MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that the Dodgers will look to use Kim in center field during spring training in addition to second base and shortstop, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kim has a bit of experience playing in the outfield from his time in Korea, though he was only ever used in the corners. The Dodgers -- eager to add another lefty-hitting option in center field -- believe the 26-year-old's speed will allow him to succeed in the new role, but Kim is still expected to serve primarily as a second baseman once the regular season begins.

Wilson was diagnosed with a moderate oblique strain Saturday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Wilson suffered the injury Friday while in the batting cages, and manager Rob Thomson said the 30-year-old utility man will need at least six weeks to recover. With Wilson out of the running for a spot on the Opening Day bench, Buddy Kennedy is among the players that now has greater chance to break camp with the Phillies.

Castillo was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies due to left adductor tightness, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Castillo went down after trying to catch a wild throw from Jordan Lawlar on a play at first base. The severity of Castillo's injury isn't immediately clear, but the Diamondbacks will likely give him at least a few days to recover before deploying him in another exhibition game.

Mlodzinski said Saturday that he is building volume this spring to become a starter, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Mlodzinski reportedly had conversations with the Pirates at the end of last season about transitioning into a starting role -- something he views as a long-term goal. However, he added that he remains open to working in any role the Pirates need him to fill. The 26-year-old righty was given an opportunity to start Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, during which he surrendered two earned runs on four hits over two innings.

Kopech (forearm) threw off a mound Saturday to a standing catcher, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

While it wasn't a full-fledged bullpen session, Saturday marked the first time Kopech had done any sort of mound work since the start of spring training. The 28-year-old righty has been behind schedule since the start of camp due to inflammation in his right forearm, and there's no guarantee he'll be ready to go when the Dodgers begin their domestic schedule March 27.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Phillips (shoulder) being ready for Opening Day is in doubt, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Phillips' shoulder problems date back to last year's postseason, as a torn rotator cuff prevented him from playing in the World Series. He's gotten back to throwing off a mound since the start of spring training, but he has already been ruled out for Los Angeles' two-game series against the Cubs in Tokyo.

Sims will throw a live batting practice session Sunday, his first one since signing with the Nationals on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

The veteran right-hander is a little behind the Nats' other relief arms after signing late, but his availability for Opening Day isn't in jeopardy. Sims is coming off a bumpy 2024 split between Boston and Cincinnati, but he posted a 3.10 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 72:39 K:BB over 61 innings for the Reds in 2023, and he figures to be in the high-leverage mix for a Washington squad with a very unsettled bullpen picture.

Imaging revealed Saturday that Bukauskas has a significant right lat injury, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Bukauskas missed much of last season due to triceps and shoulder injuries, and his 2025 campaign is already off to a similar start. The right-hander has yet to decide between undergoing surgery to address the issue or rehab, and his return timeline will be unknown until he makes a decision.

Gilbert is still not fully recovered from the hamstring injury that derailed his 2024 campaign, and the Mets are bringing him along slowly in camp as a result, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. "It's just getting over the hump," Gilbert said this week. "It's nothing serious at this point. Sometimes injuries linger a little bit. Once we get across the finish line, we'll be in a good spot and unleash a little bit."

The 24-year-old outfielder played only 56 games for Triple-A Syracuse last season, slashing a meager .215/.313/.393, and while he was able to suit up for 21 games in the Arizona Fall League this winter, Gilbert's prospect status has tumbled due to the health concerns. He also worked on some swing changes this offseason, but his main goal is just to stay healthy. A strong start to the year at Syracuse could put him in line to make his big-league debut later in 2025, as the Mets' current center field options, Tyrone Taylor and Jose Siri, don't offer much offensive upside.

Sproat has added a two-seam fastball to his arsenal, and so far this spring he's been pleased with its development, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The Mets' top pitching prospect carved up hitters at High-A and Double-A last season using only his high-octane four-seamer and baffling changeup, but Sproat's struggles late in the year at Triple-A encouraged a search for another offering. He could probably use a true breaking pitch at some point, but for now the organization is focused on reducing his pitch count with some quick groundball outs. Barring an epidemic of injuries to the big-league rotation in camp, Sproat will begin 2025 back at Triple-A Syracuse, but an MLB debut in the second half could be on the table.