MLB Player News

Wilson (lat) agreed to a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Wilson was expected to return from Tommy John surgery in the middle of last season but suffered a lat injury just before making his 2023 debut, and he missed the entire campaign. The Brewers wound up declining his $2.5 million club option for 2024. The left-hander last saw significant MLB action with the Reds and Yankees in 2021 with a 5.29 ERA in 42 appearances, and he'll likely fill a lower-leverage role if he earns a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen.

Hudson (knee) is trending toward being on the active roster for the March 20-21 series against the Padres in South Korea, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Friday that Hudson still needs to refine his execution after missing most of the last two seasons with knee issues. However, it does not appear there are any physical limitations for Hudson at this juncture. The veteran reliever is in camp as a non-roster invitee, but it sounds like the Dodgers fully intend to add him to the 26-man roster.

Treinen (shoulder) is trending toward being on the active roster for the team's March 20-21 series versus the Padres in South Korea, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Treinen made just five appearances in 2022 due to right shoulder surgery and had only three rehab outings in 2023. However, he's made progress since then and is evidently throwing without restrictions this spring. Treinen was one of the best relievers in baseball prior to his surgery, but he'll need to show his stuff is all the way back before the Dodgers trust him in high-leverage spots again.

Young (back) is expected to be sidelined for a few days, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Young came out of a throwing session Wednesday with back tightness, but it appears to be a minor issue. The southpaw is expected to open 2024 in Cincinnati's bullpen.

Martinez said Thursday that he prefers starting but is willing to handle a bullpen role, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I haven't been shy in saying that I prefer starting, but I also find a lot of things I am passionate about as a reliever," Martinez said.

Martinez, who has been a swingman the last two seasons for San Diego, is one of 10 arms competing for a spot in Cincinnati's rotation. The Reds signed him to a two-year, $26 million deal during the offseason and expect him to fill a pivotal role. If the right-hander isn't starting, then he'll be called on in high-leverage situations. Martinez's versatility wasn't his only attractive trait; he was in the 98th percentile with an average exit velocity of 84.7 mph and 95th percentile in hard-hit rate (29.9 percent) in 2023.

Brazoban has yet to report to Marlins camp because of a visa issue, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Non-roster invitees Elvis Alvarado and Jhonny Pereda have also been delayed by visa problems. The 34-year-old Brazoban still seems ticketed for a spot in the Marlins' bullpen provided his absence from camp doesn't drag on too long.

Barnes signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Barnes' most recent big-league experience came with the Cardinals last year, as he held a 5.93 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with eight strikeouts over 13.2 innings. The veteran reliever will provide the Nationals with some experienced depth.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that he does not expect Jameson (elbow) to pitch this season, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Jameson had Tommy John surgery in September, so even if he came back as a reliever it always was unlikely he'd pitch in 2024. The 26-year-old right-hander will focus on rehabbing this year with eyes of contributing for Arizona again in 2025.

Ginkel is dealing with soreness in his right elbow, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo said the issue first appeared about a week ago, but nothing alarming showed up when Ginkel went in for imaging. While the D-backs don't expect Ginkel's elbow to become an problem, they will still postpone his ramp-up process as a precaution. The 29-year-old reliever logged a 2.48 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 65.1 innings last season and figures to serve as Paul Sewald's primary setup man in 2024.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Phillips is in line to receive "the brunt" of the save chances for the team, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Dodgers flirted with signing Josh Hader and have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Kenley Jansen if he's traded. For the time being, however, Phillips is the clear best option to close, having posted a dominant 1.74 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 152:33 K:BB across 134.2 innings during his time in Los Angeles. The 29-year-old notched 24 saves in 27 chances last season.