MLB Player News

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Williamson (shoulder) is competing with Andrew Abbott for the fifth spot in the rotation, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Bell also added that Williamson is feeling better after having to exit an appearance Sunday with a sore left shoulder, although it's not clear when he might be cleared to pitch again. Whoever wins the fifth spot might just be keeping the seat warm for Nick Lodolo (lower leg), who could be back by April 10.

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Martinez (ribs) is locked into a rotation spot, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

That's assuming Martinez's rib issue is indeed minor as the team suspects. He joins Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft in the rotation, with Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder) in the mix for the fifth spot, at least until Nick Lodolo (lower leg) is ready. Signed to a two-year, $26 million contract in November, Martinez officially has just five Cactus League innings under his belt this spring but has yielded only one unearned run with a 7:1 K:BB over that time. Just nine of Martinez's 63 appearances last season came as a starter, but he posted a 2.32 ERA and 37:18 K:BB over 42.2 frames in those outings.

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Abbott is competing with Brandon Williamson (shoulder) for the fifth spot in the rotation, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Martinez are locked into the first four rotation spots, leaving Abbott and Williamson to battle for the final slot. It might be only temporary, though, as Nick Lodolo (lower leg) could be ready for his season debut by April 10. Abbott has been roughed up this spring, giving up seven runs on 14 hits and a walk over eight innings. The lefty also faded badly down the stretch last season with a 6.09 ERA in his final 10 starts.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Monday that Kerkering is still rebuilding his strength after a bout with the flu and might not be ready for Opening Day, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Kerkering hasn't made a Grapefruit League appearance since March 1 and is still working on regaining his stamina. While the illness is not a long-term concern, it has limited him to just two outings this spring and the Phillies don't want to rush the young reliever back. If Kerkering does have to wind up missing some time, he shouldn't be out long.

Lee (hamstring) will be re-evaluated Tuesday to determine when he will be able to return to action, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lee has been resting and receiving treatment since his left hamstring tightened up on him during a Cactus League game last Wednesday. The hope is that he will be able to play in games again soon, but that will be determined during Tuesday's exam.

Bailey (hand) will return to Cactus League action in the next day or two, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Bailey got his right hand banged up on a foul tip nearly a week ago, but he looks to be back at or near 100 percent. The young catcher is 2-for-11 with one home run in six games so far this spring.

Atlanta reassigned Lopez to minor-league camp March 5.

Lopez didn't make much of a push for a spot on the Opening Day roster, as Atlanta had several other players with prior MLB experience competing with him for a utility role. The 27-year-old switch hitter, who appeared in 76 big-league games with the Reds over the past three seasons, is expected to report to Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the 2024 campaign.

Atlanta reassigned Williams to minor-league camp Monday.

He was sent to minor-league camp Monday along with David Fletcher, Andrew Velazquez and Eli White, with their demotions suggesting that Forrest Wall has won the final available bench spot on Atlanta's Opening Day roster. Williams slashed .125/.200/.250 over 17 games during Grapefruit League play.

Atlanta reassigned Velazquez to minor-league camp Monday.

He was sent to minor-league camp Monday along with Luke Williams, Eli White and David Fletcher, with their demotions suggesting that Forrest Wall has won the final available bench spot on Atlanta's Opening Day roster. Velazquez slashed .207/.324/.379 with two stolen bases over 15 games during Grapefruit League play.

Atlanta reassigned White to minor-league camp Monday.

He was sent to minor-league camp Monday along with Luke Williams, Andrew Velazquez and David Fletcher, with their demotions suggesting that Forrest Wall has won the final available bench spot on Atlanta's Opening Day roster. White slashed .344/.488/.438 with four stolen bases over 17 Grapefruit League games.