MLB Player News

Montas struck out two over two hitless and scoreless innings in Tuesday's spring start against the Cubs.

Montas logged two perfect innings in his Cactus League debut, which left him feeling ebullient following the outing. The right-hander underwent shoulder surgery in February 2023 and made one relief appearance for the Yankees last season. "It's been a long time," Montas told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. "I think two years [ago] when I was pitching in spring training. Being back on the mound is exciting for me. I feel happy and blessed about that." He threw 27 pitches and used his entire arsenal -- four-seam and two-seam fastball, splitter, cutter and slider -- with his velocity sitting 94-to-96 mph.

Martinez, Andrew Abbott and to a lesser extent, Brandon Williamson, are competing for the Reds' fifth starter role, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Martinez would still pitch in a high-leverage role out of the bullpen should he lose out to Abbott, a role he has filled before. This presumes Hunter Greene, Frankie Montas, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo (lower leg) are all healthy enough to begin the season, which is no sure thing.

Kranick struck out two batters over two perfect innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The 26-year-old didn't pitch in the majors at all last season while still in the Pirates' organization, but after being claimed off waivers by the Mets in January, Kranick has a chance to crack the big-league rotation. Monday's outing came against a Washington squad that featured most of its likely Opening Day lineup, but the right-hander will need to keep pitching well this spring to emerge from a pack of arms that includes Tylor Megill, Jose Butto and Joey Lucchesi and seize the fifth starter role.

Beck has been sent back to San Francisco to be evaluated due to right hand discomfort, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Beck has not made a Cactus League appearance yet this spring but evidently has felt something in his hand while throwing. More should be known about a potential timetable for his return after he's examined. Beck and Keaton Winn (elbow) are expected to slot into the final two spots in the Giants' rotation, but both players are now dealing with injuries.

Barnes signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Barnes missed much of the 2023 season following hip surgery and had just a 5.48 ERA in 24 appearances before the operation. The veteran reliever is now healthy and looking for a bounce-back year. Barring another injury, Barnes should make the Nats' Opening Day roster.

Floro (shoulder) threw 15 pitches off a mound at about 70 percent effort Monday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Floro has been dealing with some early-camp right shoulder tightness but has continued with a scaled-down throwing program. He figures to need a little time before being cleared for games, but it doesn't seem like an injury that will affect his Opening Day readiness.

Martinez walked one and struck out two over two scoreless innings in Monday's Cactus League start against the Brewers.

The Reds deployed Martinez and Andrew Abbott in their two split-squad games. Abbott is penciled in for the rotation, but Martinez's role is less clear. He wants to start but has been effective in a dual starter/reliever role.

Wesneski allowed four runs on six hits across 1.1 innings in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals. He struck out one.

Wesneski got off to a rough start as he competes for the No. 5 spot in Chicago's rotation. The righty, who posted a 4.63 ERA across 34 games (11 starts) for the Cubs last season, should still have a handful of opportunities to make his case. Javier Assad, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks are likely the top competition at this point. Wesneski could have some fantasy value if he wins the job, though he'll need to be a little more consistent to really take a step forward in 2024.

Thompson will have his elbow re-evaluated early this week, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The right-hander has yet to throw in camp after reporting soreness when he first arrived, and if the elbow hasn't improved with rest, Thompson could potentially be facing Tommy John surgery. "Keeping my fingers crossed," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Monday. "To be honest with you, I'm a little concerned." Thompson showed flashes last year of becoming a high-leverage option in the team's bullpen, but he finished the 2023 season with a 5.50 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 44:22 K:BB over 54 innings.

The Giants reassigned Szapucki (pectoral) to minor-league camp Monday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Though Szapucki received an invitation to big-league spring training after re-signing with the Giants on a minor-league deal in November, he didn't appear in any Cactus League games while he continues to recover from the thoracic outlet syndrome surgery he underwent last May. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Szapucki had his first rib removed as part of the procedure, along with his pectoralis minor and one of his scalene muscles. He's been able to throw off a mound during camp and is expected to be ready to make his season debut in April or May, likely with Triple-A Sacramento.