MLB Player News

Herz focused on adding strength and cutting out unneeded movement in his pitching mechanics this offseason, leaving him optimistic that he'll be able to build off a promising rookie season in 2025, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports. "Everything's in the zone, everything's where you want it. And it's cool to see that all of my bullpens have been like that so far," Herz said Saturday, after his first official bullpen session of spring training. "Now it's time to translate to the game."

After some early struggles upon his initial call-up to the big leagues in early June, Herz settled in nicely following the All-Star break and was arguably performing as Washington's best starter by season's end. Altogether, Herz turned in a 4.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 106:36 K:BB in 88.2 innings with the big club, but he'll still have to fight for a back-end rotation spot throughout spring training. Herz displayed a well-developed fastball and changeup as a rookie, but honing the command of his breaking pitches this spring will likely be essential if he's to break camp with the big club. Herz has cleaned up his delivery from the windup and eliminated an unnecessary backward step he had been taking last season, resulting in a smoother operation.

Vodnik is a candidate for saves in the Rockies' bullpen to begin the season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Vodnik tied for second on the team with nine saves in 2024, though both his surface and peripheral stats left plenty to be desired. He had a 1.48 WHIP primarily due to an 11.6 percent walk rate and paired that with a modest 20.3 percent strikeout rate. Seth Halvorsen and Tyler Kinley are the other primary candidates for save chances.

Halvorsen is among the candidates to open the season as the Rockies' closer, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Halvorsen made his big-league debut in 2024 after striking out 56 batters across 44.1 innings combined between Double and Triple-A. He converted two saves and two holds across 12 appearances with the Rockies, while also maintaining an impressive 13:2 K:BB. Tyler Kinley could get the first save chances due to his veteran status, but his inconsistent track record should keep the door open for Halvorsen and/or others.

Heaney agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Pirates on Thursday that includes an additional $5 million of incentives, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Heaney enters 2025 having played the prior two seasons with Texas. For the Rangers, he recorded a 4.22 ERA across 66 games, 59 of which he started in. The southpaw should slot in as Pittsburgh's No. 4 starter, with Bubba Chandler, Bailey Falter and Mike Burrows competing for the final rotation spot while Johan Oviedo completes his recovery from December 2023 Tommy John surgery.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Miller will be in concussion protocol, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Miller had to be removed from Thursday's Cactus League opener against the Cubs after taking a comebacker to the head. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, but Roberts is unsure how long Miller will be out for.

Miller was removed from Thursday's Cactus League appearance versus the Cubs after being hit in the head by a comebacker, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Miller came into the game in the top of the third inning and walked the leadoff man. The second batter, Michael Busch, drilled an offering right back up the middle, which struck Miller in the head and caused him to fall to the ground. Miller was able to walk off the field under his own power but will likely undergo concussion tests.

The Marlins placed Perez (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Seth Martinez, who has been claimed off waivers. Perez has been throwing off a mound and doing well as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery, but he is not expected to join the Marlins' rotation until around midseason.

The Marlins claimed Martinez off waivers from Arizona on Thursday.

The 30-year-old righty was pushed off the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster Monday to make room for Kendall Graveman (shoulder). Martinez spent all of last season with the Astros, turning in a 3.59 ERA and 1.27 WHIP alongside a 36:18 K:BB over 52.2 regular-season innings. Assuming he keeps a similar level of production during spring training, he'll have a good chance of winning a spot in Miami's Opening Day bullpen. Eury Perez (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Bukauskas underwent an MRI on his right arm after suffering an injury during a live batting practice session Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

McCalvy is referring to the injury as a "setback," which could indicate Bukauskas is again having issues with his right triceps, which is an injury that sidelined him for a bit last season. He's in Brewers camp as a non-roster invitee, and this development could erase any chance he might have had to make the Opening Day roster.

Megill entered camp further along than most Mets starters and was slated to throw three innings of live batting practice this week, Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey.com reports.

He already threw two innings in a live batting practice session and is ahead of Paul Blackburn (back) and Griffin Canning, the two other starters Megill is competing with for the final two spots in the Mets' six-man rotation. Once the trio starts pitching in games this spring, their performance will take precedence over who got built up quickest in camp, but it's at least good to know Megill is healthy and throwing. His goal this season is to trust his stuff and attack hitters in the zone more in order to keep his pitch count low after going six-plus innings in just four of his 15 starts in 2024.