MLB Player News

Hendriks is slated to pitch in Wednesday's game against the Rays, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

This will be Hendriks' first Grapefruit League action of the year and his first game action since June of 2023. Aroldis Chapman is also expected to pitch in Wednesday's exhibition, while Justin Slaten is scheduled to throw a live batting practice. Therefore, as Browne wrote, the closer competition will officially get underway. In addition to Hendriks, Chapman and Slaten, Garrett Whitlock is expected to get late-inning work, so how each pitcher fares this spring will be important for determining who gets the first save chances of the year in Boston.

Cobb (hip) received an epidural injection to further aid in his recovery process, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

He had already received a platelet-rich plasma injection earlier this month and played catch over the weekend. Cobb is scheduled to play catch again Wednesday but will not get into games until at least mid-March (a return timeline of a month was estimated Feb. 12). He was up around 150 innings in 2022 and 2023, but injuries greatly plagued him in 2021 and 2024, and it looks like 2025 is perhaps trending in a similar direction.

Raley was scratched from Tuesday's Cactus League lineup against the Dodgers.

The reason for his removal from the lineup could be an injury, but the team hasn't announced why Raley was scratched yet. Tyler Locklear enters the lineup in Raley's stead, batting fifth and manning first base.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Tuesday that Barger (hand) is expected to return to Grapefruit League action Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barger was hit on the hand by a pitch Sunday, but X-rays came back negative, and Barger went through a normal day of work Tuesday morning. He's avoided a serious injury. Barger should have a chance to carve out a reliable role at third base and in the outfield for Toronto this spring after slashing .197/.250/.351 with seven home runs, 28 RBI and 20 runs across his first 225 big-league plate appearances last season.

Bautista (elbow) will throw a couple more live batting practice sessions before getting into game action, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

It's worth noting that Kubatko reported Monday that Bautista said he "should" get in a game after this week's session, and now it sounds like he'll need at least one more live BP before getting into games next week at the earliest. He will either throw Wednesday or Thursday after throwing 25 pitches Sunday.

Meadows is dealing with right upper-arm inflammation and will be re-evaluated for baseball activities later this week, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

He underwent testing on his biceps Monday and inflammation is the official diagnosis on the injury report, so at least there isn't any structural damage. If cleared for baseball activities later this week, he would presumably start hitting and throwing before eventually getting into Grapefruit League games.

McDermott (lat) said Tuesday that he feels "really good," but he's not sure when he'll be cleared to begin a throwing progression, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

McDermott has been limited to strengthening exercises since being diagnosed with a mild right lat/teres strain earlier this month. The injury has likely eliminated any chance he had to make the Orioles' Opening Day roster, but he could have a shot to be ready to join the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk at the start of the season.

The Astros reassigned Otto (shoulder) to minor-league camp Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Both pitchers have been behind schedule due to right shoulder issues, which effectively ended any chance they had to make the Opening Day roster. Otto missed time with a shoulder problem last season at Triple-A El Paso in the Padres organization, and it's not clear when he might be ready to pitch in games.

Leon has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left MCL strain, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

There's no clear timetable for how long Leon will be sidelined, but it's expected to be a while. Once healthy, Leon is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Dubin will be shut down after being diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It's not known how long the shutdown period will last, but it would appear unlikely that Dubin will be ready in time for Opening Day. The right-handed reliever held a 4.17 ERA and 49:26 K:BB over 45.1 regular-season innings for Houston in 2024.