MLB Player News

Ginkel struck out two over a scoreless second inning in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

Ginkel was the first of Arizona's potential closers to throw in Tuesday's game. He was followed by A.J. Puk in the third inning then Justin Martinez in the fourth. Ginkel has experience closing for the Diamondbacks but appears to be behind the other two.

Puk struck out two over a scoreless third inning in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo trotted out his three potential closers Tuesday, with Puk's inning sandwiched by Kevin Ginkel (second inning) and Justin Martinez (fourth). All three pitched scoreless frames. Martinez was the primary closer over the final two months last season but had a shaky September and walked more than four batters per nine innings. Meanwhile, Puk was electric after being acquired at the trade deadline, posting a 1.32 ERA and 0.73 WHIP with two saves over 30 outings with Arizona.

Martinez walked one and struck out one over a scoreless fourth inning in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

It was a bullpen day for the Diamondbacks, which gave manager Torey Lovullo a chance to see his three potential closers pitch early enough in the game to see the other team's regulars. Martinez followed Kevin Ginkel (second inning) and A.J. Puk (third inning). Martinez had the toughest task of the three, facing the second, third and four batters in Chicago's order. All three relievers threw scoreless innings, compounding the difficulty of the decision for the manager. Martinez and Puk appear to be the leading candidates, but all three are expected to work high-leverage innings at the back end of the bullpen.

Brujan went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Brujan connected for his first home run of the spring in the fifth inning and also split time in the field at second base and shortstop. The 27-year-old was shipped to Chicago from Miami in December, and he figures to serve in a bench role with the Cubs, giving him a limited fantasy ceiling for the time being.

Atlanta reassigned Salinas (shoulder) to minor-league camp Tuesday.

Salinas is in the midst of his recovery from shoulder surgery and not expected to make his season debut until August. The 23-year-old played the bulk of his 2024 campaign for Double-A Midland in the Athletics organization, where he recorded a 3.68 ERA across 36.2 innings in eight starts. He was only able to makes two appearances at Triple-A Las Vegas before hitting the injured list in June. In November, Atlanta acquired the right-hander off waivers from the Athletics. Salinas will likely need to pitch well across a robust amount of Triple-A starts when he returns to health in order to be considered for a promotion.

Kelly went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Kelly, who signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Cubs in December, connected for his first spring home run in his new uniform. The veteran backstop was brought in to pair with Miguel Amaya, and both players figure to see plenty of playing time, at least to start the season. While Kelly's experience should be valuable for Chicago, he's a limited offensive player with less upside at the plate than Amaya.

Bielak signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Bielak gave up 17 earned runs over 29.2 innings in the majors between the Astros and Athletics last season. Most of his time was spent in the minors, however, where he still struggled with a 6.08 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over 66.2 frames. He'll now attempt to bounce back during spring camp with the Diamondbacks, though his recent performance will most likely keep him in an organizational depth role.

Atlanta reassigned Paredes to minor-league camp Tuesday.

Paredes appeared in one spring training game before being reassigned, giving up one run on three hits over one inning. However, he posted a 1.66 ERA over 21.2 regular-season frames between the Cubs and Brewers last year, so there's still a solid chance he'll pitch for Atlanta in 2025 if his performance holds up in the minors.

Atlanta optioned Waldrep to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

Waldrep made a single appearance during spring training before being optioned, firing a scoreless inning. The 22-year-old allowed 13 earned runs across seven regular-season innings in his two appearances for Atlanta last season, but he posted a 3.38 ERA across 40.0 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett after starting the minor-league season at the rookie-level Florida Complex League. Following his impressive ascension through the organizational ranks last season, the right-hander will begin his 2025 campaign a step away from the majors.

Atlanta optioned Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

Dodd only made one appearance for Atlanta during spring training, during which he allowed two earned runs on three hits over one inning. Now set to begin the 2025 season in Triple-A, the 26-year-old southpaw will likely need to improve the 5.35 ERA he generated over 107.2 innings at Gwinnett last season before getting another look in the majors.