MLB Player News

Manager Rob Thomson said Sunday that Walker will be included in Philadelphia's season-opening rotation, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The veteran right-hander entered camp with the expectation of working as a reliever, but instead he's needed in the rotation with Ranger Suarez (back) headed to the injured list. Walker had a 6.92 ERA and 6:3 K:BB through 13 innings during spring training, and he fared even worse in 19 appearances during the 2024 regular season with a 7.10 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 58:37 K:BB over 83.2 innings.

Manager Rob Thomson said Sunday that Suarez (back) will begin the season on the injured list, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The left-hander suffered a back injury last week and will be unavailable for at least the first couple weeks of the regular season. Taijuan Walker will step into Philadelphia's rotation while Suarez is sidelined.

Barlow, who has pitched to a 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 7:0 K:BB over eight innings this spring, could be an option to close games after Alexis Diaz (hamstring) was ruled out for the start of the 2025 season. "I don't think it's necessary that we name a closer," manager Terry Francona told Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Sunday.

Francona said he hadn't "given it a ton of thought yet" and didn't seem in a hurry to settle on one arm in the ninth inning, saying, "We'll just see how we get there, and we'll do it the best way we can." Barlow has racked up 58 career saves to date, including a career-high 24 saves in 2022, but Taylor Rogers and Emilio Pagan also have past closing experience. Graham Ashcraft is also moving to the bullpen and has expressed to the club a desire to work toward the closer role. The club still wants Diaz "to be that guy," Francona said, but a strong performance by someone else in the meantime could change the equation.

The Rockies selected Martini's contract Sunday.

Martini has had a fantastic spring, slashing .389/.511/.556 with two homers, four RBI, two stolen bases and a 7:6 BB:K over 45 plate appearances. His strong play has earned him a spot on Colorado's Opening Day roster, and he could land a starting role in left field to begin the campaign with Zac Veen optioned to the minors Sunday.

The Cardinals optioned Fermin to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.

It was reported Friday that Fermin had made St. Louis' Opening Day roster as a utility player, but he'll end up beginning the campaign at Triple-A. The 25-year-old could be up in the majors when the Cardinals need some infield depth.

The Rockies optioned Veen to Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday.

The 23-year-old seemed like a solid bet to be starting in the outfield Opening Day for the Rockies after Nolan Jones was traded to the Guardians, but the organization will instead send him back to Albuquerque to begin the campaign. Veen had a .757 OPS in 21 games in his first taste of the Triple-A level last year, and he may not have to wait long before making his big-league debut in 2025. Nick Martini appears set to open the year as Colorado's primary left fielder after having his contract selected Sunday.

The Reds reassigned Miley (elbow) to minor-league camp Sunday.

Miley was in big-league camp on a minor-league deal. The veteran lefty is working his way back from the left elbow surgery he underwent last June. Miley faced hitters Tuesday for the first time this spring, but he isn't expected to be ready to throw in big-league games until at least May.

Diaz was diagnosed with hamstring inflammation Sunday and will begin the season on the injured list, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The right-hander had struggles with his command throughout spring training with five walks and two hit batters in four appearances, and he'll now be unavailable due to the hamstring issue. It's unclear how long Diaz is expected to be sidelined, with Scott Barlow, Taylor Rogers and Graham Ashcraft the likely candidates to fill in at closer for the Reds.

The Cardinals will place Thompson (lat) on the 15-day injured list Monday.

Thompson is dealing with a Grade 1 lat strain and is in the midst of a 3-to-4 week shutdown from throwing. He had been competing for a roster spot prior to suffering the injury, but it seems likely he'll be sent to Triple-A when he's healthy enough to take the mound again. Thompson had a rough go during five appearances in the majors last season, posting a 9.53 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB over 17 innings.

Matz will work in long relief to begin the campaign, though he is expected to enter the rotation as a sixth starter April 16 against the Astros, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Matz was a candidate to land a spot in the Opening Day rotation, but he'll instead come out of the bullpen until St. Louis shifts to a six-man unit. The southpaw had a strong spring, posting a 2.29 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB over 19.2 innings, but he's had trouble staying healthy while working mostly as a starter during his 10-year big-league career.