MLB Player News

The Cardinals optioned Bernal to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Bernal spent all of 2025 at Double-A Springfield, where he slashed .247/.332/.394 with 13 homers, 69 RBI, 58 runs scored and 13 steals over 107 games. After going 2-for-5 with two walks in Grapefruit League play, he'll receive a promotion to Triple-A to begin the season.

The Cardinals optioned Torres to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Torres enjoyed a breakout campaign at Triple-A last season, slashing .326/.441/.456 across 414 plate appearances with the Redbirds. However, he followed it up with a 2-for-10 performance in the Grapefruit League and will fall short in his pursuit of an Opening Day roster spot.

The Cardinals optioned Prieto to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Prieto has struggled at the plate this spring, going just 2-for-17 over six games in the Grapefruit League. With his quest for an Opening Day roster spot now over, the 26-year-old infielder will aim to get back on track in Memphis, where he slashed .301/.363/.457 in 516 plate appearances last season.

The Cardinals optioned Hence to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Injuries limited Hence to just eight total appearances in the minors last year, during which he posted a 2.95 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 21.1 innings. He surrendered three earned runs in just 1.2 frames in the Grapefruit League, but he'll receive a bump up to Triple-A to begin 2026. The Cardinals have hinted toward shifting the 23-year-old righty into a relief role to combat his health issues, though the plan to develop him as a starter hasn't been completely abandoned.

Edman (ankle) began taking batting practice Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Edman began taking swings in the cages earlier in the week, and he could progress to facing velocity against a machine within the next few days if everything goes according to plan. There's still no telling when he'll be game-ready, though he's already been ruled out for Opening Day.

Kerkering (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander completed his third side session since having his throwing program delayed by a Grade 1 hamstring strain at the start of camp, per MLB.com. Kerkering, who's expected to be one of Philadelphia's primary setup men for closer Jhoan Duran, still has plenty of time to build up in advance of Opening Day.

Matos went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an RBI double in Friday's 6-3 Cactus League win over the Reds.

Matos hit an RBI double to center in the second inning and later cracked a solo homer to left in the sixth. The 24-year-old outfielder has enjoyed a strong start to Cactus League play, slashing .450/.500/.850 with five runs scored, four RBI, two long balls and two doubles across 22 plate appearances in 10 outings. With Harrison Bader's (thumb) arrival sending Jung Hoo Lee (ankle) to right field, Matos is fighting for a roster spot ahead of Opening Day. He is out of minor-league options and may end up having to explore other opportunities.

Doyle (wrist) will start in center field and bat second in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers.

Doyle hasn't appeared in a spring training game since Feb. 23 due to a sprained left wrist, but after consecutive days of hitting in the batting cage, he will make his return to a competitive setting. The 27-year-old outfielder had gone 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored in two games before getting hurt.

Herrera (undisclosed) was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.

It's unknown why Herrera was taken out of the lineup, but the Cardinals should provide some clarity relatively soon. In the meantime, Chase Davis will pick up a few reps as St. Louis' designated hitter.

Woodruff (lat) will start for the Brewers in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Guardians.

Woodruff ended the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list due to a right lat strain. He was limited to mound work and live batting practices to open spring training, and the 33-year-old right-hander is ready to take the next step by pitching in a competitive setting Saturday. It's a positive sign that Woodruff will be on the Brewers' Opening Day roster.