MLB Player News

Contreras will begin the 2024 season as a reliever, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Contreras competed for a final spot in the Pirates' rotation, but he struggled to find the strike zone throughout spring training -- walking 13 batters across just 12.1 innings. While he won't fit the roster as a starter, Pittsburgh showed some desire to keep him in the organization, as he is out of minor-league options.

Palacios was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Palacios began spring training with the potential to serve in a large-side platoon role in right field. However, the addition of Michael Taylor crowded the outfield in Pittsburgh, making Palacios more expendable. He'll likely be the top option for a promotion should an injury occur in the Pirates' outfield.

Gonzales was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Gonzales entered camp with a chance to claim the starting job at second base, though he always appeared to be on the outside looking in. Positively, he struck out only 16.7 percent of the time across 36 plate appearances in Grapefruit League action. Gonzales should make his way back to Pittsburgh at some point in 2024, but for now, Liover Peguero and Jared Triolo are the top candidates to get plate appearances at the keystone.

Martinez signed a one-year deal worth $12 million with the Mets on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The Mets have reportedly been in talks with Martinez for much of spring training, and he'll now join the team on a short-term deal. He should serve as the team's primary designated hitter, cutting into the playing time of Mark Vientos and potentially Brett Baty. Martinez is entering his age-36 season, but he has maintained a wRC+ of at least 119 in each of the last three campaigns and adds another quality bat to the middle of the Mets' lineup.

Bednar (lat) allowed two hits and struck out one across a scoreless inning in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Bednar has been sidelined by lat tightness for just over two weeks, though he has downplayed the seriousness of the injury. Per Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bednar's pitches looked sharp and his fastball sat consistently at 97 mph. It's expected that he will be ready for Opening Day.

Miley said he was scratched from Thursday's game against the Giants due to groin tightness, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Miley also noted that he was going to begin the year on the injured list anyway after dealing with shoulder problems all spring, so it wasn't worth pushing it Thursday with his new groin issue. Miley will instead throw a bullpen session Thursday and may pitch in a game over the weekend, but it seems the Brewers will be without the 37-year-old southpaw to start the new season. Miley's absence opens the door for Aaron Ashby, Joe Ross or Robert Gasser to begin 2024 in Milwaukee's rotation.

Wilson was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays after getting hit in the left hand by a pitch, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Manager Rob Thomson said Wilson went in for imaging after getting hit and everything looked good, but Wilson will still receive an X-ray on his hand just to be safe. Wilson is slashing .241/.361/.414 through 36 plate appearances this spring, and there's a good chance he returns to Triple-A to begin the season.

Bae (hip) will begin a running progression next week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bae has been doing all other baseball activities, but the running progression will be key as he comes back from a left hip flexor injury. A stint on the injured list would appear assured for the 24-year-old, with a clearer timetable available once he ramps up his running.

Mlodzinski has been unavailable lately due to right forearm tightness, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Mlodzinski's last Grapefruit League appearance came more than a week ago and he allowed five runs while recording just two outs in that outing. The reliever has made nice recent progress, though, as he's throwing out to 120 feet and is slated for a bullpen session within the next few days. It would appear Opening Day is still possible, but it will be close.

Grandal (foot) won't be cleared to run until at least next week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

He's able to do some other baseball activities, but Grandal's plantar fasciitis is still preventing him from running. Given that Opening Day is just a week away and he has just three Grapefruit League plate appearances under his belt, Grandal could very well be looking at a trip to the injured list. Henry Davis is poised for the lion's share of catching duties while Grandal is out.