MLB Player News

White walked one and struck out three in a scoreless inning of work during Saturday's Spring Breakout game against the Cardinals.

The 19-year-old southpaw got the start in the prospect showcase game over Noble Meyer and rewarded the Marlins' confidence in him by striking out the side, fanning both Thomas Saggese and the Cards' potential Opening Day center fielder, Victor Scott. White saw very little action in his pro debut last year after being selected 35th overall in the 2023 Draft, throwing just 3.2 innings for Single-A Jupiter, but his arsenal -- mid-90s fastball, changeup and slurvy breaking ball from a three-quarter arm slot -- could allow him to shoot up prospect lists quickly if his control and command hold up.

Martinez (ribs) threw three innings at the Reds' complex Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Martinez's rib injury scratched him from a start Thursday, and the Reds opted for a more controlled environment for his subsequent throwing session. It's unclear if the session was a simulated game, as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, or live batting practice, as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Whatever it was, Rosecrans reports Martinez felt great afterward, and the hiccup should not delay the start of the season for the right-hander.

Profar (ankle) went 0-for-2 with a walk while playing six innings in left field Sunday in the Padres' 1-0 win over Team Korea in an exhibition game in Seoul, South Korea.

Profar was able to make the trip with the Padres to South Korea after he sustained a minor right ankle sprain in the Padres' most recent Cactus League game Wednesday. After getting a few days off to rest, Profar looked to be fine in his return to action Sunday, setting the stage for him to be included in the Opening Day lineup when the Padres and Dodgers open their regular seasons Wednesday in Seoul.

Assad is likely to secure an Opening Day bullpen role in Chicago, with Jordan Wicks serving as the No. 5 starter, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad, Wicks and Hayden Wesneski have been competing for the last rotation spot in camp, but the lefty Wicks seems likely to emerge there. That could push Wesneski down to the minors and send Assad into a long-relief role. The righty excelled in a similar role last year, posting a 3.05 ERA across 109.1 innings, though Assad would have more fantasy value if he's able to start regularly at some point in 2024.

Almonte will likely make Chicago's Opening Day bullpen due to being out of options, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Almonte would have to clear waivers if he's sent down, and the Cubs seem unwilling to risk losing the righty. Almonte struggled some last season, recording a 5.06 ERA across 48 innings with the Dodgers, but he also struck out 49 batters. Armed with a fastball that sits around 96 mph, Almonte has the potential to be a bullpen weapon for the Cubs if he cuts down on the walks. The 29-year-old posted a 4.5 BB/9 in 2023, which contributed to his overall struggles.

Lodolo (tibia) may open the season on the injured list, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo, whose start Friday was rained out, had his scheduled pushed back a day. A delayed start to spring action due to a tibia injury gave Lodolo little margin to ramp up for the start of the regular season. The left-hander started Saturday and allowed a run on two hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings. Goldsmith indicates Lodolo could return off the IL on April 10.

Mastrobuoni seems likely to secure one of Chicago's final bench spots coming out of camp due to Nick Madrigal (hamstring) being possibly set to miss time, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Mastrobuoni may not be able to hold onto the role once Madrigal is fully healthy, but for now, the super utility job seems to be his. The 28-year-old can fill in at multiple positions, though he doesn't offer enough offensive upside to warrant serious fantasy attention in most leagues. That could change if a larger role opens up for Mastrobuoni, however.

Manager Dave Martinez on Sunday named Gray the Nationals' starter for Opening Day against the Reds on March 28, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Gray has 12 strikeouts over 7.1 innings during Grapefruit League play but has also allowed six runs and issued five walks. The 26-year-old posted a career-best 3.91 ERA last season, though his 1.46 WHIP and 4.5 BB/9 were less encouraging. Nonetheless, he'll start Opening Day for Washington, with Patrick Corbin set to take the mound in Game 2.

Morton gave up three runs on five hits and a walk over five innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. He struck out seven.

He appears just about ready for the start of the season. Morton did serve up two homers Saturday, a two-run shot by Jack Suwinski in the first inning and a solo shot by Billy McKinney in the third, but they were the first two long balls he's allowed this spring, while Morton's 10:3 K:BB through 7.2 Grapefruit League innings highlights his still-impressive strikeout upside. The 40-year-old delivered a 3.64 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 183:83 K:BB over 30 starts and 163.1 innings for Atlanta in 2023.

Alexander started at designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's spring game against Texas.

Alexander is still hanging around major-league camp and can't be ruled out of a spot on the Opening Day roster. There isn't an everyday home for the prospect, but the infielder is batting .400 with five extra-base hits and three stolen bases through 18 Cactus League games. If he can handle multiple positions and the Diamondbacks are fine with him not getting regular at-bats, Alexander could be added to the roster. He's appeared in games at second base (12), third base (three), designated hitter (two) and shortstop (one).