MLB Player News

Ashcraft allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings in Friday's spring start against Oakland.

Ashcraft allowed runs in the first two innings then settled in before escaping a bases-loaded situation in the fifth after he walked three batters. The right-hander finished the Cactus League with a 5.52 ERA, 12 strikeouts and eight walks over 14.2 innings (four starts).

The Mets reassigned Adams to minor-league camp Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Adams joined the Mets in November on a one-year deal to compete for a spot in the team's bullpen. He allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out 12 over 6.1 innings in spring training. Adams will start 2024 in the minors and look to work his way back to the majors.

Harper (back) is starting at first base in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

Harper was able to take seven at-bats on a back field Friday, one of which resulted in him legging out an infield single. The 31-year-old slugger figures to be ready to go for Opening Day, but he has gone just 5-for-22 with three runs scored this spring.

The Mets optioned Fujinami to minor-league camp Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Fujinami joined the Mets on a one-year, $3.35 million deal back on Feb. 2 after spending 2023 with the Athletics and Orioles. He struggled in spring training, allowing five earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out five over 3.2 innings. Fujinami will likely start the 2024 season in the minors and look to work his way into the Mets' bullpen.

Martini was told he made Cincinnati's Opening Day roster, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds made a few moves Friday, including reassigning Mike Ford to minor-league camp. Ford, who was later released by the organization, was limited defensively to first base, while Martini can play outfield and first base. That versatility will help manager David Bell navigate the opening month of the season when three projected regulars will be unavailable due to injury or suspension. Martini celebrated the news Friday by smashing his fourth spring home run. The 33-year-old, who launched six homers in 72 at-bats for the Reds in 2023, will also serve as the lefty power bat off the bench.

Martinez will spend at least 10 days preparing to join the Mets after the season begins, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear whether Martinez's preparation will occur in Triple-A games or at the Mets' spring training facility, but he won't be available to serve as New York's DH until after the second weekend of the season. Manager Carlos Mendoza said Saturday that once Martinez is ready to make his Mets debut, he will bat fourth in the lineup behind Pete Alonso, per Tim Healey of Newsday.

Marte went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's spring game against the Mariners.

Marte is closing out the best spring of his career in terms of OPS (1.131). He's hit safely in 15 of 16 games, going 20-for-47 (.426) with eight extra-base hits, six RBI and 10 runs scored. The switch-hitting Marte is set to open the season as Arizona's primary second baseman and bat in the upper third of the order, likely leading off against lefties and batting second against righties.

The Mets designated Bickford for assignment Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Bickford will lose his spot on the Mets' 40-man roster in order to make space for J.D. Martinez, who officially signed with the team Saturday. Bickford gave up three earned runs over 4.2 innings during spring training and turned in a 4.95 ERA through 67.1 frames last season. He could receive attention on the waiver wire, but the 28-year-old reliever would almost certainly be limited to low-leverage work no matter where he ends up.

Henry could claim a spot in the rotation after Eduardo Rodriguez (lat) was shut down from throwing, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The Diamondbacks confirmed Rodriguez will begin the season on the injured list, which opens up a second spot in the rotation. Henry had been competing with Ryne Nelson and Bryce Jarvis for the No. 5 job, but Nelson had the clear edge on that based on spring results. Gilbert believes Arizona will keep both Henry and Nelson as starters, while Jarvis could serve as the long man in the bullpen. Henry had a few rough spring starts before throwing 3.1 scoreless innings Wednesday. The left-hander finished the Cactus League with a 6.88 ERA, 12 strikeouts and six walks over 17 innings (six appearances). It's possible he throws in one of the two games scheduled Monday or Tuesday against the Guardians after Arizona breaks camp.

The Cardinals reassigned Scott to minor-league camp Saturday.

Scott entered camp with a very low chance of making the Opening Day roster after finishing last season in Double-A. However, he showed plenty of promise with a .316 batting average and four stolen bases over 10 games this spring. The speedy 23-year-old will likely open the season in Triple-A Memphis.