MLB Player News

Contreras is 11-for-29 (.379) with two home runs, seven RBI, two stolen bases and a 5:4 BB:K through 12 exhibition games.

The National League's reigning Silver Slugger at catcher has posted a 1.092 OPS this spring, and the stolen bases should not come as a surprise considering he tallied nine of them over 155 regular-season appearances in 2024. Contreras will again be the primary catcher for the Brewers and will occupy a prime run-producing spot in the batting order.

Nootbaar reached base three times and scored a pair of runs Wednesday as the Cardinals defeated the Nationals in Grapefruit League play.

Nootbaar singled twice and drew a walk and is now sporting a .480 on-base percentage this spring. He hit leadoff Wednesday and is a candidate to bat there during the regular season, but Masyn Winn (wrist) -- who didn't play Wednesday -- is still the likely favorite to hit at the top of the batting order for St. Louis.

Burleson popped a solo home run -- his third of the spring -- in Wednesday's Grapefruit League tilt versus the Nationals.

Drawing the start at first base, Burleson led off the bottom of the third inning with a long ball off of Jake Irvin. Although he's batting only .209 this spring, Burleson's three home runs trail only Luken Baker's four for the team lead. Burleson's playing time might be impacted if the Cardinals elect to go with Victor Scott or Michael Siani as their primary center fielder, as it would likely mean Nolan Gorman being used more at designated hitter. The left-handed hitting Burleson slashed .292/.341/.464 versus right-handed pitching last season but batted only .242/.306/.320 in the second half.

Contreras reached base in all three of his plate appearances Wednesday versus the Nationals and is now slashing .412/.512/.588 during Grapefruit League play.

Contreras has drawn positive reviews for his defense at first base, and if this spring is any indication, a move off catcher could unlock more offense for the 32-year-old. He's expected to see most of his action at first base in 2025 but will also be used some at designated hitter, as he was Wednesday.

Scott launched his third homer during Grapefruit League play in Wednesday's game versus the Nationals.

Scott clubbed one of two long balls off Nationals starter Jake Irvin, with Alec Burleson hitting the other. The speedy outfielder is competing for St. Louis' center field job and will win it if the decision is based purely on spring performance, as he's compiled a 1.149 OPS with three homers and five stolen bases. However, the Cardinals are also mulling using Lars Nootbaar in center field some days in order to get other bats into the lineup, which could be factored into the decision on Scott.

Matz limited the Nationals to one run over six innings in Grapefruit League action Wednesday.

The left-hander permitted just four hits and two walks while recording a pair of strikeouts and getting his pitch count up to 85. Matz has fanned only 11 batters over 17.2 frames this spring, but he's allowed just five runs and looks to have a firm grip on a rotation spot in St. Louis.

Profar (wrist) is scheduled to return to Atlanta's Grapefruit League lineup Thursday versus the Phillies, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Profar hasn't played since March 8 due to a bone bruise in his left wrist, but he resumed taking batting practice this week and will return to game action Thursday. The 32-year-old is slated to play in the rest of Atlanta's Grapefruit League contests as he gears up for Opening Day.

Suarez underwent tests after feeling tightness in his back Sunday, one day after pitching in an intrasquad game, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson contends that the back issue is "not as bad" as the one that cost Suarez more than a month of action during the second half last season. However, he will not start Friday's Grapefruit League game versus the Blue Jays and more will be known about his status within the next 2-to-3 days. If Suarez is not ready for the start of the season, Joe Ross could slide into the Phillies' rotation in his place.

Wade is expected to begin the regular season batting leadoff against right-handed pitchers, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

While Wade doesn't possess the speed of a prototypical leadoff batter, his ability to draw walks has made him a top candidate for the role. The 31-year-old's .219 batting average during spring training is unimpressive, though he has drawn 10 walks, resulting in a .422 on-base percentage. "He's got that kind of eye," manager Bob Melvin said Tuesday. "It's really unique in the game. We're seeing it again this spring. We feel pretty good about him in the leadoff spot." Wade has primarily been utilized at first base but made five starts in the outfield last season. If he bats leadoff against right-handed pitchers, Jung Hoo Lee will likely slide into the three-hole.

Matos is expected to make the Opening Day roster and form a platoon with Mike Yastrzemski in right field, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Matos has been impressive during Cactus League play, hitting .358 with two home runs, 11 RBI and two steals across 53 at-bats. The 23-year-old recorded a .213/.237/.347 slash line over 45 regular-season games in the 2024 campaign, and he struggled to stay settled at the plate, finishing with a 40.1 percent chase rate. However, Matos could be in line for an increased role in 2025 after bouncing between the big leagues and Triple-A Sacramento last season. "He is getting better pitches to hit, and that's always going to be, for him, the most important thing," manager Bob Melvin said. "Not chasing too much. ...We've seen him get a little bit deeper in counts. I think that is a progression for him."