MLB Player News

Wesneski may be squeezed off the Cubs' Opening Day roster due to Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad both being likely to secure roles, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Wicks is the current favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the rotation, while Assad will likely shift to a long-relief role. That could push Wesneski off the roster entirely, as it may be more beneficial for his development if he's starting regularly at Triple-A Iowa. The righty could have some fantasy upside if he pushes into Chicago's rotation at some point, though for now, his appeal is limited.

Martinez (ribs) threw three innings at the Reds' complex Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Martinez's rib injury scratched him from a start Thursday, and the Reds opted for a more controlled environment for his subsequent throwing session. It's unclear if the session was a simulated game, as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, or live batting practice, as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Whatever it was, Rosecrans reports Martinez felt great afterward, and the hiccup should not delay the start of the season for the right-hander.

Assad is likely to secure an Opening Day bullpen role in Chicago, with Jordan Wicks serving as the No. 5 starter, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad, Wicks and Hayden Wesneski have been competing for the last rotation spot in camp, but the lefty Wicks seems likely to emerge there. That could push Wesneski down to the minors and send Assad into a long-relief role. The righty excelled in a similar role last year, posting a 3.05 ERA across 109.1 innings, though Assad would have more fantasy value if he's able to start regularly at some point in 2024.

Almonte will likely make Chicago's Opening Day bullpen due to being out of options, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Almonte would have to clear waivers if he's sent down, and the Cubs seem unwilling to risk losing the righty. Almonte struggled some last season, recording a 5.06 ERA across 48 innings with the Dodgers, but he also struck out 49 batters. Armed with a fastball that sits around 96 mph, Almonte has the potential to be a bullpen weapon for the Cubs if he cuts down on the walks. The 29-year-old posted a 4.5 BB/9 in 2023, which contributed to his overall struggles.

Floro (shoulder) gave up one earned run on two hits over one inning of relief Saturday in the Nationals' 8-5 loss to the Cardinals in Grapefruit League play.

Floro was finally cleared to make his spring debut Saturday after he was shut down in late February shortly after reporting to camp when he experienced shoulder tightness. He was able to resume throwing a few days later, and after checking out fine during a recent live batting practice session, Floro received the green light to pitch in games. Floro will likely need only a few more Grapefruit League appearances to get himself ready for Opening Day, when he's expected to fill a middle-innings role out of the Washington bullpen.

Matzek (side) struck out two over a scoreless inning Thursday in Atlanta's 3-1 loss to the Rays in Grapefruit League play.

Matzek's appearance was his first since March 5 after he was briefly shut down after experiencing soreness along the left side of his rib cage. The southpaw checked out fine in his return to the hill and remains in the mix for a spot in Atlanta's Opening Day bullpen. After missing the entire 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Matzek has fared well this spring with five strikeouts over 3.2 scoreless innings across four appearances.

Otto (shoulder) had a setback early in spring camp and is expected to open the regular season on the injured list, per MLB.com.

Otto dealt with a shoulder injury last season but was expected to be among the competitors for a rotation spot for San Diego this spring. However, the right-hander suffered a setback early in camp and didn't pitch at all in Cactus League play. Manager Mike Shildt indicated March 9 that Otto is getting closer to playing catch and resuming baseball activity, but even if that happens soon, the hurler won't be ready for game action by the opening of the campaign.

Matsui struck out two batters and allowed one hit in a scoreless inning against Oakland in San Diego's Cactus League finale Wednesday.

Prior to Wednesday's outing, Matsui had been sidelined from game action since late February due to back inflammation. He resumed throwing in early March and looked good in his return to Cactus League play Wednesday, and he was included on the Padres' 31-man travel roster to Korea for the season-opening set against the Dodgers that begins Wednesday. Per MLB.com, Matsui is expected to be ready for the Seoul Series, though he may be working in a setup role behind presumed closer Robert Suarez.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Hurt has a "very good possibility" of being a relief option for the Dodgers during the season-opening series against the Padres in South Korea, which begins Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old has prepped as a starter during spring training and is still viewed as one long term, but he could help Los Angeles in relief to begin the season. Hurt's inclusion on the roster for South Korea doesn't necessarily mean he'll retain that spot once the Dodgers return stateside, but it could give him a chance to show why he should stick in the majors.

Castillo is day-to-day after tests on his left hand came back negative, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Castillo was struck in the hand by a comebacker during a Cactus League appearance Saturday, but he's managed to escape with just a contusion. The 28-year-old is trying to win a bullpen job as a non-roster invitee and has pitched well this spring, allowing two runs with a 6:1 K:BB over seven innings.