MLB Player News

Winn (elbow) has been throwing in spring training but hasn't appeared in an exhibition game. He's been at full speed this spring and is getting stretched back out as a starter, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Bay Area reports.

Winn began last season in the starting rotation but managed only 12 starts before being diagnosed with a nerve issue in his elbow. He underwent season-ending ulnar transposition surgery in late July. His role for 2025 isn't clear as he'll likely be competing for a rotation spot but could be moved to long relief. He could also begin the season in the minors in order to re-establish himself as a starter.

Fitzgerald (back) is starting at second base and batting seventh Friday against the Brewers in his Cactus League debut, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Fitzgerald has been brought along slowly after developing a lower-back injury early in camp, but he's been going through full workouts for a few days and is now ready to test things out in game action. The 27-year-old is slated to serve as the Giants' primary second baseman in 2025 following a mini-breakout which saw him post an .831 OPS with 15 homers and 17 steals in 96 games last season.

The Dodgers have "completely revamped" Kim's swing this spring, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports, with Kim saying the swing is "20, 30 percent to where I want it to be."

The Dodgers want to emphasize Kim's superb contact ability but also believe he has more power to tap into than he showed during his time in the Korea Baseball Organization. While a new swing could potentially unlock more upside in his bat, it is a work in progress and seemingly increases the chances he could begin the season in the minors, something manager Dave Roberts conceded earlier this week is a possibility. Kim is 1-for-12 with a 5:2 K:BB in his first five Cactus League games. If he does begin the year in the minors, it could lead to the Dodgers deploying Tommy Edman at second base and Andy Pages in center field.

Madrigal will likely miss the entire season after surgery to repair a fractured left shoulder, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Madrigal suffered the injury during a Grapefruit League contest Sunday when he landed on the shoulder following an off-balance throw. He's already been placed on the 60-day injured list and his tenure with the Mets could be over before it starts, as Madrigal will be a free agent next offseason.

Ashcraft allowed one run on one hit and two walks while striking out three over two-plus innings in Thursday's spring start against the Diamondbacks.

Ashcraft, who was making his second Cactus League start, retired the side in order in the first inning before running into trouble in the second. A couple of errors, including his own, and a walk led to a one-out, bases-loaded situation, but the right-hander escaped unscathed. After a leadoff double and a walk in the third inning, Ashcraft was pulled after 43 pitches (22 strikes). He told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com that he was pleased with his slider, which had a good shape and landed in the zone, and felt good to get out of the second-inning jam.

Steer (shoulder) still feels discomfort and had a scheduled throwing program put on hold this week, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He had been set to begin throwing Monday. "He's just not quite where we want him to be," manager Terry Francona said Thursday. "We'll get him examined one more time and figure out what path we're going."

Steer is still able to DH -- he went 1-for-2 in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks -- because it doesn't hurt him to swing a bat. Multiple MRIs have confirmed no structural damage, but as Steer indicated, "shoulders are tricky." He's scheduled to be examined this weekend by the team's orthopedist before any decisions are made or timelines established.

Tarnok will be held out of game action for two weeks after rolling his left ankle, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok is in Marlins camp as a non-roster invitee. He probably wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster regardless, but this injury should seal his fate in that regard.

Marsee (oblique) has resumed hitting and throwing, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Marsee suffered a minor right oblique strain early on in camp but appears to be making progress. It's not clear when he might be ready for game action, however. Acquired last May from the Padres in the Luis Arraez trade, Marsee could begin the 2025 season either at Double-A Pensacola or Triple-A Jacksonville.

Nelson still has minor-league options remaining and could open the season at Triple-A Reno, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Arizona has seven legitimate starters in camp competing for five spots.

For Nelson, who was second among starters in innings pitched in 2024, to not have a spot on lock seems odd, but the Diamondbacks have assembled plenty of rotation depth. Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez are set in the top four spots, with the fifth starter role coming down to Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt or Jordan Montgomery. Nelson and Pfaadt, who also has minor-league options left and led the Diamondbacks in innings in 2024, could start the year in the Aces' rotation, although Montgomery is a candidate to shift to a long-relief role.

Pfaadt allowed one hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings in Thursday's spring start against the Reds.

Pfaadt cruised in his Cactus League opener, setting the side down in the order in the first inning, including an inning-ending swinging strikeout of Elly De La Cruz. The right-hander then worked around a two-out double in the second by punching out Spencer Steer to complete his day. Manager Torey Lovullo faces a tough decision regarding his five-man rotation. The top four are locked in with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. That leaves Pfaadt battling Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery for the final spot. Both Pfaadt and Nelson still have minor-league options, but Montgomery could shift to the bullpen.