MLB Player News

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Friday that Meadows (arm) will not be ready for Opening Day, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Hinch added that while Meadows is progressing steadily as he works his way back from a nerve issue in his right arm, there will not be enough time to ramp him back up by March 27. It seems Meadows' stint on the injured list could be a short one, but there's no firm timetable yet for when he'll be ready for his season debut. Wenceel Perez (back) is in line for increased playing time while Meadows and Matt Vierling (shoulder) are out, and Riley Greene could slide over to center field some days.

Perez received a cortisone injection in his back Friday but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined for the past week due to lower-back tightness, and he received the cortisone injection after a couple failed attempts to return to game action this week. Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) are poised to miss the start of the season, so Perez should play a significant role for the Tigers to begin the campaign, assuming he can avoid further complications.

Ullola was removed from Friday's Spring Breakout game appearance versus the Nationals due to right shoulder discomfort, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Any type of shoulder injury is worrisome, but it's unclear at this point how much time Ullola might miss. The 22-year-old finished last season at Triple-A Sugar Land and, once healthy, will head back there to begin the 2025 campaign.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Rodriguez (elbow) should begin a throwing progression early next week, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Hyde described Rodriguez's progression as a "restart," which means "it's going to take a while." How long exactly it will take isn't clear, but it would seem to be a safe bet that Rodriguez will miss at least the first month or so of the season. The right-hander was given a cortisone injection earlier this week to combat elbow inflammation.

Manager Aaron Boone announced Friday that Rodon will start Opening Day against the Brewers on March 27, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

The left-hander will step in as the Yankees' Opening Day starter with Gerrit Cole (elbow) lost for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Rodon struggled during his first year in the Bronx during 2023 with a 6.85 ERA in 14 regular-season starts, but he rebounded last season and finished with a 3.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 195:57 K:BB across 175 regular-season innings.

Wright (shoulder) hopes to progress to throwing a live batting practice session next week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Wright is coming off a lost 2024 season due to shoulder surgery and had a minor early-camp setback with a hamstring issue. The right-hander will need time to get built back up, so it's going to be a while before he's game-ready.

Witt (forearm) increased his baseball activities, including hitting, Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Witt was hit by a pitch in the left forearm during Wednesday's game against the Mariners, but he managed to escape with just a bruise and is easing back into workouts. It's not clear when Witt might be ready to play in Cactus League games again, but it shouldn't be long.

Through four Grapefruit League appearances, Holton has allowed one run on two hits and two walks across 3.2 innings while striking out three.

The Tigers haven't used Holton heavily so far this spring after the lefty logged a career-high 94.1 innings during the regular season last year followed by 5.2 more innings in the postseason. Holton was effective in the regular season with a 2.19 ERA and 0.78 WHIP, and he was able to give the Tigers some length out of the bullpen when needed. The 28-year-old also recorded eight saves as a secondary option behind Jason Foley, who led the team with 28 saves. Foley is still likely the top closing candidate in Detroit heading into 2025, but both Holton and newcomer Tommy Kahnle figure to be in the mix as well.

Manager Will Venable said Friday that Clevinger will be "near the top" of the White Sox's options for the ninth inning, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Venable indicated he may utilize multiple pitchers in the closer role, but naming Clevinger specifically could make him the early favorite for saves in Chicago. The veteran right-hander has recorded three strikeouts while not allowing a baserunner in his two spring appearances. Clevinger is set to work as a full-time reliever for the first time in his career after making just four starts for the White Sox last season while contending with neck and elbow injuries.

The Rays exercised Diaz's $12 million option for 2026 and added a vesting option for 2027 on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Diaz's option for 2027 would vest if he reaches certain performance thresholds in 2026. The 33-year-old's performance in 2024 fell off a bit compared to his 2023 and 2022 seasons, but he still slashed .281/.341/.414 with 14 home runs in 2024 and boasts a career .373 on-base percentage. Diaz is slated to serve as the Rays' primary first baseman again in 2025, and he should also see ample starts at designated hitter.