MLB Player News

Abrams went 1-for-2 with a triple, three walks, three runs scored and three stolen bases in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Reds.

After an 0-for-4, two-strikeout showing in his 2024 debut, Abrams was a menace in the second game of the series. The 23-year-old notched a couple steals against Reds starter Hunter Greene and added another against Cincinnati's closer, Alexis Diaz. Abrams was only caught four times in 51 attempts last year, and the Reds didn't make it particularly close on any of his three steal attempts Saturday.

Finnegan allowed one walk and struck out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning against the Reds on Saturday en route to his first save of the season.

Finnegan faced a late challenge to his Opening Day availability in the form of back tightness, and he just so happened to take a comebacker off his ankle in his return to Grapefruit League action March 21. Despite those setbacks, Finnegan managed to start the season on time, and he now has his first save of the new campaign. Hunter Harvey allowed two runs in the eighth inning but was credited with the win after Alexis Diaz squandered the lead for Cincinnati in the top of the ninth.

Corbin allowed four runs on seven hits -- including two home runs -- over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Saturday. He struck out two and issued one walk.

Corbin in Great American Ball Park went about as expected. He allowed a solo home run to Jeimer Candelario in the fourth inning and a two-run shot to Luke Maile in the fifth, after posting the fifth-worst HR/9 among qualified starters last season. Now 34 and in the final year of his contract, Corbin should be a hard pass for any fantasy manager that cares about preserving their ratios.

Greene allowed two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out seven over 4.2 innings in a no-decision Saturday against the Nationals.

It wasn't quite the 2024 debut he or the Reds had in mind, as Greene needed 100 pitches to record 14 outs, though he induced 17 swinging strikes and routinely touched triple digits with his fastball. Greene is looking to take the next step this season and more consistency with his command and control would go a long way. He lines up for a home start against the Mets next weekend.

Diaz (0-1) was charged with the blown save and the loss Saturday against the Nationals. He allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one batter in one-third of an inning.

Diaz had some calls go against him and the game-tying run came across on a hit-by-pitch that just grazed Keibert Ruiz's uniform. Still, it was a rather uninspiring performance as Diaz's stuff looked flat and his command was off. Diaz ran out of steam down the stretch last year, but he should still have a decent leash in the closer role early in 2024. Emilio Pagan, Lucas Sims and Brent Suter represent the top options behind Diaz should he fail to get on track.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Saturday that Nootbaar (ribs) will likely begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar got in four more at-bats and playing five innings in another simulated game at the team's spring training complex Saturday, and he came out of it with no issues. He is in line to play for Memphis on Tuesday and Wednesday before being evaluated for potential activation from the injured list when first eligible Thursday. Nootbaar -- who is working his way back from two non-displaced fractures in his left ribcage -- will be St. Louis' regular left fielder when he returns.

Ortiz was removed from Saturday's game against Atlanta with a left ankle sprain, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Ortiz made made a leaping attempt to catch a ball during the fifth inning and appeared to land awkwardly on his left foot. He came back out to pitch in the sixth but was quickly pulled after giving up two consecutive singles. Further imaging will help determine the severity of Ortiz's injury, but for now he should be considered day-to-day.

Kershaw (shoulder) played catch on flat ground Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw isn't expected to pitch for the Dodgers until after the All-Star break, but it's a positive sign that he's throwing again. The team will be careful not to push the veteran left-hander too hard, though he's been picking up the intensity in his throwing program recently and expects to resume mound work sometime during May, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Walker isn't starting Saturday against the Dodgers, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Walker is 1-for-7 with three strikeouts through the first two games of the season, so he'll get a day off to regroup. Alec Burleson will take Walker's place in right field Saturday and bat seventh.

Winn isn't in the Cardinals' lineup Saturday against the Dodgers, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Winn went 2-for-3 and came around to score during Friday's 6-3 defeat, and he'll begin Saturday's contest in the dugout. Brandon Crawford will pick up a start at shortstop and bat eighth while Winn rests.