MLB Player News

The Pirates optioned Flores to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

The 25-year-old struggled this spring, going 2-for-25 with 10 strikeouts and six walks in 14 games. Flores made his MLB debut with seven appearances for Pittsburgh last year and could rejoin the big club in 2026 if depth at first base or catcher is needed.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that Kimbrel won't be included on the Mets' Opening Day roster, Max Goodman of NJ.com reports.

The nine-time All-Star has been attending spring training as a non-roster invitee and struck out five batters while allowing three earned runs on four hits and two walks over six innings in the Grapefruit League. Kimbrel's minor-league deal is believed to include multiple opt-out dates, but Mendoza told Goodman that the 37-year-old righty is "leaning" toward staying in the organization and reporting to Triple-A Syracuse to begin the season.

Tauchman was diagnosed Sunday with a torn meniscus in his left knee and will require surgery, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The Mets haven't announced whether Tauchman will require a trim or a full meniscus repair, but either way, the veteran outfielder will likely miss at least the first month of the season. The 35-year-old appeared to have a strong chance at breaking camp with the big club as a fourth outfielder after posting an .819 OPS over 35 plate appearances in the Grapefruit League. Once he's fully recovered from surgery, Tauchman is expected to head to Triple-A Syracuse, and he could factor into New York's outfield plans this summer if rookie Carson Benge struggles as the team's everyday right fielder.

The Phillies reassigned Trivino to minor-league camp Sunday.

Between stops with the Giants, Dodgers and Phillies last season, Trivino accrued a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 37:18 K:BB in 47.2 innings. After reaching free agency this winter, he settled for a return to Philadelphia on a minor-league deal. The 34-year-old righty was roughed up for nine runs (eight earned) on 11 hits and six walks over nine innings this spring. Unless he chooses to opt out of his contract, Trivino is poised to begin the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies reassigned De La Cruz to minor-league camp Sunday.

De La Cruz appeared in 16 games for Atlanta to begin 2025 but slashed .191/.240/.213 across 50 plate appearances before being waived in May, spending the rest of the year in the Yankees' organization. The 29-year-old linked up with the Phillies on a minor-league deal over the winter and is expected to open the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies reassigned Peguero to minor-league camp Sunday.

Peguero is expected to open the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley after falling short in his bid for a utility spot on the Phillies' Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old went just 6-for-42 (.143 average) over 17 Grapefruit League games.

Kerkering (hamstring) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander has made just one Grapefruit League appearance this spring while working his way back from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, so he'll get some more time to build up before joining the Phillies. Once healthy, Kerkering is expected to fill a setup role after recording four saves and 19 holds with a 3.30 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 65:27 K:BB across 60 regular-season innings last year.

Benson is expected to make the Opening Day roster, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds announced a slew of roster moves Saturday and Benson survived the cuts, as both JJ Bleday and Rece Hinds were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. The roster doesn't have to be officially set until just before Opening Day, so a late waiver claim could bring a change. Benson, who swatted his fifth spring home run Saturday, is batting .250 (10-for-40) with eight walks, eight RBI and 14 runs scored over 16 Cactus League games.

Abbott allowed five runs (three earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 4.2 innings in Saturday's spring start against the White Sox.

Abbott made his sixth and final Cactus League start before taking the mound Opening Day against the Red Sox. The good news is that the left-hander upped his pitch count to 84 (52 strikes), and he was better than his previous outing when he gave up eight runs on eight hits and three walks over two innings. He finished the spring having allowed home runs in all six of his outings with an 11.72 ERA, eight walks and 28 hits, but 22 strikeouts over 17.2 innings.

Ruiz was diagnosed Sunday with a high-grade left oblique strain and is expected to require 6-to-8 weeks of recovery time, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Ruiz appeared to be on track to make the Marlins' Opening Day roster as a potential short-side platoon player due to his speed and ability to cover all three outfield spots, but the oblique injury he sustained Friday will end up forcing him to the injured list. His oblique strain is considered more severe than the one recently sustained by fellow outfielder Kyle Stowers, who is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks. The injuries to Ruiz and Stowers likely strengthen Heriberto Hernandez's chances of beginning the season as an everyday player for Miami.