MLB Player News

Vierling (shoulder) has begun light, modified baseball activities, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

It's not much, but Vierling being able to do anything one week after being diagnosed with a strained right rotator cuff muscle provides some optimism. Vierling won't be ready for Opening Day, and it's not yet clear how much time he might miss.

The Tigers announced Friday that Madden is recovering from a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder and will miss the start of the regular season, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Madden surrendered three earned runs in two spring appearances before suffering the injury earlier this week. He's completing a period of rest and rehab but is without a clear timeline for his return.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that Garcia (elbow) could throw a live batting practice session soon, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Garcia is still working on regaining his velocity following Tommy John surgery and multiple setbacks last year, but he hasn't had any hiccups so far this spring. There remains no timetable for when the right-hander might be ready to pitch in a game.

The Tigers announced Friday that Perez is dealing with lower-back tightness but is expected to participate in full baseball activities this weekend, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Perez hasn't seen the field since Sunday due to the injury, but he appears to be trending in the right direction after taking a few days to rest up. If healthy, the 25-year-old has a strong chance to begin the season with a regular role for the Tigers since Matt Vierling (shoulder) will begin the campaign on the injured list.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that McCullers (forearm) is "really, really close" to pitching in a game, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers threw another live batting practice session Friday and came out of it well, and it appears the next step could be for him to try things out in a game setting. The right-hander will not be ready to pitch for Houston on Opening Day, but things have been trending in a good direction with his rehab this spring. McCullers hasn't appeared in a major-league game since the 2022 World Series due to multiple arm injuries.

The Astros optioned Gusto to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gusto yielded just one run and struck out six over 6.2 innings during Grapefruit League play, although he also issued five walks. Slated to turn 26 next week, Gusto has yet to pitch in a major-league game, but he's on the 40-man roster and could be one of the first names the Astros call upon when they need a starter.

Langford (oblique) is batting third as the designated hitter in Friday's spring game against the Rockies.

The 23-year-old will make his first start of spring in a non-defensive capacity after missing the first couple weeks of Cactus League action due to an oblique strain. Langford now has nearly three weeks to get settled ahead of Opening Day against the Red Sox on March 27.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that an MRI on Walker's left oblique did not show a "strain or anything that we are concerned about," Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros are still referring to the injury simply as left oblique soreness, and Walker will return to the team Friday and be eased back into activities. It's as good a news update as the Astros and Walker could have hoped to hear regarding a diagnosis, and it would appear he should be able to avoid the injured list, barring any setbacks.

Dubin (shoulder) will resume playing catch Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Dubin has been out all spring with right shoulder inflammation but is finally ready to begin a throwing progression. He will not be ready in time for Opening Day, however.

Loaisiga (elbow) has been throwing off a mound since at least March 4, per MLB.com.

Loaisiga is working his way back from the internal brace procedure he underwent last April. The righty reliever isn't going to be ready for the start of the regular season, but he could rejoin the Yankees' bullpen around early May. Loaisiga may be able to work his way up to a high-leverage role once he's back in action.