MLB Player News

Herz gave up four runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk over 3.1 innings during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. He struck out one.

While his defense did him no favors -- Jacob Young in center field was the only likely Opening Day starter on the diamond behind him -- Herz also wasn't sharp, something that has been the story of his spring so far. The 24-year-old southpaw tweaked his mechanics this offseason, and he may still be getting comfortable with his new delivery. Through 6.2 innings this spring, Herz has stumbled to an 8.10 ERA and 3:7 K:BB. He still appears set for a spot in the Opening Day rotation, particularly if Mitchell Parker (neck) ends up on the shelf, but a good spring outing or two before camp breaks would go a long way toward reassuring fantasy investors that Herz's promising rookie campaign in 2024 wasn't a mirage.

Amaya went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Mariners and is now batting .524 this spring with a 1.450 OPS.

Amaya has gone 11-for-21 across seven contests with two doubles and two home runs. The 26-year-old has more upside than the Cubs' other catcher, veteran Carson Kelly, and Amaya could seize a majority of the playing time as the season progresses if he delivers on his promise at the plate.

Boyd allowed four runs on four hits and two walks across 3.2 innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Mariners. He struck out three.

Boyd's first spring start went well, but over his last two outings, he's allowed seven runs in six innings. The veteran lefty should still have a rotation spot locked up, but the Cubs will be cautious with Boyd, who has dealt with a handful of injuries the past few years. His fantasy upside may be somewhat limited if he isn't able to go very deep into games.

Pham was removed from Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers due to left hip tightness, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Pham went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a strikeout before checking out of the game in the bottom of the third inning. The severity of Pham's injury isn't yet known, and the veteran outfielder could be put through further tests before the Pirates provide an update on his status.

The Brewers optioned Patrick to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

After Milwaukee acquired him from Oakland in November 2023, Patrick delivered a breakout 2024 campaign in the minors, finishing with a 2.90 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 145:39 K:BB over 136.1 innings with Nashville. His efforts earned him a spot on the Brewers' 40-man roster over the winter, but the 26-year-old righty didn't gain much traction this spring in his bid for a spot in Milwaukee's Opening Day rotation. He'll likely need an injury or two to hit the Milwaukee rotation before he gets the chance to make his MLB debut.

Mervis believes he has corrected some bad habits that developed in his swing mechanics and his approach last season, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. "Last year, I think I just tried to prove that I deserved to be [in the majors] and got out of my approach, swung it some bad pitches. I would say [my struggles were] more things that I could control," Mervis said this week.

The numbers bear out that assessment, as Mervis' 55.1 percent swing rate with the Cubs in 2024 was almost five points higher than it had been the season before. The 26-year-old also dealt with a fractured hamate bone in his hand that cost him about six weeks while with Triple-A Iowa. Acquired by the Marlins this offseason in a trade, Mervis appears to be locked into a spot on the 26-man roster following Saturday's optioning of prospect Deyvison De Los Santos to Triple-A Jacksonville. Mervis should serve on the strong side of a platoon at first base with Jonah Bride while also seeing time at DH, and the confidence that comes with not feeling like he's fighting for a job could help him regain the form that saw him slash .287/.394/.555 and slug 37 homers over 157 games for Iowa in the 2022-23 seasons. He's looked good so far this spring, going 6-for-20 (.300) with two doubles and a homer in seven Grapefruit League appearances.

While Almonte is expected to start the season in the minors, he could be a bullpen option for the Cubs over the summer, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Almonte figures to start the year with Triple-A Iowa. The righty had a 3.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB across 15.2 innings with Chicago last season before entering free agency in November, but he wound up returning on a minor-league deal. Should he make it back to the majors, Almonte will likely serve in a middle relief role and have limited fantasy appeal.

Pannone was diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his left forearm Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old suffered the injury last weekend and will be shut down from throwing for at least one month. Pannone could miss the first couple months of the season before taking the mound for Triple-A Nashville.

Grove recently underwent surgery on his right shoulder and will miss the entire 2025 season, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Grove's shoulder issue dates back to October, when the Dodgers removed him from the roster for their NLDS matchup with the Padres. Manager Dave Roberts said earlier in the spring that Grove was on track to open the upcoming season on the injured list since because the shoulder issue had delayed his throwing program over the winter, but it's unclear if the right-hander's decision to get surgery was the result of a setback or simply a lack of progress in his recovery. He's in store for a lengthy rehab program that could extend into the 2026 season.

Reds manager Terry Francona announced that Collier is scheduled to have surgery Thursday on his injured left thumb, Pat Brennan of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Collier is expected to resume hitting in 4-to-6 weeks.

The top prospect was reassigned to minor-league camp Wednesday. Collier is coming off a 2024 season in which he slashed .248/.355/.443 with 20 home runs over 507 plate appearances at High-A Dayton. The thumb surgery shouldn't dramatically affect Collier's long-term outlook, but it could inhibit his power production once he's able to make his 2025 debut in late April or early May.