MLB Player News

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

Little claimed one of the final spots in the team's Opening Day bullpen after he permitted three earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out nine over 8.1 innings during Cactus League play. The 23-year-old lefty made plenty of bats miss between the Double-A and Triple-A level (84 strikeouts in 46.1 innings) and as a September call-up (12 in 6.2 innings) last season, making him a name worth monitoring if Adbert Alzolay is unable to lock down the closer's gig or otherwise misses time at some point. At least to begin the season, Little's usage could be limited to lower-leverage spots.

Taillon (back) will throw one inning of live batting practice Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He'll then face hitters again Friday and, if that goes well, will make an appearance in a minor-league game after that. Taillon is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-April with his back injury, and a clearer timetable for his return won't be available until he makes some rehab appearances.

Madrigal (hamstring) is expected to avoid the injured list and be part of the Cubs' Opening Day roster, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Madrigal returned to Cactus League play Sunday after missing three weeks with a right hamstring strain. He'll finish the spring with just 19 plate appearances, but evidently the Cubs have deemed that sufficient. The 27-year-old is a candidate for some playing time at third base for the Cubs.

Lile (back) is listed among the Nationals prospects on the "Futures Roster" for Tuesday's exhibition against current Washington players, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Lile had been attending big-league spring training with the Nationals but didn't appear in any Grapefruit League games since March 2, when he was carted off the field after a collision with the outfield wall. He was fortunate to avoid a serious injury and was diagnosed with a lower-back contusion. Lile was cleared to resume full baseball activities more than a week ago, so assuming he's able to play Tuesday without issue, he should be ready to go for the start of the minor-league season. Lile is likely to open the 2024 season with High-A Wilmington.

Carlson is projected to be the Cardinals' Opening Day center fielder, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Carlson hit .271 with three home runs and 13 RBI over 17 contests in Grapefruit League play. That proved to be just enough to fend off a fierce challenge from Victor Scott, who will begin the season in the minors. Carlson's time as the primary center fielder could be temporary -- he'll be there while Tommy Edman (wrist) begins the season on the injured list after some setbacks in his recovery from surgery.

The Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Wesneski struck out 12 over 11 innings this spring but also allowed 12 runs. The right-hander should join Iowa's rotation and could eventually help the Cubs either in a starting or relief role.

Hassell (groin) is listed among the Nationals prospects on the "Futures Roster" for Tuesday's exhibition against current Washington players, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Hassell had been attending big-league spring training with the Nationals but didn't appear in any Grapefruit League games since March 8 due to a groin strain. His inclusion on the roster for the upcoming exhibition implies that he'll be ready to go for the start of the minor-league season. Hassell will most likely head back to Double-A Harrisburg after he posted a .640 OPS in 476 plate appearances with the affiliate in 2023.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that Bae (hip) is now able to go through full baseball activities, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bae looks to be fully recovered from the left hip flexor injury which has plagued him since early March. He will begin the season on the injured list as he continues ramping things back up, but the utility player shouldn't be out long.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that Grandal (foot) could be cleared to begin running early next week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Grandal has done advanced plyometric work as he rehabs from plantar fasciitis in his foot. He will begin the season on the injured list, which means Henry Davis will head into Opening Day atop the Pirates' catching depth chart.

The Brewers informed Monasterio on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Monasterio will be part of his first Opening Day roster after he impressed the Brewers with his on-base skills and defensive versatility last season upon receiving his first call to the big leagues in late May. While picking up 77 total starts between second base, third base and shortstop, Monasterio slashed .259/.330/.348 across 315 plate appearances. Though injuries to other infielders helped him secure steady playing time for much of his time in the big leagues last season, Monasterio is likely to handle a short-side platoon role to begin 2024. He'll be a candidate to replace Brice Turang at second base or Sal Frelick at third base when the Brewers face left-handed pitching.