MLB Player News

Wade went 2-for-3 with a home run, three total RBI and a walk in Friday's Cactus League victory against the Cubs.

Wade plated three of San Diego's five runs, laying down an RBI bunt single in the fourth inning and slugging a two-run shot to right field in the sixth. The first of the two hits was more in line with Wade's skill set, as he ranked in the 85th percentile in sprint speed last year and has just seven home runs over eight big-league regular seasons. Wade has a .205/.279/.333 slash line this spring as he competes for a roster spot as a utility man for the Padres.

Vasquez pitched four innings against the Cubs in a Cactus League contest Friday, allowing one run on two hits and no walks while striking out four batters.

Vasquez worked in a piggyback role in the exhibition matchup, entering the game in the sixth frame following Michael King's five scoreless innings. Vasquez finished off the contest by allowing Chicago to score just one run, which came on a solo homer by Moises Ballesteros. The appearance was presumably Vasquez's final one of the spring, in which case he'll finish the Cactus League slate with a 3.38 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 7:1 K:BB across eight innings. It remains to be seen what Vasquez's role will be to begin the campaign, but he's in the running for one of two open rotation spots along with Stephen Kolek and Kyle Hart.

Horton tossed two scoreless innings in Friday's Cactus League game against the Padres. He allowed a hit and two walks while striking out one.

Horton started a spring training game back on March 8 and got another turn Friday. The 23-year-old pitched at both Double-A and Triple-A last year, and he figures to return to Triple-A Iowa this season for an extended look at that level. If Horton pitches well there, he could push for his MLB debut at some point in the summer, though Chicago would have to open up a spot on its 40-man roster to make room for the young righty. He's an intriguing prospect who would have some fantasy appeal once he makes it to the majors.

King tossed five scoreless innings in a Cactus League start against the Cubs on Friday, allowing one hit and striking out four batters.

In his final spring outing -- and his first since being named San Diego's Opening Day starter -- King was royal on the mound, allowing a single to the first batter he faced and then retiring 15 straight hitters. The righty had an up-and-down spring, but he concluded it on a superb note and finished the exhibition slate with a 3.95 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB over 13.2 frames. King's next appearance is slated to take place next Thursday against Atlanta in the Padres' regular-season opener.

The Reds will place Steer (shoulder) on the injured list to start the regular season, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Steer played in a minor-league game Thursday -- his first competitive action of any kind since February -- but it appears he won't have enough time to prepare for Opening Day. He'll most likely head to one of Cincinnati's minor-league affiliates on a rehab assignment to pick up at-bats before rejoining the Reds.

With Jordan Wicks optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Rea appears locked into the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation.

Wicks was on Chicago's roster for its two-game set against the Dodgers in Tokyo, but he'll head to Triple-A once the domestic regular season gets underway later this month. That should leave Rea as the fifth starter, at least until Javier Assad (oblique) is able to return. Rea should get a boost in fantasy value as a result, though he's probably best used only in favorable matchups as he doesn't offer overpowering stuff. The veteran righty posted a 4.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 27 starts for the Brewers during the 2024 regular season.

The Nationals selected Poche's contract from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Poche has given up four earned runs in just 4.2 innings during Grapefruit League play, but the Nationals will add him to their big-league bullpen anyway -- likely based on the 3.27 ERA and 1.13 WHIP he owns over the past three seasons. He'll likely start in a middle-relief role but could work his way into high-leverage opportunities given the overall lack of experience in Washington's bullpen.

Walton was informed Saturday that he will not make the Mets' Opening Day roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Walton's chances at landing a bench spot were looking up following Nick Madrigal's shoulder injury, but Walton will ultimately fall short of the big-league roster after going just 6-for-41 in the Grapefruit League. Luisangel Acuna now seems to be the most likely option to back up Francisco Lindor at shortstop in Queens.

Crawford will begin the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Upon reaching Double-A Reading midway through last season, Crawford slashed .337/.386/.462 with 26 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 185 plate appearances. Rather than sending him back for more Double-A reps, the Phillies will quickly promote the 21-year-old outfielder to Triple-A. If Crawford's dominance at the plate continues at Lehigh Valley, he may have a chance to make his MLB debut at some point in 2025.

The Phillies optioned Tyler to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Tyler really never had much of a shot to make the Phillies' Opening Day rotation, and he didn't help his chances with five runs allowed and a 7:6 K:BB over 9.1 spring innings. He'll instead begin the year in Lehigh Valley's rotation and look to improve upon the 5.82 ERA he accumulated upon joining the Phillies organization back in August.