MLB Player News

McClanahan will start Opening Day, March 28 against the Rockies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McClanahan missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from a Tommy John procedure he underwent in August 2023 -- already the second such operation of his career. Despite his extended hiatus, the Rays will entrust him with starting the first game of the season, as he owns a 3.02 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over his three seasons in the majors. The 27-year-old southpaw said Wednesday that he won't have any sort of restrictions during spring training, though the Rays are still expected to put a ceiling on his workload -- likely around 150 innings -- during the regular season.

Teodo was pulled from his bullpen session Saturday due to right thumb soreness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The Rangers have marked Teodo as day-to-day, so the injury doesn't seem to be anything worthy of major concern. The 24-year-old righty earned a spot on Texas' 40-man roster this winter after turning in a 1.98 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 86.1 innings at Double-A Frisco. He'll likely be bumped up to Triple-A Round Rock for the start of the 2025 campaign, and his MLB debut may not be far away if he continues to dominate in the minors.

Ramirez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Twins on Saturday that includes an invitation to spring training, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Ramirez appeared in 13 games for the Rays last season, posting a 4.35 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 20.2 innings. He'll now attempt to win a spot in Minnesota's bullpen during spring training, though it's likely he'll begin the season at Triple-A St. Paul as organizational depth.

Clark was not invited to major-league spring training and will instead focus on his development on the minor-league side, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fellow top Detroit prospects Thayron Liranzo and Hao-Yu Lee were invited to participate with the major leaguers, but Clark will remain in minor-league camp for now. The 20-year-old still has a bright future and is among the top prospects in MLB, though he's yet to appear above the High-A level. Expect the Tigers to remain patient with Clark as he gets accustomed to the professional game.

Greene has focused on a better diet and exercising in the offseason, and the outfielder hopes to see more playing time this season as a result of improved health, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Greene was fairly durable in 2024, as he set a new career high by playing in 137 games. However, the 24-year-old outfielder thinks he's capable of more, and he's implemented a new offseason routine to help improve his body. If Greene can play in 150 games or more, he has a good chance of improving upon his 2024 numbers which included 24 home runs and 74 RBI to go along with a strong .827 OPS.

With the Tigers missing out on Alex Bregman in free agency, Ibanez is among several returning players who could see time at third base, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Had Bregman joined the Tigers, he likely would have played almost every day at the hot corner, which would have relegated Ibanez to more of a bench role. However, Detroit now seems primed to use several players at the position. Matt Vierling is likely the top option, but he can also play in the outfield. When Vierling is not at third, lefty-hitting Jace Jung is a natural platoon candidate. Ibanez should also work into the mix, though he has the versatility to play across the diamond and in the outfield.

Sugano reported to Orioles camp Saturday.

Sugano's arrival was delayed a few days due to visa issues, but he's now managed to make his way to the Orioles' facility in Florida without falling too far behind. He expects to throw his first bullpen session Monday, per Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, and the 35-year-old righty is projected to open the season in Baltimore's starting rotation.

Brash (elbow) will throw a light bullpen session Saturday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Saturday will mark the first time Brash has thrown off a mound since he underwent an internal brace procedure on his right elbow last May. He's not expected to be ready for regular-season action until mid-April at the earliest, but a return to mound work is still an encouraging sign.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Saturday that McDermott has a mild lat/teres strain, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The plan is to shut McDermott down for 10-to-14 days before he restarts his throwing program. The 26-year-old right-hander entered spring training with an outside chance to make the Opening Day roster, but his latest injury makes it even more likely he begins the year at Triple-A Norfolk.

Manager Joe Espada said Saturday that Dubin reported shoulder discomfort upon reporting for spring training, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

There's no telling at the moment how severe Dubin's injury is, but the Astros will shut him down from throwing for now and see how he feels after a few days of rest. The 29-year-old righty ended the 2024 regular season with a 4.17 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 45.1 innings and is expected to take on a middle-relief role for the Astros out of camp.