MLB Player News

Albies went 0-for-3 in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The switch-hitting second baseman has been getting his work in this spring, and while Albies hasn't had much luck at the plate, he also hasn't raised any alarms with his play. Through 26 plate appearances, he's gone 4-for-24 with a double as his only extra-base hit and a 2:6 BB:K. Albies is locked into his starting job at the keystone and a prime spot in Atlanta's batting order.

Schwellenbach gave up two runs on four hits over 4.2 innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals. He struck out seven without walking a batter.

The 24-year-old right-hander wasn't quite as sharp as his line indicated, as he plunked one batter and got charged with a wild pitch, but it was mostly another successful spring outing for Schwellenbach. Over 12.2 Grapefruit League innings, he's delivered a 16:1 K:BB and appears just about ready for Opening Day.

Castellanos (illness) will start in right field and bat sixth in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Detroit.

Castellanos has missed the past couple of days due to an illness, but he appears to be feeling better now and ready to return to the field. The 33-year-old outfielder is off to a slow start in the Grapefruit League, logging just three hits in 21 at-bats while striking out nine times.

Hayes (side) will start at third base and bat leadoff in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

Hayes has been held out of action since March 5 due to left side tightness, but after finally resuming full baseball activities Thursday, he's now been cleared to return to the starting lineup. The 28-year-old infielder has struggled to get going this spring, posting a .583 OPS with an RBI and a run scored through seven games.

The Cardinals' final bench spot will likely come down to Fermin or Jose Barrero, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Fermin already has a spot on the 40-man roster, whereas Barrero is in camp as a non-roster invitee. Slated to turn 26 later this month, Fermin has gone 7-for-28 with a 2:5 K:BB over 14 contests this spring. While Fermin slashed .311/.424/.500 last season at Triple-A Memphis, he's managed just a .189/.283/.221 batting line in 66 games with the Cardinals over the last two seasons.

Ashcraft allowed three runs on three hits and four walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings in Friday's spring start against the White Sox.

Ashcraft allowed four of the first five batters to reach base before being pulled -- he re-entered in the second inning -- and it was a grind in his fifth Cactus League start. With news that Andrew Abbott had an encouraging controlled start in a minor-league game earlier this week, Ashcraft's bid to win a spot in the rotation may have taken a hit. If Abbott can't get ready for the start of the regular season, Ashcraft could take a turn or two in April.

Walker (knee) will start in right field and bat sixth in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Toronto.

Inflammation in Walker's left knee forced him out of the Cards' exhibition game March 5, and he has been sidelined ever since. After more than a week of rehab, he'll now return to competitive action before the end of the Grapefruit League schedule, keeping his availability for Opening Day intact. Walker has been a non-factor at the plate this spring, however, going just 2-for-14 with two RBI and eight strikeouts over six contests.

Manager Clayton McCullough said Saturday that Sanchez (side) will begin the season on the injured list, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Sanchez was pulled from Thursday's Grapefruit League game due to an issue with his left side in what was initially labeled as a precautionary move. However, the outfielder's injury will ultimately cause him to miss the start of the regular season, and it's currently unclear if he'll be ready to return once eligible April 6. With Sanchez out, Griffin Conine will likely be the next man up to serve as the Marlins' Opening Day right fielder.

Wynns' chances of making the roster improved this week after injuries to Tyler Stephenson (oblique) and Jose Trevino (hand), Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

In the span of three days, Wynns went from the outside looking in to appearing to have a spot on the Opening Day roster. Trevino's injury is less severe than Stephenson, who is facing a multiple-week absence, so Wynns may be the primary backup. The Reds could also scan the market for veteran catchers.

Leahy has spun eight scoreless innings with a 9:1 K:BB during Grapefruit League play this spring.

Leahy is competing with Nick Anderson, Chris Roycroft and Riley O'Brien for one of the final two spots in the Cardinals' Opening Day bullpen. Perhaps working in Leahy's favor, in addition to his fine work this spring, is that he's shown the ability to go multiple frames, whereas the other three competitors are more one-inning relievers. Each of Leahy's last three outings this spring were two innings apiece, and he recorded more than three outs in 20 of his 33 appearances last season for St. Louis.