MLB Player News

Ohtani (shoulder/elbow) went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in a Cactus League win over the Angels on Friday.

Ohtani didn't take long to remind the baseball world about his 2024 MVP season, as he hit an opposite-field home run on the sixth pitch he saw during his first at-bat this spring. The two-way star's subsequent plate appearances were less dramatic, as he popped out in the second inning and struck out in the fifth. Ohtani is expected to begin the regular season strictly in a hitting role, but manager Dave Roberts said in early February that he expects Ohtani to be pitching in big-league games by May.

Grichuk was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies due to glute soreness, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

The team isn't too concerned about Grichuk's injury, so there's a good chance he gets back to game action within a few days. In the meantime, A.J. Vukovich will pick up a start in left field Saturday.

May allowed four runs (three earned) on one hit and two walks while striking out two batters over one-plus inning in a Cactus League start against the Angels on Friday.

This was May's second appearance this spring -- he pitched a scoreless frame last Sunday against San Diego. The right-hander didn't fare anywhere near as well this time around, though he started off great by striking out the first two batters he faced in a scoreless first inning. May was unable to get an out after returning for the second frame, however, as he walked the first two batters in the inning, saw an error by third baseman Max Muncy load the bases and then served up a grand slam to Jo Adell. May managed to hit 97 mph with his fastball, so he seems to be close to the velocity he displayed prior to undergoing right flexor tendon and UCL reconstruction surgery in July of 2023.

Acuna was removed from Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays after getting hit in the left arm by a pitch, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Acuna was able to run for himself after getting plunked in the top of the second frame and even stole second base before being replaced in the field prior to the next half-inning. His removal may have been precautionary based on his ability to stay in the game immediately after the incident, but the Mets will likely provide more details after the game.

Yelich (back) will serve as the DH and bat second in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rangers.

Saturday marks Yelich's first time playing in a game setting since he underwent surgery in August to address a herniated disc in his lower back. It's unclear how far away he is from returning to the field, though he'll likely be used primarily as a DH once the regular season begins anyway.

The Cubs optioned Kilian to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Kilian gave up eight hits and a walk over 3.2 innings during spring training. The 27-year-old righty owns a career 9.22 ERA and 2.01 WHIP across 27.1 MLB frames, and his 40-man spot could be in jeopardy soon.

The Cubs optioned Poteet to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Poteet struggled to find his footing this spring, giving up four earned runs over 3.1 innings. He'll head to Iowa to begin the 2025 campaign but is certainly capable of working his way back to the majors after turning in a 2.22 ERA over 24.1 regular-season frames with the Yankees last year.

The Cubs optioned Neely to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Neely allowed one earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out three batters over his two innings of Cactus League action, but the Cubs will need to see more from him in the minors before adding him to their bullpen. The 24-year-old posted a 3.26 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 19.1 innings in Triple-A last year.

The Cubs optioned Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Hollowell made just one appearance for the Cubs during Cactus League play, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two batters over one inning. He'll work as bullpen depth in the minors to open the new season.

Miller (finger) didn't throw his scheduled live bullpen session Saturday due to an illness, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Miller has been battling numbness in a finger on his left (throwing) hand recently, though that isn't what held him back Saturday. The 27-year-old southpaw will take a day or two to recover before continuing to work toward making his spring debut.