MLB Player News

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Martinez (ribs) is locked into a rotation spot, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

That's assuming Martinez's rib issue is indeed minor as the team suspects. He joins Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft in the rotation, with Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder) in the mix for the fifth spot, at least until Nick Lodolo (lower leg) is ready. Signed to a two-year, $26 million contract in November, Martinez officially has just five Cactus League innings under his belt this spring but has yielded only one unearned run with a 7:1 K:BB over that time. Just nine of Martinez's 63 appearances last season came as a starter, but he posted a 2.32 ERA and 37:18 K:BB over 42.2 frames in those outings.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday that Kerkering is still rebuilding his strength after a bout with the flu and might not be ready for Opening Day, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kerkering hasn't made a Grapefruit League appearance since March 1 and is still working on regaining his stamina. While the illness is not a long-term concern, it has limited him to just two outings this spring and the Phillies don't want to rush the young reliever back. If Kerkering does have to wind up missing some time, he shouldn't be out long.

The Reds reassigned Kriske to minor-league camp Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Kriske struck out seven and pitched to a 3.60 ERA and 0.80 WHIP over five innings during Cactus League play, but those solid numbers weren't enough for him to win a spot in the Reds' Opening Day bullpen. The 30-year-old journeyman reliever has made 20 career appearances in the big leagues over parts of three seasons with the Yankees, Orioles and Royals, logging a 11.22 ERA over 21.2 innings.

The Reds reassigned Gilbert to minor-league camp Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gilbert joined the Reds for spring training as a non-roster invitee after inking a minor-league deal with the organization over the winter. He could serve as a swingman for Triple-A Louisville after making seven starts among his 30 appearances for Triple-A Reno in the Arizona organization in 2023.

The Reds reassigned Bruihl to minor-league camp Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Bruihl is expected to report to Triple-A Louisville to begin the season and will serve as organizational relief depth. He made 27 appearances at the big-league level in 2023 between the Dodgers and Rockies, pitching to a 5.46 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 28 innings.

Finnegan has been unavailable lately due to back tightness but will throw a bullpen session Monday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Assuming he comes out of Monday's session with no issues, Finnegan will pitch in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. The right-hander is at the top of the Nationals' bullpen hierarchy but could face some competition for saves from Hunter Harvey.

Jimenez struck out one in two-thirds of a scoreless inning of relief during Sunday's split-squad game against the Red Sox.

The right-hander has had a solid spring, giving up only one run with a 6:3 K:BB over 4.2 innings. Jimenez should be one of Atlanta's top setup men from the right side this season in front of closer Raisel Iglesias, and he's got a strong chance of topping the 13 holds he recorded in 2023 over 59 appearances.

The Diamondbacks optioned Martin to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Martin was slow-played this spring after missing all of last season with a tear in the lat tendon of his right shoulder. He's healthy now and could contribute out of the Diamondbacks' bullpen at some point this season. He'll try to sharpen his command at Reno.

Lee gave up two runs on two hits over two innings of relief in Sunday's split-squad game against the Orioles. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The southpaw got taken deep by minor leaguer John Rhodes in the sixth inning for a two-run shot, but Lee was otherwise dominant Sunday. He has a stellar 13:0 K:BB through eight innings this spring, but keeping the ball in the park has been a problem as he's served up five homers. He's expected to break camp in a lower-leverage role for Atlanta as the fourth lefty in the bullpen behind A.J. Minter (finger), Aaron Bummer and Tyler Matzek, but if he keeps getting hit hard, the organization has plenty of pitching depth and Lee has minor-league options remaining.

The Marlins reassigned Smeltzer on Monday.

Unless he negotiates a release from his minor-league deal with Miami, Smeltzer is likely to open the season as a swingman for the pitching staff at Triple-A Jacksonville. Smeltzer is heading into his second season with the Miami organization after he compiled a 6.45 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB across 22.1 innings at the big-league level in 2023.