MLB Player News

Cobb (hip) hopes to begin a flat-ground throwing program in the next few days, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Cobb underwent surgery in late October to repair a torn labrum and remove three bone chips from in his left hip. He's been keeping his arm in shape by throwing plyo balls from his knees and hopes to play catch soon. Cobb thinks he'll be able to return sooner than expected, although there's no clear timetable for when it might happen, with the right-hander saying only that "I fully expect to be back in the first half." The 36-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2023 after posting a 2.91 ERA in the first half, but he stumbled to a 5.25 ERA after the break while dealing with nagging hip pain.

Luplow signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Jan. 10 and received an invitation to major-league spring training.

Luplow slashed .208/.322/.325 across 90 plate appearances between the Twins and Blue Jays last season. He'll have a chance to make Atlanta's Opening Day roster, but the 30-year-old likely won't achieve more than a spot on Atlanta's bench.

Gonsalves signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, J.P. Hoornstra of DodgersNation.com reports.

Gonsalves spent the 2023 season spread across four minor-league levels in the Cubs organization, holding a 5.72 ERA over 22 appearances in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. While he had a 5.72 ERA with 22 walks in 28.1 innings, he also struck out an impressive 44. The left-hander last appeared in the majors in 2021.

May (elbow) began a throwing program Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

May broke the news himself with a post on his Instagram account. The right-hander underwent flexor tendon surgery and a UCL revision last July and will be sidelined at least until the second half of the 2024 campaign. May holds a 3.10 ERA over parts of five seasons in the majors but has had his career sidetracked numerous times by injury.

Gilbert signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gilbert, 30, pitched 17.1 relief innings with the Diamondbacks in 2023, posting a 5.19 ERA but a 19:5 K:BB. The left-hander is capable of starting or relieving and it's not clear which role the Reds have planned for him. In either case, he's likely headed to Triple-A Louisville for the start of the 2024 season.

The Giants acquired Hummel from the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Hummel was designated for assignment by New York on Friday, but he'll remain on a 40-man roster as he moves across the country join the Giants. Hummel slashed .262/.409/.433 across 455 plate appearances with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate last season, and he'll likely begin 2024 with Triple-A Sacramento.

Shaw said Saturday that he's taken "probably 99 percent" of his reps this offseason at third base, Ryan Herrera of AllCHGO.com reports.

The No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Shaw saw more playing time at shortstop and second base than third base during his pro debut. However, with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner holding down the middle infield with the Cubs, Shaw's future could be at the hot corner. It was a sample of just 170 plate appearances, but Shaw slashed a robust .357/.400/.618 with eight homers and 15 steals across three levels in 2023. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he could push to debut in 2024.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell and general manager Carter Hawkins indicated Saturday that Morel will likely continue to be used in a super utility role rather than focusing on one position, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Morel has made starts at every position other than first base and catcher during his two seasons in the majors, and he began working out at the former position during winter ball. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to master any spot yet and was used almost exclusively at designated hitter in the second half. As things currently stand, the Cubs would seem to have openings in center field and at third base (as well as DH), positions Morel has played plenty. However, the club doesn't appear anxious to keep Morel at one spot. The good news is Morel's bat should still be in the lineup plenty. He slashed .247/.313/.508 with 26 home runs over 107 games in 2023.

Edman (wrist) said Monday that he could be slightly behind schedule from a hitting perspective at the start of spring training, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Edman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist in October and is still in the midst of a hitting progression. He has yet to be cleared for bat-to-ball contact and it's not clear when that will happen. Edman fully expects to be ready to roll come Opening Day, though, so fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned at this point that he's a tad behind.

Donovan (elbow) has two weeks left of a throwing program and expects to have no limitations at the start of spring training, Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Donovan underwent surgery in August on his right flexor tendon. The goal, he said Sunday at the Cardinals' Winter Warm-up fan event, is to arrive to spring training and "nobody can tell" he had surgery. Donovan was terrific in 2023 before his season ended in late July, slashing .284/.365/.422 with 11 home runs in 95 contests. Most of his playing time in 2024 will probably come at second base, but he made starts at six different positions last season (not including designated hitter) and will do some bouncing around again as a super utility player.