progression and resumes playing catch, his season debut shouldn't be considered imminent. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch already acknowledged last week that Meadows will open the season on the injured list, likely paving the way for Wenceel Perez to serve as the team's everyday center fielder.

Jordan (arm) played two innings at first base in Monday's 12-3 loss to the Orioles in Grapefruit League play.

Though he didn't make any plate appearances, Jordan's usage off the bench Monday implies that he's healthy after he was hit by a pitch and then lifted for a pinch runner in his last Grapefruit League game back on March 8. Jordan is likely to open the 2025 season at either Double-A Portland or Triple-A Worcester.

Morrii will be developed as a two-way player after signing for $1,510,500 million - the largest signing bonus for a Japanese amateur to not play for Nippon Professional Baseball, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. He had an exit velocity of 110.1 mph of his bat in Friday's Spring Breakout game, where he served as the DH.

Morrii is an 18-year-old Japanese two-way phenom who skipped Japan's professional league (NPB) draft to come to MLB. He thows 95 mph as a pitcher as well. It's a curious and unique decision to develop him as a two-way player. He's expected to begin the season in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Houck allowed two unearned runs on six hits while striking out three over 4.1 innings in Monday's Grapefruit League start against Baltimore.

Houck made his third start of what has been a rocky Grapefruit League stint. The right-hander has allowed 17 hits and three walks while striking out five over 10 spring innings (6.30 ERA). That he got a fifth up-and-down and threw 72 pitches is a positive sign for Houck, who was Boston's most dependable starter from April to October of 2024. Once considered to start Opening Day, those plans changed after Boston acquired Garrett Crochet during the offseason. Houck is scheduled to work the second game of the season, March 28, behind the surging Crochet (one run allowed, 10.1 spring innings), who will start the first game of the regular season.

Escarra has a "stranglehold" on the Yankees' backup catcher job behind starter Austin Wells, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Escarra has crushed the ball this spring, sporting a 1.032 OPS with three home runs in 14 Grapefruit League contests. The 29-year-old is on the 40-man roster but will be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game. Ben Rice will also be on the Opening Day roster and is capable of catching, but he's likely to focus mostly on designated hitter duties.

Campbell started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a walk and a double in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

Given recent news that Campbell is behind David Hamilton in the battle for the second-base job, it was interesting to see the prospect start along with eight definite regulars. He improved his positioning during Monday's game in what was his best all-around performance of the spring, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. "He did a good job, made some plays," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "He's going to get more reps there. He'll play [Tuesday in Tampa against the Yankees], too. It feels like he's getting comfortable." Cora said earlier this week that there were aspects of defense that Campbell needs to fine tune -- mostly on throws and how he receives a throw -- but his positioning was on point during Monday's contest. He's moved between the infield and outfield during the Grapefruit League season, but second base is the best path for Campbell to break camp with the team.

Schmidt (shoulder) could start Wednesday's Grapefruit League game at the Phillies, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

There were positive reports after Schmidt threw a 24-pitch bullpen session Monday and again Tuesday morning, as Schmidt noted his shoulder felt good the day after. Even if cleared to be in the season-opening rotation, the right-hander would likely have some workload limitations early on, as manager Aaron Boone admitted Tuesday that "he's obviously not going to be built up," per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Schmidt staying behind in Florida to get stretched out for an extra week or two at the start of the season is also being considered.