MLB Player News

Wallner is not expected to have any issues related to his season-ending September left oblique strain by the time spring training begins, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It wasn't thought that this would be a long-term concern, but it's still good to hear his injury won't have more serious ramifications. After starting the 2024 season in Triple-A, Wallner found his stroke in the second half and hit .272 with a .914 OPS and 10 home runs over his final 55 games.

Ynoa has signed a minor-league contract with Minnesota, Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated reports.

After missing the 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Ynoa opened the 2024 campaign at full health and occupied a spot in Triple-A Gwinnett's rotation, only to be shut down in mid-April with elbow inflammation before he hurt his shoulder in August during a rehab assignment. Ynoa was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Twins at age 16, so he returns to a familiar franchise. He could be a nice depth piece for the Twins if he can return to full health this spring.

Red Sox chief of baseball operations Craig Breslow suggested Whitlock (elbow) could be used as a multi-inning reliever in 2025, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports, "He was very successful in a multi-inning leverage role, to the point that he was a real weapon that Alex (Cora) could deploy," Breslow said.

Whitlock underwent an internal bracing procedure last May and may best be deployed out of the bullpen. Following a successful 2021 as a multi-inning reliever, Whitlock spent the next three seasons in a hybrid starter/reliever role but dealt with injuries. As the Red Sox talk about adding a front-end starter this offseason, it makes sense from a health and workload-management perspective for Whitlock to work out of the bullpen in 2025. In four seasons as a reliever, Whitlock has a 2.65 ERA and 10.2 K/9 over 132.2 innings.

Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Hendriks (elbow) should be "fully healthy" to begin the 2025 season, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Breslow also cited Hendriks' "impressive track record at closing games," which suggests the door is open for the right-hander to win the closer's job. He didn't pitch in a competitive game during the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The identity of Boston's closer was thrown into uncertainty after the team agreed to terms last week with Aroldis Chapman on a deal that becomes official once Chapman passes a physical.

Tauchman signed a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the White Sox on Monday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Tauchman failed to receive an offer from the Cubs after slashing .248/.357/.366 with seven homers, 29 RBI, six stolen bases and 50 runs scored over 109 games a season ago, and he won't need to move far for his next gig. He spent the majority of his time in right field in 2024 but has experience playing all three outfield positions as well as serving in the DH spot.

Lange (lat) is playing catch from 120 feet, three times per week.

Lange underwent surgery on his right lat in June, which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign. The right-hander's ability to be playing catch at this point is a positive sign for his chances to participate in spring training in a couple months. Lange appeared in 21 games out of the bullpen with Detroit last season, producing a 4.34 ERA and 1.77 WHIP with 21 strikeouts over 18.2 innings and he figures to operate in a similar role in 2025.

Mattison (elbow) has been cleared to begin his bullpen progressions this week.

Mattison is working his way back from UCL reconstruction surgery and is moving in the right direction. The team doesn't expect the right-hander to be ready for game action until June, but his status will be worth monitoring as he clears obstacles in his rehab.

Gipson-Long (elbow) is playing catch from 120 feet, three times a week.

Gipson-Long underwent Tommy John surgery in April and then hip surgery in July, both of which he's slowly been working his way back from. The right-hander started four games with Detroit in 2023, producing a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 26 strikeouts over 20 innings and he figures to have a role with the Tigers in 2025, once healthy.

Baez (hip) has initiated a running progression and is expected to start light defensive drills this week.

Baez is working his way back from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent on his right hip in early September. The 32-year-old is expected to have a role with the Tigers in 2025, but he won't be handed everyday at-bats. Baez will likely ramp up his activity in the coming months and he has previously been described to have a "fighting chance" at being ready to go for Opening Day in late March according to Detroit's president of baseball operations Scott Harris.

Jung underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure on his right wrist in October, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Jung had been dealing with right wrist inflammation late in the season and the 24-year-old is expected to be ready to go for spring training in February. Jung appeared in 34 games with the Tigers during the 2024 regular season, producing a .241 average with five doubles, three RBI and 14 runs scored over 79 at-bats. Manager A.J. Hinch noted Monday that Jung will be given an opportunity to win a job during spring training, and he'll see work at third base, second base and in the designated hitter slot, per Petzold.