MLB Player News

Reds manager David Bell said that McLain (shoulder) will be evaluated Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The specific diagnosis and seriousness of McLain's left shoulder injury remains something of a mystery, but it sounds like more clarity should come later Monday. He's already been ruled out for Opening Day, and Bell had said previously that surgery is potentially on the table for the infielder.

The Diamondbacks designated Strzelecki for assignment Monday.

A trade-deadline pickup from the Brewers last August, Strzelecki made only one appearance for Arizona after he struggled to an 8.76 ERA and 2.31 WHIP over his 12.1 innings at Triple-A Reno following the deal. Strzelecki will be ticketed for a relief role at Reno to begin the 2024 campaign, but he'll first have to pass through waivers after Arizona moved him off the 40-man roster Monday.

The Diamondbacks selected Barnhart's contract Monday.

The transaction confirms that Barnhart will be a part of the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster, which had already been made apparent when his primary competition for the No. 2 catcher role, Jose Herrera, was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday. During his time in the big leagues with the Reds, Tigers and Cubs, Barnhart has been valued for his defensive work and ability to handle a pitching staff, but the Diamondbacks aren't likely to count on him to make more than one or two starts per week while top backstop Gabriel Moreno is healthy.

Mitchell said Monday that his injured hand feels fine, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Mitchell's hand swelled up on him when he was jammed on a swing Sunday, prompting the Brewers to send him for X-rays Monday. Although he had yet to undergo imaging when he spoke to reporters, he played catch with no issues Monday and it seems there is a low level of concern regarding the injury.

Steele (knee) declared himself ready to start Thursday's season opener versus the Rangers in Arlington after he threw a bullpen session Monday without incident, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Even though he left early in his final Cactus League start Friday against the Giants due to a left knee contusion, Steele never appeared to be in legitimate danger of missing out on the Opening Day assignment. Before hurting his knee Friday, Steele had built up to 64 pitches and four innings in his prior Cactus League start March 12, so he should be capable of giving the Cubs at least 75 pitches and five innings in Thursday's opener. The 28-year-old lefty is coming off a breakout 2023 campaign in which he went 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 176:36 K:BB over 173.1 innings en route to a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award balloting.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Monday that Mitchell (hand) and Sal Frelick are candidates to bat leadoff versus right-handers, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Murphy prefers former leadoff man Christian Yelich in the No. 3 spot, creating an opening at the top of the batting order. Mitchell is a question mark right now for Thursday's season opener versus the Mets as he awaits X-ray results on his hand, but if he's healthy, he could be in a prime run-scoring spot.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Monday that Frelick and Garrett Mitchell (hand) are the team's most likely leadoff hitters against right-handed pitching, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Former leadoff man Christian Yelich is in line to bat third for Milwaukee. Frelick spent most of his time last season with the Brewers hitting cleanup, although he was at the top of the order eight times. He could be the club's leadoff hitter by default if Mitchell needs some down time with his hand injury.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed Monday that his preference is to bat Yelich third this season, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Yelich was the team's leadoff hitter last season under former manager Craig Counsell, but he's mostly hit third this spring with Murphy now in charge. While the new alignment might cost Yelich some runs scored, it should boost his RBI outlook. Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick are options for the leadoff spot.

Miley (shoulder, groin) will throw a three-inning simulated game Wednesday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

If the sim game goes off without a hitch, Miley will then report to Triple-A Nashville, where he'll make a couple rehab starts. The veteran left-hander missed most of spring training with a shoulder injury and, more recently, a groin issue. He will begin the season on the 15-day injured list but would seem to have a shot to be activated when first eligible April 9.

The Cubs informed Mastrobuoni on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Mastrobuoni's ability to win a spot on the Opening Day roster spot initially seemed to be tied to the health of Nick Madrigal (hamstring), but even though Madrigal looks poised to avoid a stint on the injured list to open the season, the Cubs will apparently have room for both players as utility options. Though he's capable of filling in at second base, third base, shortstop and both outfield spots and brings quality speed to the table, Mastrobuoni's status as a left-handed hitter means that he won't be a candidate for a platoon role. Instead, Mastrobuoni is likely to see most of his limited opportunities in the late innings as a pinch runner or defensive replacement.