MLB Player News

The Reds placed McLain (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

McLain underwent surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday and a timetable for his return remains unclear. Although it is still possible he plays this year, fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 24-year-old to return to the field until at least the second half of the season. Jonathan India will likely assume the role as Cincinnati's primary second baseman while McLain is out.

The Reds placed Friedl (wrist) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Friedl's fractured right wrist will cause him to miss the first month-plus of the season. However, it's worth noting that the Reds put him on the 10-day IL rather than the 60-day list, suggesting that the 28-year-old outfielder may be targeting the shorter end of his initial 6-to-8-week recovery timeline. Bubba Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move.

The Cardinals optioned Fermin to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Fermin was the team's final roster cut ahead of Opening Day. The 24-year-old should be used as a utility infielder at Memphis.

The Cardinals selected Scott's contract from Double-A Springfield on Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Scott was reassigned to minor-league camp over the weekend but has been thrust back on to the big-league roster with Dylan Carlson (shoulder) going down. The speedy rookie will be in line for everyday center field duties while Carlson and Tommy Edman (wrist) are sidelined. It's questionable how ready Scott's bat is, but his speed alone makes him worthy of a fantasy roster spot.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said in an interview Wednesday with 97.3 The Game Milwaukee that Dunn is in line to make the Opening Day roster.

Dunn was sent to minor-league camp earlier this month, but he looks as though he'll be summoned to the majors to take over the active roster spot of Garrett Mitchell (finger), who will open the season on the injured list. The 26-year-old hit .282/.404/.487 this spring and can play second base, third base, shortstop and left field. Dunn would be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Wednesday in an interview with 97.3 The Game Milwaukee that the team is leaning toward carrying two catchers, which would leave Haase without a roster spot.

Haase has had a terrific spring, but he's a difficult fit on Milwaukee's roster with William Contreras and Gary Sanchez around. The Brewers could draw interest in Haase via trade, but otherwise Milwaukee could try to pass him through waivers and stash him at Triple-A Nashville.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said in an interview Wednesday with 97.3 The Game Milwaukee that Frelick will start in center field versus right-handers while Garrett Mitchell (finger) opens the season on the injured list.

Frelick had been in line to see ample playing time at third base versus righties, but he's needed more now in the outfield. It's possible Frelick could still play some third base eventually, but fantasy managers might now have to wait a while for him to pick up eligibility at that position. Joey Ortiz likely profiles as the favorite for starts at third base to begin the season.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said in an interview Wednesday with 97.3 The Game Milwaukee that Mitchell is expected to be sidelined 6-to-8 weeks with a fractured finger on his left hand.

Murphy revealed Monday that Mitchell suffered a fracture, and the skipper has now offered specifics on a timetable which will have the outfielder out well into May. Mitchell had been set to start in right field against right-handers, but now those duties will fall to Jackson Chourio, with Sal Frelick covering center field. On a positive note, Murphy said that Mitchell won't need surgery at this time.

Diamondbacks farm director Shaun Larkin said that Lawlar will undergo surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and could have a "full return to baseball activity in 8-to-10 weeks," Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Lawlar, the organization's top prospect, was optioned to Triple-A Reno on March 10, but he could have put himself on the radar for an early-season call-up if he had gotten off to a hot start at the plate during the Pacific Coast League season. However, after jamming his thumb and tearing a ligament while trying to field a ball off the ground with his throwing hand during a minor-league spring training game Sunday, Lawlar now looks like he'll be sidelined until at least early June while he recovers from surgery. The injury shouldn't dramatically alter Lawlar's long-term outlook in dynasty leagues, but it makes him a tough player to stash in redraft formats since he'll be headed for a multi-month absence to begin the season.

Strider and Atlanta won't face the Phillies on Thursday after the game was postponed due to forecasted rain in Philadelphia.

The season opener for both clubs has been rescheduled for Friday at 3:05 p.m. ET. Strider, who had been slated to take the hill Thursday, will presumably be bumped back one day in the schedule to go head-to-head against the Phillies' Opening Day starter, Zack Wheeler.