MLB Player News

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol on Sunday dismissed the possibility of McGreevy making the Opening Day roster as a reliever, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

There had been some talk of McGreevy being used in the bullpen if he's unable to crack the Opening Day rotation, but Marmol said of the righty that, "I don't see him as a guy who will benefit at all by going to the 'pen and breaking with us in that type of role." McGreevy has been arguably the team's best starter this spring, allowing just one run with a 4:1 K:BB over 7.2 innings. However, if the Cardinals elect to use Steven Matz in the rotation -- which it seems they're leaning toward doing -- McGreevy might be the odd man out, which would mean starting the year in the rotation at Triple-A Memphis.

Civale gave up two earned runs over 3.0 innings in Sunday's spring game. He allowed two hits, struck out one batter and walked none.

Civale made his first appearance since his Feb. 27 spring debut and tossed 48 pitches -- seven more than he put up his previous time out. Civale and the Brewers agreed to an $8 million salary for 2025, which puts him on track to break camp with a spot in the big-league rotation.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said earlier this spring that he doesn't think Ohtani will receive as many plate appearances or steal as many bases this season, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Roberts noted that, from a "performance per plate appearance" perspective, he expects the reigning National League MVP to be just as productive. However, because Ohtani is pitching this season, the manager plans to play him a bit less at designated hitter, and he does not anticipate Ohtani being as aggressive on the bases because "he does need to pitch and (save) his legs." Ohtani stole 59 bases in 2024 after stealing a total of 57 over the previous three seasons. While Ohtani is probably not going to fall back to his previous levels, it does sound like fantasy managers should not be expecting him to run wild in 2025. Ohtani, who is coming back from left shoulder surgery, will be ready to DH during the Dodgers' March 18-19 series in Tokyo versus the Cubs and is expected to join the rotation sometime in May.

Ashcraft allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five over four innings in Sunday's spring start against the Angels.

Ashcraft was greeted by back-to-back doubles to open his fourth Cactus League start but settled in after that. Following the two doubles, he retired seven straight, worked around a couple of base runners in the third inning, then set down the side in order in the fourth. The right-hander then went to the bullpen to throw another 10 pitches, upping his total for the day to 75. With Andrew Abbott (shoulder) getting ready for his spring debut this week and unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, it looks like Ashcraft may open the regular season in the Reds' rotation.

Abbott (shoulder) is expected to make his Cactus League debut by the middle of this week, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Abbott has been on a slower throwing progression than other starters but was enthused when talking about his status Sunday. "It definitely feels good. I feel ready to go," Abbott said. "I think it's a smart way of doing it, not rushing into it." The left-hander felt nothing abnormal after throwing 32 pitches in a two-inning, live batting practice session Friday.

Lux is scheduled to start in left field Tuesday against the Rockies, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The plan all spring was for Lux to see most of his time on the infield during the first part of the Cactus League -- he's mostly lined up at third base -- before introducing him to the outfield. Lux is batting .238 (5-for-21) with two doubles, four RBI and one steal over nine spring games.

Steer (shoulder) received positive results after being re-examined by the team's medical staff Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Steer was examined for the first time since receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder. Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said Sunday that he'll work on range-of-motion activities and estimated Steer should progress to hitting off a tee by mid-week.

Diaz (hamstring) allowed one hit and one walk over a scoreless inning in Sunday's spring game against the Angels.

Diaz made his Cactus League debut, entering in the fifth inning after starter Graham Ashcraft worked the first four frames. Diaz was held out of early spring games as a precaution after he felt something in his hamstring during pitcher fielding drills. The Reds' closer is confident he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Strahm will be shut down until at least Thursday and is uncertain for Opening Day due to an impingement in his left shoulder that's caused inflammation, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The good news is an MRI on Strahm's shoulder came back negative. He will be re-examined Thursday by the Phillies team doctor, at which point it will be determined whether he's able to resume a throwing program. The Phillies should have a good idea at that time whether Strahm will have a chance to be ready in time for Opening Day. The southpaw was one of the best relievers in baseball last season, collecting a 1.87 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 79:11 K:BB over 62.2 regular-season frames.

Perdomo went 1-for-1 with two walks and two stolen bases in Sunday's split-squad game against the Athletics.

Perdomo has delivered for the Diamondbacks this spring after signing a four-year contract extension. He's gone 8-for-24 (.333) with four walks, building off improving on-base skills the last two seasons following a rude introduction to major league pitching during his rookie 2022 season. Sunday's two thefts were his first of the Cactus League. While his overall fantasy profile doesn't grab one's attention, Perdomo does provide some value in steals; he swiped 16 bags in 2023 (144 games) and nine in an injury-shortened 2024 (98 games).