MLB Player News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that Marte (knee) will begin taking live batting practice in early March, but the veteran outfielder doesn't have a target date for playing in Grapefruit League games, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Though the Mets reportedly dangled Marte in trade talks during the offseason, he's poised to stick around in New York for a fourth season. However, Marte may have to settle for a lesser role than he's handled in the past. Over the past two seasons, Marte has submitted a .258/.314/.357 slash line (90 wRC+) over 711 plate appearances, with injuries costing him significant time and hindering his overall production when he's been healthy enough to play. While Marte was available during the Mets' playoff run last fall, DiComo notes that he's been battling soreness in his right knee off and on since at least last summer. In an effort to preserve Marte's health heading into the start of the season, the Mets have been easing the 36-year-old along slowly during spring training, with Mendoza noting that Marte has had "some good days, some not so good," during his running progression, per Tim Healey of Newsday. The expectation remains that Marte will be ready to go for Opening Day, despite lacking a clear timeline for his Grapefruit League debut.

Nimmo (foot) is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut soon, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Nimmo battled plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of the 2024 season and into the offseason, as well. However, he said at the start of camp that his foot is feeling normal again, and making his first spring training appearance in early March is a typical schedule for him. There's a threat of Nimmo's foot problem flaring up again, but for now he's in a good spot with Opening Day a little more than a month away.

Hagenman could be get a look in the Mets' rotation this season, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

New York has already seen Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat) go down this spring, with both pitchers expected to begin the season on the injured list. If the spate of injuries continues, Hagenman might be the next man up, especially if the team wants to deploy a six-man rotation in April during a 13-day stretch with no off days. The 28-year-old right-hander has yet to make his MLB debut. but he's on the 40-man roster and posted a 4.91 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 98:31 K:BB over 91.2 innings for Triple-A Worcester in the Boston organization last season.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that Nunez (elbow) will not appear in a Grapefruit League game "anytime soon," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets maintain that Nunez is healthy and still can be ready in time for Opening Day, but they are taking things extra slowly after the reliever battled a flexor strain in the second half last season. Nunez is projected to see leverage innings in the Mets' bullpen this season, if he can stay healthy.

Waddell might be an option for the Mets' rotation this season, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

New York has already seen Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat) go down this spring, with both pitchers expected to begin the season on the injured list. If the spate of injuries continues, Waddell could find himself in the mix for some March or April starts. The 30-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021, spending the last three years in the KBO, and after signing him to a minor-league contract in December, the Mets would need to find room for him on the 40-man roster in order to add him to the big-league rotation.

Miller (concussion) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Miller remains in concussion protocol as a result of a line drive he took off the head during his first Cactus League appearance last week. He's been cleared to throw this week, however, and he'll continue to ramp up with the goal of returning to game action before long.

Ohtani (shoulder/elbow) will make his Cactus League debut at designated hitter Friday versus the Angels, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ohtani has been brought along slowly in camp after November surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. It's not clear when he might be ready to pitch in a game, but he's ready to hit and is fully expected to serve as the Dodgers' DH for their season-opening set in Tokyo versus the Cubs on March 18 and 19.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Smith (ankle) will make his Cactus League debut Friday versus the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Per Vassegh, Shohei Ohtani (elbow/shoulder) will be making his spring debut Friday as the Dodgers' designated hitter, so Smith looks poised to handle his normal catching duties in his first start of the spring rather than being eased back in a non-defensive role. The Dodgers have been proceeding cautiously with Smith during camp due to a minor ankle injury, but assuming he experiences no setbacks Friday and in his subsequent Cactus League appearances, he'll be available to catch in the team's season-opening two-game series in Tokyo versus the Cubs on March 18 and 19.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Freeman (ankle) will make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the Rockies as the Dodgers' designated hitter, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Since he's working his way back from December surgery to remove loose bodies in his right ankle, Freeman will be eased into the spring lineup in a non-defensive role, but he should be ready for a full-time role at first base once the Dodgers open their season with a two-game set in Tokyo versus the Cubs on March 18 and 19. Roberts confirmed last week that he plans to have the reigning World Series MVP slot in as the Dodgers' primary No. 3 batter in 2025, with Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts hitting in front of him and Teoscar Hernandez occupying the cleanup spot.

Mervis went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Starting at DH and batting sixth, Mervis drove a Trevor Williams offering over the right-field fence in the second inning for his first homer of the spring. Assuming he has at least a decent camp, Mervis is expected to open the season on the strong side of a platoon with Jonah Bride at first base while also mixing in at DH. While Mervis struggled in limited big-league opportunities with the Cubs, he sports a career .269/.371/.511 slash line over 242 games at Triple-A with 52 home runs.