MLB Player News

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Wednesday Marsh is recovering from right shoulder tightness that could delay when he will first face hitters, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Marsh experienced the tightness during his offseason throwing program. He has resumed throwing every day and there doesn't seem to be much concern at the moment that it could be a long-term issue, but he will be a bit behind schedule. Even a slight delay for Marsh isn't ideal, as he is competing this spring to be the Royals' fifth starter. Marsh's primary competitor for that spot is Kris Bubic.

Ramos is dealing with some right elbow soreness that affects his throwing, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Ramos is able to hit without any issues, but it's possible he could be limited to designated hitter duty when the Cactus League schedule opens. There does not appear to be any concern about Ramos' Opening Day availability, with White Sox general manager Chris Getz saying Tuesday that he expects Ramos to be "a full participant this season."

Neto said he received "good news" on his surgically repaired right shoulder Tuesday and is ahead of schedule in his recovery, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Details of Neto's shoulder operation remain scarce, and the shortstop did not further elaborate on the "good news" he received, nor did he know whether he would be ready for Opening Day. Neto has been hitting off a tee but has not yet been cleared to throw. The prevailing expectation is that the 24-year-old will begin the season on the injured list, but further clarity on his situation should arise as spring training rolls along.

Stephenson (elbow) is scheduled to throw off a mound Wednesday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The bullpen session will be Stephenson's first since he had a brace inserted into his right elbow as part of the Tommy John surgery he underwent May 1, 2024. Stephenson has reported no complications thus far in his recovery from surgery and is hopeful to return from the injured list by early July or shortly after the All-Star break. The 31-year-old signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels last offseason and looked to be a leading candidate to close games in 2024 before suffering the elbow injury, but he'll likely have to settle for a setup or middle-relief role once he's finally cleared for his 2025 debut.

Whitlock averaged 95 mph during a live batting practice session Tuesday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Whitlock threw 15 pitches in the session and said he induced six or seven whiffs, adding afterward that he feels "super healthy" and that he expects to have a normal spring training. The right-hander is only nine months removed from undergoing an internal brace procedure on his right elbow, but he has no restrictions at the start of camp. Whitlock was mentioned by Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Tuesday as a potential candidate to serve as the team's closer.

Brubaker (oblique) tossed a live batting practice session Wednesday, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Brubaker appears to be facing no restrictions to open spring training, suggesting that he's made a full recovery from his April 2023 Tommy John surgery, as well as the oblique strain he suffered in mid-July that ended up keeping him on the Yankees' 60-day injured list all season. Though the right-hander has worked almost exclusively as a starter throughout his career, a long-relief role may represent Brubaker's clearest path to a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Brubaker doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so the Yankees would have to designate him for assignment if he's unable to secure a roster spot coming out of spring training.

Vanasco is recovering from surgery to repair a labral tear in his right hip, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

It wasn't disclosed when Vanasco had the operation, but he has progressed to playing catch six times per week. The right-hander re-signed with the Tigers on a minor-league deal in November and figures to join the Triple-A Toledo bullpen when healthy.

Mattison (elbow) is throwing bullpen sessions twice per week, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mattison is working his way back from right UCL reconstruction surgery, which he had last March. He isn't expected to be game-ready until June, at which point he'll likely be assigned to Triple-A Toledo.

Lange (lat) is throwing two bullpen sessions per week, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Lange underwent right lat surgery last July. It's uncertain when he might be ready to pitch in games, but he would appear to have a good shot to be ready for Opening Day. Lange will be competing for a spot in the Tigers' bullpen, though he does have minor-league options remaining.

Gipson-Long (elbow/hip) is throwing bullpen sessions twice per week, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Gipson-Long had Tommy John surgery last April and then hip surgery in July. His rehab from the procedures appears to be coming along well, but the right-hander is not expected to return until around midseason.