MLB Player News

Cruz walked one and struck out four over two hitless and scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Rangers.

The 34-year-old Cruz spent his first full season in the majors in 2023 and could maintain a largely low-leverage role for the Reds in 2024. The right-hander's advanced metrics from last season -- 2.83 FIP, 34.5 whiff percentage, 35.1 strikeout percentage -- suggest a better result than the 4.91 ERA he posted. Cruz has options remaining, which could be a factor when manager David Bell determines the lefty-righty mix needed in the bullpen to start the season.

Gott has allowed three earned runs on four hits and a walk while also recording three strikeouts over three innings in three Cactus League appearances.

The third time was the charm for Gott this spring, as he was able to pitch a clean inning with two strikeouts against the Diamondbacks on Monday after surrendering three earned runs over his first pair of turns. Despite the struggles, Gott could be utilized in some high-leverage spots this season, although Mason Miller and Dany Jimenez project to be the top options for ninth-inning work.

Jimenez, who fired a scoreless sixth inning Thursday against the Cubs during which he recorded two strikeouts, owns a 3.18 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB across 5.2 innings over six Cactus League appearances this spring.

The right-hander hasn't been scored upon in five of his exhibition outings, only slipping up against the Brewers last Friday by allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk over one inning. Jimenez has garnered three wins, 12 saves and 11 holds across 59 appearances over the last two seasons with the Athletics, despite dealing with some injuries over that span. If he remains healthy, the 30-year-old should be in line for a heavy workload, one that could include more save opportunities than he's seen previously, as manager Mark Kotsay has indicated that Mason Miller will be eased gradually into closing duties.

Thornton has pitched 4.2 innings across five Cactus League appearances, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits and four walks while recording two strikeouts.

The right-hander's numbers are a bit deceiving, as all of his trouble has come in just two of those outings. Thornton has otherwise posted a trio of one-inning scoreless appearances after impressing last season following his arrival in a trade with the Blue Jays. The 30-year-old has 36 career starts at the big-league level, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports that manager Scott Servais plans to deploy Thornton in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen when necessary.

Speier has allowed five earned runs on seven hits and two walks across 3.2 innings over four Cactus League appearances. He's also recorded one strikeout.

The left-hander has alternated poor and effective outings, with all five of the runs he's allowed coming in his first and third Cactus League appearances. Speier posted a pair of scoreless one-inning efforts in his other two trips to the mound as he tries to build on a solid 2023 debut campaign in Seattle. Speier pitched to a 2-2 record with a 3.79 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, one save and 17 holds across a career-high 69 appearances last season, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports the 28-year-old may potentially operate in some higher-leverage spots in addition to his customary sixth- and seventh-inning "pivot" role in 2024.

Saucedo has not allowed a run through five innings across five Cactus League appearances while surrendering four hits, hitting a batter and posting a 6:0 K:BB.

Saucedo has pitched to some harmless contact but otherwise excelled, firing an inning apiece in his five turns out of the bullpen. The left-hander was a valuable part of the relief corps in his 2023 debut campaign in Seattle, pitching to a 3-2 record, 3.59 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 52 appearances while also recording a save and three holds. Saucedo is projected to operate in a similar capacity in the coming season, with Daniel Kramer of MLB.com noting the 30-year-old southpaw could also see action in some higher-leverage spots in addition to his customary sixth- and seventh-inning "pivot" role.

Alexander is dealing with a stress reaction in his left rib and will be sidelined for an undetermined period of time, MLB.com reports.

The veteran southpaw struggled across three Cactus League appearances, allowing eight earned runs on nine hits and a walk over 2.1 innings. Alexander's injury could sideline him into the early portion of the season, although more clarity on his potential return timetable could be gleaned in coming days.

Castro allowed one run on two hits while striking out two over 1.1 innings in Thursday's spring game against Kansas City.

Castro has allowed runs in five consecutive appearances and owns an 11.12 ERA through 5.2 Cactus League innings. There was a one-month stretch from mid-May to mid-June in 2023 when Castro was closing games and regularly pitching high-leverage situations, but things fell apart quickly. Despite the poor spring results, Castro is expected to be part of the Opening Day bullpen.

Leasure has not allowed an earned run across six innings of Cactus League action.

Leasure has gotten strong reviews throughout camp, and that's translated to game action as he's also racked up a 7:3 K:BB. After being acquired at the trade deadline of the 2023 season, he reached Triple-A Charlotte, which makes it a realistic possibility for him to break camp with the big-league club -- potentially in a high-leverage role. That's particularly true with both John Brebbia (calf) and Prelander Berroa (shoulder) battling injuries.

Winckowski allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out two over 3.2 innings in Thursday's spring game against the Phillies.

Winckowski, making his fourth Grapefruit League start, breezed through the first inning then hit a road bump in the second, which included a Triston Casas throwing error. The right-hander was sharp over his first three appearances before Thursday's effort. Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe notes that Tanner Houck and Cooper Criswell have positioned themselves for the final two rotation spots ahead of Winckowski and Garrett Whitlock; however, manager Alex Cora has not indicated which two pitchers will follow Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta and Kutter Crawford in the rotation. Winckowski was a revelation out of the bullpen in 2023 and could be headed there again this year, per Abraham.