MLB Player News

Steer (shoulder) still feels discomfort and had a scheduled throwing program put on hold this week, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He had been set to begin throwing Monday. "He's just not quite where we want him to be," manager Terry Francona said Thursday. "We'll get him examined one more time and figure out what path we're going."

Steer is still able to DH -- he went 1-for-2 in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks -- because it doesn't hurt him to swing a bat. Multiple MRIs have confirmed no structural damage, but as Steer indicated, "shoulders are tricky." He's scheduled to be examined this weekend by the team's orthopedist before any decisions are made or timelines established.

Tarnok will be held out of game action for two weeks after rolling his left ankle, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok is in Marlins camp as a non-roster invitee. He probably wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster regardless, but this injury should seal his fate in that regard.

Marsee (oblique) has resumed hitting and throwing, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Marsee suffered a minor right oblique strain early on in camp but appears to be making progress. It's not clear when he might be ready for game action, however. Acquired last May from the Padres in the Luis Arraez trade, Marsee could begin the 2025 season either at Double-A Pensacola or Triple-A Jacksonville.

Nelson still has minor-league options remaining and could open the season at Triple-A Reno, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Arizona has seven legitimate starters in camp competing for five spots.

For Nelson, who was second among starters in innings pitched in 2024, to not have a spot on lock seems odd, but the Diamondbacks have assembled plenty of rotation depth. Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez are set in the top four spots, with the fifth starter role coming down to Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt or Jordan Montgomery. Nelson and Pfaadt, who also has minor-league options left and led the Diamondbacks in innings in 2024, could start the year in the Aces' rotation, although Montgomery is a candidate to shift to a long-relief role.

Pfaadt allowed one hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings in Thursday's spring start against the Reds.

Pfaadt cruised in his Cactus League opener, setting the side down in the order in the first inning, including an inning-ending swinging strikeout of Elly De La Cruz. The right-hander then worked around a two-out double in the second by punching out Spencer Steer to complete his day. Manager Torey Lovullo faces a tough decision regarding his five-man rotation. The top four are locked in with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. That leaves Pfaadt battling Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery for the final spot. Both Pfaadt and Nelson still have minor-league options, but Montgomery could shift to the bullpen.

Nimmo (foot) is starting in left field and batting cleanup in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Nimmo had a delayed start to camp after dealing with plantar fasciitis last season that lingered into January, but he'll make his first start of the spring Friday. The 31-year-old had a career-worst .726 OPS in 151 regular-season games while playing through the issue last year, with a .224 batting average being a significant drop from his .278 mark across the previous three campaigns. Nimmo is currently healthy, but he's at some risk for recurrence of the injury.

Sanchez (elbow) is starting in right field and batting leadoff in Friday's spring game against Atlanta.

Sanchez has been limited to serving as a designated hitter thus far in camp due to an elbow issue, but he's been cleared to play the field and is set for his first spring appearance in the outfield Friday. There was some thought the outfielder would be limited to DH duties to begin the regular season, but that no longer appears to be a concern.

Nunez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, per MLB.com.

Nunez was shut down from throwing in mid-August last year due to a shoulder injury, and he's building up slowly this spring. The righty reliever was selected by San Diego in the Rule 5 draft in December after posting a 2.45 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB over 29.1 innings in High-A ball with the Orioles' organization last season. As a Rule 5 draftee, Nunez must spend the entire upcoming campaign on the Padres' active roster or else be subjected to waivers, though San Diego could place him on the injured list for a period of time.

Hoeing (shoulder) began playing catch Monday, per MLB.com.

Hoeing has been battling right shoulder soreness, but his ability to resume throwing -- albeit not off a mound -- suggests that the injury may not be serious. There's a chance the right-hander could still be ready for Opening Day, in which case he'll likely serve in long-relief role.

Estrada has gone 7-for-12 with a stolen base and five RBI across four Cactus League games.

Estrada had a disappointing 2024 season with the Giants, during which he maintained just a .590 OPS across 381 plate appearances. He was waived in late August but found a new home with Colorado this offseason and is expected to serve as the team's primary second baseman. Estrada has hit well to begin spring training, though it is worth noting that none of his seven knocks have gone for extra bases.