MLB Player News

The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Benson had a pretty underwhelming season with the Reds in 2024, slashing .187/.274/.376 with 14 homers, 43 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 128 games. He managed to bounce back during Cactus League play, posting an .853 OPS over 30 plate appearances, though 10 of those plate appearances ended in strikeouts. He'll head to Triple-A for now, though Benson could return to Cincinnati if he gets hot or outfield depth becomes an issue.

Perdomo struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings of relief in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Entering the game in relief of Spencer Schwellenbach in the fifth inning, Perdomo fanned Dylan Crews to end the frame and then rang up Stone Garrett in the sixth. Perdomo didn't pitch last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and had a delayed start to his spring, but the 30-year-old southpaw has shown flashes of high-leverage potential in camp. While Atlanta could elect to stash him on the IL to begin the season, Perdomo should have a spot waiting for him in the bullpen once he's deemed ready.

The Cardinals optioned O'Brien to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

O'Brien made his return Friday from an elbow issue that held him out for two weeks, but he'll now head back to Memphis to begin the 2025 campaign. The 30-year-old righty owns a 10.45 ERA over 10.1 career MLB innings, though St. Louis may be willing to give him another shot if he can replicate his 1.35 ERA in Triple-A from last year.

Albies went 0-for-3 in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The switch-hitting second baseman has been getting his work in this spring, and while Albies hasn't had much luck at the plate, he also hasn't raised any alarms with his play. Through 26 plate appearances, he's gone 4-for-24 with a double as his only extra-base hit and a 2:6 BB:K. Albies is locked into his starting job at the keystone and a prime spot in Atlanta's batting order.

Schwellenbach gave up two runs on four hits over 4.2 innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals. He struck out seven without walking a batter.

The 24-year-old right-hander wasn't quite as sharp as his line indicated, as he plunked one batter and got charged with a wild pitch, but it was mostly another successful spring outing for Schwellenbach. Over 12.2 Grapefruit League innings, he's delivered a 16:1 K:BB and appears just about ready for Opening Day.

Castellanos (illness) will start in right field and bat sixth in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Detroit.

Castellanos has missed the past couple of days due to an illness, but he appears to be feeling better now and ready to return to the field. The 33-year-old outfielder is off to a slow start in the Grapefruit League, logging just three hits in 21 at-bats while striking out nine times.

Hayes (side) will start at third base and bat leadoff in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

Hayes has been held out of action since March 5 due to left side tightness, but after finally resuming full baseball activities Thursday, he's now been cleared to return to the starting lineup. The 28-year-old infielder has struggled to get going this spring, posting a .583 OPS with an RBI and a run scored through seven games.

The Cardinals' final bench spot will likely come down to Fermin or Jose Barrero, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Fermin already has a spot on the 40-man roster, whereas Barrero is in camp as a non-roster invitee. Slated to turn 26 later this month, Fermin has gone 7-for-28 with a 2:5 K:BB over 14 contests this spring. While Fermin slashed .311/.424/.500 last season at Triple-A Memphis, he's managed just a .189/.283/.221 batting line in 66 games with the Cardinals over the last two seasons.

Ashcraft allowed three runs on three hits and four walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings in Friday's spring start against the White Sox.

Ashcraft allowed four of the first five batters to reach base before being pulled -- he re-entered in the second inning -- and it was a grind in his fifth Cactus League start. With news that Andrew Abbott had an encouraging controlled start in a minor-league game earlier this week, Ashcraft's bid to win a spot in the rotation may have taken a hit. If Abbott can't get ready for the start of the regular season, Ashcraft could take a turn or two in April.

Walker (knee) will start in right field and bat sixth in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Toronto.

Inflammation in Walker's left knee forced him out of the Cards' exhibition game March 5, and he has been sidelined ever since. After more than a week of rehab, he'll now return to competitive action before the end of the Grapefruit League schedule, keeping his availability for Opening Day intact. Walker has been a non-factor at the plate this spring, however, going just 2-for-14 with two RBI and eight strikeouts over six contests.