MLB Player News

The Marlins designated Martinez for assignment Wednesday.

After being claimed off waivers from the Mariners on March 15, Martinez's stay on Miami's 40-man roster lasted less than two weeks with the Marlins swapping him out for right-hander Tyler Phillips, whom the team acquired from the Phillies on Wednesday. Martinez spent most of the 2024 season in the majors with Houston, serving in a middle-relief role while logging a 3.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 36:18 K:BB while collecting three wins, three holds and one save over 52.2 innings.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Wednesday that while Santillan is an "easy choice" to be the closer, "he might be too valuable getting to the ninth," Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

While Francona admitted he's not sure who his closer will be while Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is sidelined, it's notable that he mentioned Santillan in the fashion that he did, suggesting the right-hander might be the favorite to see the first opportunity. Santillan began last season in the minors after re-signing with the Reds last offseason on a minor-league deal, but he was excellent with the big club after being called up, posting a 3.00 ERA and 46:9 K:BB over 30 innings. Taylor Rogers, Scott Barlow, Graham Ashcraft and Emilio Pagan are other candidates to see save chances with the Reds.

The Nationals are expected to option Yepez to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

After producing a .764 OPS in 249 plate appearances with Washington in 2024, Yepez appeared to be in good position to make the Nationals' Opening Day roster entering camp, but he wasn't able to win a spot after slashing .244/.292/.267 over 48 plate appearances in Grapefruit League play. The 27-year-old should be in line for an everyday role with Rochester while likely making starts at first base, designated hitter and in left field.

Hurtubise will be included on the Reds' Opening Day roster, Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard reports.

Hurtubise collected a .923 OPS with five stolen bases this spring to earn a roster spot. He might see some action in the outfield while Austin Hays (calf) is out but is likely to operate mostly in a reserve role.

The Reds are expected to designate Fairchild for assignment Thursday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Even though Austin Hays (calf) is set to open the season on the injured list, the Reds won't keep Fairchild on hand as outfield depth. Instead, Cincinnati will keep Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn on the Opening Day roster as reserve options in the outfield behind projected starters TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley, while utility players Gavin Lux and Santiago Espinal could also see time in left field during Hays' upcoming absence. Fairchild struggled to a .215/.286/.368 slash line in 233 plate appearances with Cincinnati in 2024 and didn't fare any better this spring with a .417 OPS and 28.9 percent strikeout rate over 45 plate appearances in the Cactus League.

Dunn has made the Reds' Opening Day roster, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Dunn earned a spot by producing a .340/.404/.574 batting line during Cactus League play. The 26-year-old could see some action in left field for the Reds while Austin Hays (calf) is shelved.

Steer (shoulder) will be available for the Reds in Thursday's season opener versus the Giants, Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard reports.

The Reds had said previously that Steer would open the season on the 10-day injured list, but he's shown enough improvement with his right shoulder injury that he'll avoid an IL stint. Steer still isn't able to play the field, so he will be limited to designated-hitter duties initially.

The Reds placed Hays on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a low-grade left calf strain, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Manager Terry Francona isn't expecting a lengthy stay on the shelf for Hays, who could be activated April 3 when first eligible. Gavin Lux could make starts in left field against right-handed pitching while Hays is out, with Blake Dunn also in the mix for at-bats.

Betts (illness) said Tuesday that he'll be able to play in the Dodgers' home opener Thursday against Detroit, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Betts missed the Dodgers' first two regular-season games against the Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, due to an illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds. However, he was able to participate in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels and went 0-for-3 while starting at shortstop. Betts said that making it through that contest was enough for him to be confident that he will be ready to play Thursday. Fantasy managers who roster Betts should thus plan to have him in their lineups, though it remains to be seen whether the illness will affect Betts' play to any extent in the early going.

Lord has made the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Lord has predominately been a starter in the minors and could still return to that role, but the Nationals have opted to include him on their Opening Day roster in a long-relief role. The 25-year-old will be making his major-league debut if and when he gets into a game.