MLB Player News

The Cubs selected Cooper's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Cooper posted a .927 OPS with three long balls this spring to secure a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster. He figures to mostly play against lefties but offers an option at designated hitter and will also provide protection at first base for Michael Busch.

Cronin will begin the season as part of the Marlins' bullpen.

The 26-year-old right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Astros just before the start of spring training and delivered an 11:5 K:BB through 10.2 Grapefruit League innings for the Marlins. Cronin is expected to work in lower-leverage situations, although his sinker could get him the occasional hold opportunity when Miami needs a double play.

The Rockies selected Trejo's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

Trejo came into camp as a non-roster invitee but won a spot on the Opening Day roster with a solid spring. He will be used as a reserve infielder.

The Pirates selected Jones' contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Jones captured a spot in the Pirates rotation by allowing just three unearned runs to go along with a 15:8 K:BB in 16.1 innings during Grapefruit League play. The young right-hander is slated to make his major-league debut Saturday in Miami.

The Brewers designated Haase for assignment Thursday.

Haase turned a lot of heads during camp this spring, slashing .395/.465/.868 with five homers and 14 RBI across 43 plate appearances. However, the Brewers didn't want to carry a third catcher behind William Contreras and Gary Sanchez, so the team will instead attempt to pass Haase through waivers. The 31-year-old backstop only managed a .201 average and .528 OPS with the Tigers and Guardians last season, but other organizations may be willing to take a chance on him after his monster spring.

The Nationals placed Garrett (ankle) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

As expected, Garrett won't be available to begin the season while he continues his recovery from the left ankle reconstruction surgery he underwent last August. According to MLB.com, Garrett is expected to stick around at the Nationals' facility in Florida to participate in extended spring training games, and he could then head out on a minor-league rehab assignment thereafter. Once he's deemed ready for his 2024 debut, Garrett will likely serve as a short-side platoon player in the corner outfield or at designated hitter.

The Nationals placed Strasburg (thoracic outlet syndrome) on the 60-day injured list Thursday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Strasburg is essentially medically retired from baseball after he struggled to bounce back from his July 2021 thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, but he remains in the organization after he and the Nationals have thus far been unable to come to an agreement on how to dispense the $105 million he's still owed over the remaining three seasons of the seven-year, $245 million contract he signed in December 2019. Washington ownership is believed to be interested in deferring more of the money remaining in the deal, but Strasburg is already due $80 million in deferred money from 2027 through 2029 and is presumably keen on getting more of his salary up front. Until a resolution on Strasburg's financial situation is reached, he'll remain on the Nationals' books, though placing him on the 60-day IL at least frees up a 40-man roster spot.

The Brewers optioned Bukauskas to Triple-A Nasvhille on Thursday.

Bukauskas was expected to fill in as a middle reliever in Milwaukee's Opening Day bullpen, but he will instead head to Triple-A after turning in a 1.04 ERA through 8.2 spring innings. Should the Brewers run into bullpen depth issues during the season, the 27-year-old could be one of the first to earn a call back up to Milwaukee.

The Pirates selected Ryan's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Ryan won a spot in the Pirates' bullpen after allowing four runs (three earned) with a 10:4 K:BB over 7.2 innings in Grapefruit League play. He'll likely be used in middle relief.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Treinen (lung) is "a ways away" from returning, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Treinen suffered a bruised lung when he was struck in the chest by a comebacker in early March. He does not appear to have resumed a throwing program yet, and it would appear his absence could be a long one.