MLB Player News

The Dodgers optioned Knack to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Knack struck out three over two scoreless innings and picked up a win in Wednesday's victory over the Cubs in the second game of the Tokyo Series. However, it appears he will not be included on the Dodgers' roster for their domestic opener. Knack should operate as a starter with Oklahoma City but could rejoin the Dodgers later in the season either in the rotation or bullpen.

Bender has a spot secure on the Marlins' Opening Day roster but will likely begin the season in a setup role, with Calvin Faucher and Jesus Tinoco getting the first closing opportunities.

Neither Faucher nor Tinoco are proven commodities in the ninth inning, so if they both struggle, Bender could get a look as the closer later in the year. The right-hander has posted an 8:2 K:BB through 7.2 Grapefruit League innings this spring as he looks to build on a 2024 campaign that saw his record a career-high 15 holds along with a 4.08 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 59:18 K:BB through 53 innings.

The Dodgers optioned Sauer to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Sauer was included on the Dodgers' Tokyo Series roster, but he didn't make an appearance in either game versus the Cubs and will not be part of the active roster for his team's domestic opener. The 26-year-old will be used in Oklahoma City's bullpen.

The Rockies reassigned Hiura to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Though he's just 28 years old and has three double-digit home-run seasons on his resume at the MLB level, Hiura's high strikeout rates and lack of defensive flexibility have made it difficult for him to stick in the big leagues over the past two seasons. He spent the majority of the 2024 campaign at the Triple-A level and settled for a minor-league deal with the Rockies this winter upon reaching free agency. Hiura hit just .167 and struck out in nine of his 18 at-bats in Cactus League play, so his dismissal from big-league camp comes as little surprise. He's expected to open the season at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Hicks is expected to begin the season as the Marlins' backup catcher behind Nick Fortes, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

That's no real surprise, especially after top prospect Agustin Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday. Hicks, a Rule 5 pick from the Tigers' system, has shown some good plate discipline with a 5:5 BB:K in 11 Grapefruit League appearances this spring, but he's batting just .227 (5-for-22) with a double as his only extra-base hit. The Marlins remain in a seemingly never-ending rebuild, so Hicks will likely get as much playing time as he shows he can handle until Ramirez pushes his way onto the big-league roster.

Lopez hasn't pitched since March 10 due to a left hip issue but will throw a light bullpen session Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The hope is that Lopez will be ready to pitch in games in a few days, and if that happens, he should have time to get ready for Opening Day. If healthy, Lopez will serve in a setup role ahead of closer Kyle Finnegan.

Strahm (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Strahm's last Grapefruit League appearance was back on March 5, as he's been working his way back from a left shoulder impingement. The southpaw could still have time to get ready for Opening Day if things break right, but it's not a guarantee.

Berti went 3-for-4 with a run and a stolen base during Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Dodgers in Tokyo.

The 35-year-old started the first two games of the season at second base with Nico Hoerner (forearm) unavailable. Chicago didn't provide much offense during the two-game set in Japan, but Berti was able to reach base four times and steal a pair of bases. He's expected to fill a utility role once Hoerner is healthy.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday that Winn (wrist) will get several at-bats in live batting practice Wednesday and will aim to return to the Grapefruit League lineup Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Winn had to be scratched from the St. Louis lineup Tuesday due to right wrist soreness, but the move was considered precautionary and it sounds like he should be back in game action soon. The young shortstop has struggled at the plate this spring, going 4-for-41 with a 12:3 K:BB.

Hernandez went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly during Wednesday's 6-3 win against the Cubs in Tokyo.

Hernandez doubled Los Angeles' lead to 2-0 during the second inning with a sacrifice fly and provided some insurance runs with a two-run blast off Justin Steele in the fourth. The super-utility man started both games at first base in Tokyo with Freddie Freeman (ribs) banged up, but Hernandez is likely to be more of a semi-regular presence in the lineup when the Dodgers are at full strength.