MLB Player News

Wade is expected to begin the regular season batting leadoff against right-handed pitchers, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

While Wade doesn't possess the speed of a prototypical leadoff batter, his ability to draw walks has made him a top candidate for the role. The 31-year-old's .219 batting average during spring training is unimpressive, though he has drawn 10 walks, resulting in a .422 on-base percentage. "He's got that kind of eye," manager Bob Melvin said Tuesday. "It's really unique in the game. We're seeing it again this spring. We feel pretty good about him in the leadoff spot." Wade has primarily been utilized at first base but made five starts in the outfield last season. If he bats leadoff against right-handed pitchers, Jung Hoo Lee will likely slide into the three-hole.

Matos is expected to make the Opening Day roster and form a platoon with Mike Yastrzemski in right field, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Matos has been impressive during Cactus League play, hitting .358 with two home runs, 11 RBI and two steals across 53 at-bats. The 23-year-old recorded a .213/.237/.347 slash line over 45 regular-season games in the 2024 campaign, and he struggled to stay settled at the plate, finishing with a 40.1 percent chase rate. However, Matos could be in line for an increased role in 2025 after bouncing between the big leagues and Triple-A Sacramento last season. "He is getting better pitches to hit, and that's always going to be, for him, the most important thing," manager Bob Melvin said. "Not chasing too much. ...We've seen him get a little bit deeper in counts. I think that is a progression for him."

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that he probably won't name a closer at the start of the season and instead will play matchups with Martinez and others, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel also figure to be squarely in the mix for saves as Lovullo sorts through his late-inning options. Martinez recorded eight of the team's 11 traditional saves during the final two months of last season, while Puk notched two and Ryan Thompson had the other.

The Brewers reassigned Alfaro to minor-league camp Wednesday.

After sitting out the 2024 season upon being cut loose by the Cubs last spring, Alfaro signed a minor-league deal with Milwaukee in January. He impressed at the dish this spring with an .887 OPS over 11 games in Cactus League play, but with William Contreras and Eric Haase ahead of him on the organizational depth chart at catcher, Alfaro didn't have much of a chance at breaking camp with the big club. He'll presumably open the season at Triple-A Nashville, where he'll likely share catching duties with prospect Jeferson Quero (shoulder).

The Brewers reassigned Yoho to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Yoho was arguably the team's most impressive pitcher this spring, allowing just one run and two hits with a 12:3 K:BB over 7.1 innings. However, he's not yet on the 40-man roster, and that worked against him breaking camp with the big club. Yoho should still receive his first promotion to the majors later in 2025.

Durbin's spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster could now be secure after Andruw Monasterio was optioned to Triple-A Nashville, Jack Stern of BrewerFanatic.com reports.

Though he's batted only .227 this spring, Durbin has popped a pair of home runs and also stolen four bases. That he's projected to make the Opening Day roster isn't a surprise, but it's still not clear how much playing time he'll receive. Durbin is in the running to be the team's primary third baseman, but Oliver Dunn and Vinny Capra have had great springs and are also in the mix.

The Brewers optioned Monasterio to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Monasterio did all he could this spring to break camp with the big club, posting a 1.157 OPS, but it wasn't enough. With Monasterio slated to begin the season in Nashville, Caleb Durbin's spot on the Opening Day roster might now be locked in.

Atlanta returned Pilar to Miami on Wednesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

A Rule 5 selection over the winter, Pilar fanned 12 batters in 5.2 Grapefruit League innings but has also walked six and permitted nine runs. The 27-year-old should open the 2025 season in the Triple-A Jacksonville bullpen, but he'll no longer possess a 40-man roster spot as he rejoins his previous organization.

Gasser (elbow) has advanced his throwing program to flat-ground throws from 120 feet, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The next step for Gasser -- who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery -- could be to throw from the mound. Gasser is eyeing a return in August or September of this season.

The Diamondbacks reassigned Mancini to minor-league camp Wednesday.

The 33-year-old posted an impressive 1.121 OPS in 27 plate appearances in Cactus League play, but with Arizona already having Josh Naylor, Pavin Smith and Randal Grichuk (ankle) as options at first base or designated hitter, Mancini couldn't crack the Opening Day roster. Unless his minor-league contract contains an opt-out clause that enables him to pursue opportunities elsewhere, Mancini will likely begin the season at Triple-A Reno.