MLB Player News

Strahm (shoulder) will not make a scheduled Grapefruit League appearance Monday versus the Rays due to left middle fingernail irritation, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The issue is not believed to be serious, and Strahm remains on track to be ready for the Phillies' season opener Thursday versus the Nationals. The left-handed reliever has made just two Grapefruit League appearances this spring due to a shoulder impingement that's caused inflammation, but he's been throwing lately without any problems with the shoulder.

Frelick (calf) will start in right field and bat cleanup in Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies.

Frelick hadn't played since last Tuesday due to a sore left calf, but his inclusion in the lineup and his ability to occupy a spot in the outfield in the spring finale suggests he'll be ready to go for Thursday's season opener versus the Yankees. Though Frelick is batting cleanup Monday, Willson Contreras and Brice Turang (shoulder) are getting the day off, so Frelick could bump down a spot or two in the Opening Day lineup.

Megill will appear in Monday's Cactus League game versus the Rockies after pitching in minor-league games since mid-March, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Megill's last Cactus League outing came March 15, but his absence doesn't appear to be the result of the undisclosed injury he dealt with earlier in camp. He's expected to open the season as the Brewers' primary closer.

The Padres optioned Campusano to Triple-A El Paso on Sunday.

Elias Diaz will be the Padres' primary catcher, and non-roster invitee Martin Maldonado is in line to serve as his backup. Campusano will head to El Paso, where he will receive regular playing time as he awaits another opportunity in the majors.

Lockridge is expected to open the season on the short side of a platoon in left field with Jason Heyward, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The speedy Lockridge won a spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster after hitting .364 with seven stolen bases during Cactus League play. His stolen-base potential could make him relevant in fantasy leagues if he ever receives enough starts, but for now, Lockridge's playing time projects to be limited.

Anderson went unclaimed after exercising his upward mobility clause and will report to Triple-A Memphis, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Anderson did not make the Cardinals' Opening Day roster but will stick around in the organization as relief depth. He has an opt-out clause in his contract for May 30 if he's not added to the Cardinals' 26-man active roster by then.

Hoerner (forearm) is expected to be available for the Cubs' domestic season opener Thursday in Arizona, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Despite missing most of the spring training slate as well as the Cubs' two-game, season-opening set versus the Dodgers in Tokyo earlier this month, Hoerner looks as though he'll be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. He'll start at second base most days when available, though he can also give Dansby Swanson an occasional break at shortstop. Hoerner is likely to bat near the bottom of Chicago's lineup, unless he supplants Ian Happ as the leadoff hitter at any point. Hoerner's key fantasy asset is his speed, as he recorded a total of 74 stolen bases over the past two seasons, and he should run plenty no matter where he slots into the batting order.

Call is expected to begin the season as the Nationals' fourth outfielder, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old may not see much work however, with Dylan Crews, Jacob Young and James Wood entrenched in the starting lineup and all 25 years of age or younger. Call solidified his spot on the Opening Day roster by batting .333 (13-for-39) this spring with 12 walks against only five strikeouts, but his .231/.332/.364 career slash line in the majors better reflects his lack of fantasy upside should he find himself getting consistent playing time.

Merrill went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Sunday's Cactus League victory versus the Diamondbacks.

Merrill opened the scoring in the contest with a 411-foot, two-run shot to right field in the first inning. The 21-year-old has slashed .244/.244/.556 this spring with four home runs and 10 RBI over 45 plate appearances. He hasn't yet taken a walk, but Merrill posted just a 5.0 percent walk rate as a rookie last year and still finished with an .826 OPS and a second-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting, so his aggressiveness at the plate shouldn't be a cause for concern.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Monday that Mlodzinski will begin the season as the team's fifth starter, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

All 75 of Mlodzinski's appearances in the majors to this point have either been in relief or opener assignments, but he was being stretched out during spring training and was used mostly as a starting pitcher in the minors prior to 2023. The 26-year-old's workload figures to be relatively limited, at least initially, and the Pirates also have top prospects Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington looming at Triple-A Indianapolis if Mlodzinski falters.