MLB Player News

Matthews (hip) threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts and one walk in Wednesday's spring loss to Boston. It was his first outing since he suffered a strained hip during a Mar. 6 outing. "He probably had the sharpest outing that we've seen all spring," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Matthews exited his spring start last week due to what appeared to be an ankle injury but turned out to be a hip strain, but it sounds as though he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. He's battling for the fifth starter job but is likely to begin the season at Triple-A St. Paul as Simeon Woods Richardson and Chris Paddack (head) still appear on track to win the No. 4 and No. 5 starter roles.

Pepiot allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four across four innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

Pepiot made only his second spring start, though he's already stretched out to 72 pitches. He hasn't been particularly sharp in his pair of outings, allowing three earned runs across six innings while maintaining a 6:3 K:BB. The Rays have seven potential starters for their rotation, though Pepiot figures to be locked into a starting role throughout the campaign.

The Athletics optioned Lopez to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

The A's acquired Lopez this winter as part of a trade with the Rays, and in his first spring with his new team, the 27-year-old southpaw racked up four strikeouts in three shutout frames. However, he owns a 4.76 ERA across 22.2 career MLB innings, so the Athletics will opt to give him a few more looks in the minors before admitting him into their big-league staff.

X-rays on Witt's forearm came back negative after he was hit by a pitch in Wednesday's game against the Mariners.

Witt was in visible pain after taking a 96-mph sinker off his forearm and made a quick exit into the Royals' clubhouse, but he appears to have escaped the incident with no more than a bruise. The team hasn't indicated how long it will be before he returns to game action, but there's currently no reason to think he'll miss Opening Day. The young superstar has had a great spring thus far, slashing .276/.364/.586 with two homers, four RBI and five runs scored over 11 games.

Velazquez exited Wednesday's Cactus League game versus the Mariners due to a calf cramp, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Manager Matt Quatraro didn't seem too concerned with Velazquez's injury while relaying the diagnosis after the game, so the 26-year-old outfielder isn't likely to miss much time. He's had a tough time at the plate this spring, going 2-for-16 with two runs scored over eight games.

Means (elbow) extended his throwing distance to 75-to-90 feet Wednesday.

Means is still in the early stages of what will be a lengthy throwing program after undergoing his second career Tommy John surgery in June. He likely won't be close to pitching in games until the final month of the season, though there's a possibility the team holds off on deploying him until 2026.

Fry (elbow) was cleared to begin taking dry swings Wednesday.

The Guardians sent Fry to the 60-day IL in February, which ensures he'll be out until at least May 26. Depending on how quickly he progresses through the rest of his rehab from November elbow surgery, he may be ready to contribute as a DH by then, though he won't have any hope of playing in the field or behind the plate until 2026.

Sabrowki (elbow) played catch from 60 feet Wednesday.

Sabrowski was shut down from throwing for a few days after receiving an injection Friday to treat inflammation in his elbow. He's now been given the green light to start up a throwing program, though it's still unclear how far away he is from pitching in a game.

Walters (shoulder) threw live batting practice Wednesday.

Walters has been out with shoulder stiffness since late February, but he seems to be making progress in his recovery after throwing a bullpen session Sunday and now progressing to live hitters. That being said, it remains unclear if he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Velazquez was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game against Seattle due to an apparent injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Velazquez suffered the injury while fielding a ball near the outfield wall, though it's not immediately apparent what he's dealing with. Kansas City will take a closer look at him and should provide some clarity on his status soon.