MLB Player News

The Nationals selected Poche's contract from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Poche has given up four earned runs in just 4.2 innings during Grapefruit League play, but the Nationals will add him to their big-league bullpen anyway -- likely based on the 3.27 ERA and 1.13 WHIP he owns over the past three seasons. He'll likely start in a middle-relief role but could work his way into high-leverage opportunities given the overall lack of experience in Washington's bullpen.

Walton was informed Saturday that he will not make the Mets' Opening Day roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Walton's chances at landing a bench spot were looking up following Nick Madrigal's shoulder injury, but Walton will ultimately fall short of the big-league roster after going just 6-for-41 in the Grapefruit League. Luisangel Acuna now seems to be the most likely option to back up Francisco Lindor at shortstop in Queens.

Crawford will begin the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Upon reaching Double-A Reading midway through last season, Crawford slashed .337/.386/.462 with 26 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 185 plate appearances. Rather than sending him back for more Double-A reps, the Phillies will quickly promote the 21-year-old outfielder to Triple-A. If Crawford's dominance at the plate continues at Lehigh Valley, he may have a chance to make his MLB debut at some point in 2025.

The Phillies optioned Tyler to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Tyler really never had much of a shot to make the Phillies' Opening Day rotation, and he didn't help his chances with five runs allowed and a 7:6 K:BB over 9.1 spring innings. He'll instead begin the year in Lehigh Valley's rotation and look to improve upon the 5.82 ERA he accumulated upon joining the Phillies organization back in August.

The Phillies optioned Stevenson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Stevenson will end the spring with a .179/.313/.333 slash line to go along with 19 strikeouts in 39 at-bats. He'll look to get back on track in the minors, but his career .514 OPS doesn't inspire much confidence in his ability to produce in the majors if he gets called up to Philly.

Gurriel went 3-for-4 with a home run, four RBI and an additional run scored in Friday's spring game against Milwaukee.

Gurriel swatted his first Cactus League homer in the first inning and is heating up as camp nears its end. He's hit in four consecutive games, going 8-for-13 with two extra-base hits and seven RBI. Gurriel is expected to serve as the Diamondbacks' primary left fielder, the same role he held during his first two seasons with Arizona.

Burnes allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 11 hits while striking out five over 2.2 innings in Friday's spring start against the Brewers.

This outing came out of nowhere, as Burnes had breezed through his first five Cactus League starts before the Brewers knocked him around. He ran his pitch count to 75 in his spring finale. Burnes later told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that he was having trouble commanding his cutter. The right-hander should make his next start during the team's season-opening series against the Cubs, though nothing has been set beyond Opening Day starter Zac Gallen.

Alexander (oblique) has started baseball activities, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

The activities include throwing and hitting off a tee. Alexander has been held out of Cactus League action since suffering a right oblique strain at the end of February.

Smith was removed from Friday's Cactus League game against Milwaukee with a right wrist contusion.

It's unclear how or when Smith bruised his wrist, but he was pinch hit for in the fourth inning after going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. His injury doesn't seem too serious, so he should still be ready to go for Opening Day.

Lux started at third base and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's spring game against Seattle.

Lux poked his first Cactus League homer in the second inning and has an .858 OPS through 16 spring games. He's played a lot of third base (11 starts) and figures to see ample time there in the regular season along with starts at second base and in left field. However, it may take a while to determine a pattern of who plays and when. Jeimer Candelario is expected to share third base with Lux and first base with Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Corner infield will get muddier once Spencer Steer (shoulder) is ready to play the field.