MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Yamamoto will start the third game of the team's initial home series against St. Louis, which begins Thursday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Yamamoto got the start in the second game of the Dodgers' season-opening two-game set in South Korea against the Padres, following Tyler Glasnow in the rotation. While Glasnow will again take the mound for the team's home opener Thursday, he'll be followed by Bobby Miller in the second game of the series before Yamamoto gets the ball Saturday in Game 3. Yamamoto struggled in his MLB debut, lasting just one inning and giving up five earned runs, though it's not clear if that had anything to do with him moving behind Miller for Los Angeles' first home set.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Glasnow will start the team's home opener Thursday against St. Louis, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Glasnow started Los Angeles' first game of the season, allowing two runs over five innings in a no-decision against the Padres in South Korea on March 20. Due to the unique configuration of the regular-season schedule -- the Dodgers are now back in the United States playing exhibition games before Thursday's home opener -- Glasnow will be able to start twice in the team's first three regular-season contests. The right-handed hurler tossed 77 pitches in his initial start against San Diego, and he should be able to push that a bit higher Thursday versus the Cardinals.

Lipscomb finished the spring batting .400 (20-for-50) through 21 Grapefruit League games with one home run, one stolen base and a 5:7 BB:K.

The 23-year-old hasn't played above Double-A yet after being a third-round pick in 2022, but Lipscomb was one of the most impressive prospects the Nationals had in camp, looking big-league ready as a defender at multiple infield positions while raking at the plate. The organization wants him to play every day and he isn't yet on the 40-man roster, which would seem to have him ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season, but presumed starting second baseman Luis Garcia has struggled this spring -- in the Grapefruit League finale against the Mets on Sunday, he committed his fourth error in 17 games. As a result, Washington is giving serious consideration to having Lipscomb be the double-play partner for CJ Abrams on Opening Day.

Garcia committed his fourth error of the spring Sunday, and he could lose his starting job at second base and potentially even his roster spot to Trey Lipscomb, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Garcia hasn't had an impressive spring at the plate, batting .245 (12-for-49) with a 2:7 BB:K, but his defensive issues are the bigger issue as the Nationals finalize their Opening Day roster. Lipscomb's made a strong push for a spot, flashing a strong glove at multiple infield positions while batting a blistering .400 (20-for-50) with a 5:7 BB:K, but the organization wants him to play every day. If the Nats decide Lipscomb is ready, Garcia seems to be the most vulnerable starter on the infield, and he's out of minor-league options. The team could also elect to return Rule 5 pick Nasim Nunez to the Marlins to create a spot on the 26-man roster for Lipscomb, but Garcia doesn't have the defensive versatility to be a useful bench piece. Even if the 23-year-old keeps his starting job at the keystone to begin the season, Garcia figures to be on a very short leash.

Iglesias is expected to report to Triple-A Syracuse after he said Sunday that he doesn't plan to exercise the opt-out clause in his minor-league deal with the Mets, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

After being informed Saturday that he wouldn't be included on the Mets' Opening Day roster, Iglesias looked like a candidate to request a release that would allow him to sign elsewhere, but he'll instead stick around in the organization a little longer to begin the season. If a promotion to the majors isn't imminent in the first few weeks of the minor-league season, however, Iglesias could change his mind and pursue an opportunity elsewhere.

Sheehan (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday before potentially facing live hitters later in the week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander landed on the injured list ahead of the season-opening, two-game series against the Padres in South Korea last week, but he continues to progress in his throwing program. Sheehan will likely require multiple rehab appearances after facing live batters, so he's likely to be sidelined through the first few weeks of the season.

The Rockies announced Sunday that Lambert will open the season as a long reliever, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The 26-year-old was fighting for a rotation spot but posted a 5.40 ERA over 16.2 spring innings and lost out to Dakota Hudson and Ryan Feltner. Lambert worked as a swingman for Colorado last season with 11 starts in 25 appearances, and he should fill a similar role in 2024.

The Phillies optioned Clemens to minor-league camp Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old was in the running for a bench spot on Philadelphia's Opening Day roster, but he'll end up missing out despite posting a 1.244 OPS during spring training. Clemens should receive a look with the Phillies at some point in 2024, but he'll begin the campaign back at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Garrett (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday and pitch in a game Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander recently progressed to throwing live batting practice and will now pitch in an exhibition contest. Garrett will begin the season on the 15-day injured list, but he appears on track to join Miami's rotation around mid-April.

Pered (elbow) played catch Sunday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander will begin the season on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, but his return to throwing is an encouraging development after he was shut down March 15. Perez didn't have a full build-up earlier in camp due to finger issues, so the Marlins are likely to be fairly cautious as he ramps up his throwing program.