MLB Player News

Nova requested the release and it was granted on Thursday. The 34-year-old righty had struggled to a 7.36 ERA, 1.95 WHIP, and 6/9 K/BB ratio through 12 1/3 innings in the Grapefruit League this spring.

/As is often the case with large batches of cuts this early in camp, there were no real surprises among the group. Curet, 22, was terrific between High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery in 2024, registering a 2.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 159/60 K/BB ratio over 119 innings in his 26 starts. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him start a couple of games for the Rays before the 2025 season concludes.

Tovar was pulled from Wednesday’s game due to a left triceps contusion that he sustained when he was plunked by Michael King. It appears as though he was able to avoid any serious injury though and should be fine moving forward. He’s starting at shortstop and batting second against Jacob deGrom and the Rangers on Friday evening in Arizona.

Bae was the Pirates’ offensive standout for the second time this week, and he’s now 8-for-13 with a homer on the spring. There just isn’t really any path for him to make the Pirates unless an outfielder gets hurt. Maybe the Pirates could cut fellow left-handed bat Joshua Palacios for him, but Palacios is out of options and Bae isn’t. Even if Bae makes the team, it’d presumably be as a true reserve; it’s doubtful the team would turn Tommy Pham into a platoon guy immediately. Jack Suwinski would likely be the better platoon option anyway.

Jones had an easy matchup today, as the Phillies brought no projected starters to Bradenton. He got eight whiffs, with five of them coming on his slider. The 20 times he threw the slider produced nine CSWs, four foul balls and one weak popup on the lone ball in play.

Sánchez’s velocity was again about 2.5 mph better than last season, and he allowed just one hard-hit ball on the seven that went into play. Even with his ADP surely climbing, he remains an excellent value pick.

Miller has thrown a couple of bullpen sessions since the injury without any issue, but it will be a different animal getting back in there against a live hitter. If all goes well with Friday’s session he should be cleared to return to Cactus League action. At this point, it sounds like Miller shouldn’t have any trouble being ready for the start of the regular season, there just may not be a spot available in the Dodgers’ rotation for him.

Kyle Hart and Bryan Hudson both pitched two scoreless innings in this one. Because of the poor conditions, the Brewers scratched Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio before the game. The Padres, meanwhile, pulled Luis Arraez and Xander Bogaerts after their first at-bats. Hart, who excelled in Korea last year, was making his spring debut as he tries to win a spot in the San Diego rotation.

Walker was able to take dry swings and play catch Friday as he continues to work his way back from his fluke injury in the outfield. The 22-year-old is hopeful for Opening Day, but there’s still work to be done for him to be ready for the start of the season.

An MRI has already taken place, and the imagine revealed no structural damage. The right-hander would prefer to keep pitching according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, but he’s been overruled. This could be a short stay on the IL, but it’s something fantasy drafters have to be aware of. Emerson Hancock likely starts the year as the fifth starter with Kirby unavailable.

France is 9-for-17 with four extra-base hits. It didn’t sound like he needed a strong spring to become the Twins’ starting first baseman, but he’s putting one together anyway. Mixed-league value still seems quite unlikely here.