MLB Player News

The Padres agreed to a minor-league contract with Iglesias on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

He'll be paid $3 million if in the majors, with $1 million more available in incentives. Iglesias had something of a career revival with the Mets in 2024, slashing .337/.381/.448 in 85 games during the regular season before slumping to a .488 OPS over 12 playoff games. Iglesias is likely to win a roster spot in San Diego and should see a decent number of starts along the infield, allowing other regulars to see some action in the designated-hitter spot.

Saggese "looks like the odd man out" in a bid for an Opening Day roster spot, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

The trickle down effect of the Cardinals' inability to trade Nolan Arenado extends to Saggese, as the club simply has too many other infielders in line for significant playing time. There's still a good chance Saggese winds up spending a large chunk of the 2025 season in St. Louis, but to start the year he appears headed for Triple-A Memphis.

Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said that Stratton (knee) will throw a simulated game Wednesday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Stratton is coming back from a ruptured patella tendon in his left knee he suffered last August. He's been throwing off a mound for a while and began a running progression last month. Stratton is in camp as a non-roster invitee and it doesn't seem as though he'll be ready for Opening Day. Once healthy, he'll head to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Horwitz (wrist) is expected to progress to hitting off a tee by this weekend or early next week, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Horwitz is currently taking dry swings as he works his way back from right wrist surgery and will take another step forward in his progression soon. He will not be ready for Opening Day, but a return sometime in April is possible. Once healthy, Horwitz is projected to serve as the Pirates' primary first baseman.

Oviedo (lat/elbow) is scheduled to meet with his surgeon, Dr. Keith Meister, in approximately four weeks before a determination is made regarding whether the pitcher will be ready to resume throwing, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Dr. Meister performed Tommy John surgery on Oviedo's right elbow in December 2023, and the 27-year-old had seemingly avoided any snags in his recovery until he suffered a right lat strain while throwing a live batting practice session last week. The lat strain seems to be a greater concern for Oviedo than the integrity of his surgically repaired elbow, but he and the Pirates will nonetheless collaborate with Dr. Meister in late March or early April to decide on the right-hander's next steps. Since the Pirates placed Oviedo on the 60-day injured list last week, he won't be eligible for activation until late May, though he'll be able to start a minor-league rehab assignment before then if he's healthy enough to do so.

Atlanta signed Batten to a minor-league contract Feb. 21 that includes an invitation to spring training.

Batten has already seen action in three Grapefruit League games for Atlanta, going 1-for-5 with an RBI. The 29-year-old is likely to begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Gwinnett serving as utility depth.

Walker underwent tests on his left knee after he was removed from Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, and the Cardinals are expected to provide an update on his status later Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Walker tweaked his knee when he stepped on a sprinkler head while pursuing a flyball in the second inning of Tuesday's contest. The Cardinals classified his injury as left knee discomfort after he exited the game, but a formal diagnosis should be provided once his tests results are in.

Nardi has halted his throwing program after feeling more tightness in his back, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Nardi came into camp with a back injury and had been ramping things up, but now he's suffered a setback. He will be re-evaluated in the coming days, and his readiness for Opening Day would now appear very much in question.

Garcia (illness) is starting at second base and batting cleanup in Wednesday's spring contest against the Marlins, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia was out of commission for a few days while battling a sore throat and fever, but he's ready to roll now. The infielder is 2-for-7 with one RBI in his first three games during Grapefruit League action.

Wood (quad) is starting in left field and batting second in Wednesday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Marlins, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

It's Wood's first start this spring in left field. His other two games were at designated hitter as he dealt with tendinitis in his quad. The talented young outfielder is 2-for-6 with a 1:1 K:BB so far during Grapefruit League play.