MLB Player News

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo may not name a closer before the start of the regular season, leaving Puk, Justin Martinez and Kevin Ginkel as candidates to earn saves, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Lovullo insists that his preference is to have one primary closer, but he feels all three candidates are throwing the ball well. He wants to take more time, possibly into the regular season, to evaluate options. Lovullo also mentioned Joe Mantiply while musing on various matchup scenarios for the late innings.

Walker took the loss in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees after giving up six runs (three home runs) on nine hits and two walks with just one strikeout in 3.2 innings, but Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia believes the right-hander could play a meaningful role to open the season.

With Ranger Suarez dealing with mild back stiffness, it's become uncertain whether he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. If Suarez is unable to make his first turn in the rotation or needs to begin the campaign on the injured list, Walker is the next man up on the depth chart to fill his spot. The right-hander is in line to get one more start this spring, and regardless of role, he's all but guaranteed to make the Opening Day roster despite carrying 6.92 ERA and 1.69 WHIP with six punchouts over 13 frames in exhibition play. Walker's name has been previously mentioned in trade rumors, but a deal seems unlikely at this point given Suarez's injury and the remaining two years and $36 million left on Walker's contract.

Edman went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Wednesday in a 6-3 victory versus the Cubs.

Edman started at second base for the second straight game and went 1-for-5 in both contests. His lone hit Wednesday left the yard, as Edman drilled a solo shot to left field in the third inning. Edman should continue to be part of the lineup most days, though he could work more in center field at some point in the campaign when the Dodgers elect to bring Hyeseong Kim up from the minors.

Contreras is 11-for-29 (.379) with two home runs, seven RBI, two stolen bases and a 5:4 BB:K through 12 exhibition games.

The National League's reigning Silver Slugger at catcher has posted a 1.092 OPS this spring, and the stolen bases should not come as a surprise considering he tallied nine of them over 155 regular-season appearances in 2024. Contreras will again be the primary catcher for the Brewers and will occupy a prime run-producing spot in the batting order.

Nootbaar reached base three times and scored a pair of runs Wednesday as the Cardinals defeated the Nationals in Grapefruit League play.

Nootbaar singled twice and drew a walk and is now sporting a .480 on-base percentage this spring. He hit leadoff Wednesday and is a candidate to bat there during the regular season, but Masyn Winn (wrist) -- who didn't play Wednesday -- is still the likely favorite to hit at the top of the batting order for St. Louis.

Burleson popped a solo home run -- his third of the spring -- in Wednesday's Grapefruit League tilt versus the Nationals.

Drawing the start at first base, Burleson led off the bottom of the third inning with a long ball off of Jake Irvin. Although he's batting only .209 this spring, Burleson's three home runs trail only Luken Baker's four for the team lead. Burleson's playing time might be impacted if the Cardinals elect to go with Victor Scott or Michael Siani as their primary center fielder, as it would likely mean Nolan Gorman being used more at designated hitter. The left-handed hitting Burleson slashed .292/.341/.464 versus right-handed pitching last season but batted only .242/.306/.320 in the second half.

Contreras reached base in all three of his plate appearances Wednesday versus the Nationals and is now slashing .412/.512/.588 during Grapefruit League play.

Contreras has drawn positive reviews for his defense at first base, and if this spring is any indication, a move off catcher could unlock more offense for the 32-year-old. He's expected to see most of his action at first base in 2025 but will also be used some at designated hitter, as he was Wednesday.

Scott launched his third homer during Grapefruit League play in Wednesday's game versus the Nationals.

Scott clubbed one of two long balls off Nationals starter Jake Irvin, with Alec Burleson hitting the other. The speedy outfielder is competing for St. Louis' center field job and will win it if the decision is based purely on spring performance, as he's compiled a 1.149 OPS with three homers and five stolen bases. However, the Cardinals are also mulling using Lars Nootbaar in center field some days in order to get other bats into the lineup, which could be factored into the decision on Scott.

Matz limited the Nationals to one run over six innings in Grapefruit League action Wednesday.

The left-hander permitted just four hits and two walks while recording a pair of strikeouts and getting his pitch count up to 85. Matz has fanned only 11 batters over 17.2 frames this spring, but he's allowed just five runs and looks to have a firm grip on a rotation spot in St. Louis.

Profar (wrist) is scheduled to return to Atlanta's Grapefruit League lineup Thursday versus the Phillies, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Profar hasn't played since March 8 due to a bone bruise in his left wrist, but he resumed taking batting practice this week and will return to game action Thursday. The 32-year-old is slated to play in the rest of Atlanta's Grapefruit League contests as he gears up for Opening Day.