MLB Player News

Horn (elbow) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Horn underwent a left elbow scope during the offseason and is still working his way back into game shape. He's been throwing for multiple weeks and appears to be nearing game action. The left-hander pitched in 10 games out of the bullpen for Detroit last season, logging a 1.59 ERA, though his FIP was much higher at 4.37. He struck out 10 and walked seven across 11.1 innings.

The Tigers announced Friday that Sweeney (shoulder) has started his throwing program, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Sweeney is working his way back from a right shoulder strain. After being cleared to start hitting again earlier this week, he's now able to start throwing. It gives Sweeney a chance to be ready for Opening Day in 13 days.

The Tigers announced Friday that Melton (elbow) has started his throwing program, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Melton was diagnosed with a right elbow strain early in camp and was placed on the 60-day injured list last week. The right-hander will be sidelined until at least late May, but it's encouraging that he's now able to start throwing again. Melton will provide rotation depth behind Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty, Justin Verlander and Casey Mize.

Manager Joe Espada said Friday that Javier (personal) will return to the Astros on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Javier left the team Wednesday to tend to a personal matter. The right-hander will turn 29 years old on Opening Day, and this will be his first fully healthy season since he underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2024. Across eight starts last regular season, Javier logged a 4.62 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 34:15 K:BB over 37 innings. He's tentatively expected to follow Hunter Brown and Tatsuya Imai in the rotation.

The Rangers designated Diaz for assignment Friday.

Diaz entered spring training with a chance at winning Texas' closer job, but he was shelled and allowed eight earned runs on three hits and four walks across 1.2 innings and three relief appearances. He faced 13 batters and retired just five, striking out one. With Diaz out of the picture, Robert Garcia and Chris Martin are the favorites for saves for the Rangers.

The Orioles have named Rogers their Opening Day starter.

Rogers will face the Twins and presumably Joe Ryan on March 26. After struggling following his midseason acquisition from the Marlins in the summer of 2024, Rogers was great in 18 starts last season, posting a 9-3 record, 1.81 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 103:29 K:BB across 109.2 innings. It will obviously be difficult for Rogers to replicate those numbers, but he's more than earned the nod for Opening Day.

Bieber (forearm) will continue throwing from flat ground over the next several days and will be reevaluated late next week, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Bieber has yet to progress to mound work this spring, and he'll need to wait before being cleared to ramp up his throwing program. The Blue Jays have been cautious with Bieber's return to the mound after he dealt with forearm fatigue last season in his return from April 2024 Tommy John surgery. Bieber has already been ruled out for Opening Day, and he'll likely need at least six weeks to build up once he's ready to start building up.

Berrios will have an in-person visit with a doctor Tuesday to evaluate his elbow inflammation, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Dr. Keith Meister has viewed Berrios' MRI, but the veteran right-hander will meet with the specialist in person to determine the best course of action. Berrios dealt with elbow inflammation and a biceps issue down the stretch last season. The 31-year-old has started three games this spring, registering a 3.38 ERA and 7:4 K:BB across 10.2 innings.

Bubic allowed two hits and a walk over three scoreless innings in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Padres. He struck out four.

Bubic delivered another solid spring effort, keeping the opposition off the scoreboard for a second straight appearance. Through three outings and eight innings in Cactus League play, the southpaw has allowed one run on nine hits and three walks. After posting a 2.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 20 starts and 116.1 innings last season before a left rotator cuff strain ended his campaign prematurely, Bubic will look to maintain his health and deliver strong results out of the Royals' rotation in 2026.

Cabrera (ankle) is starting in right field and batting sixth in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Cabrera made his spring debut last week, which was his first game action since undergoing surgery to repair a fracture and ligament damage to his left ankle last May. He's gone 0-for-4 with a walk in his three Grapefruit League games thus far. Cabrera is competing for a bench role on the Yankees' Opening Day roster.