MLB Player News

Otto (shoulder) had a setback early in spring camp and is expected to open the regular season on the injured list, per MLB.com.

Otto dealt with a shoulder injury last season but was expected to be among the competitors for a rotation spot for San Diego this spring. However, the right-hander suffered a setback early in camp and didn't pitch at all in Cactus League play. Manager Mike Shildt indicated March 9 that Otto is getting closer to playing catch and resuming baseball activity, but even if that happens soon, the hurler won't be ready for game action by the opening of the campaign.

Matsui struck out two batters and allowed one hit in a scoreless inning against Oakland in San Diego's Cactus League finale Wednesday.

Prior to Wednesday's outing, Matsui had been sidelined from game action since late February due to back inflammation. He resumed throwing in early March and looked good in his return to Cactus League play Wednesday, and he was included on the Padres' 31-man travel roster to Korea for the season-opening set against the Dodgers that begins Wednesday. Per MLB.com, Matsui is expected to be ready for the Seoul Series, though he may be working in a setup role behind presumed closer Robert Suarez.

Profar traveled with San Diego on the team's trip to Korea despite dealing with a sprained right ankle, per MLB.com.

Profar was injured in the Padres' final Cactus League game Wednesday when he pulled up while rounding first base. Manager Mike Shildt indicated after the contest that Profar suffered a mild right ankle sprain but that doctors believed he would be "just fine." Shildt also said that the veteran outfielder would make the trip to Korea for San Diego's season-opening two game set versus the Dodgers, though it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to play by the first contest Wednesday. Profar is slated to open the campaign as the Padres' starting left fielder, but if he's unable to play right away, Jose Azocar could step in as his replacement.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Hurt has a "very good possibility" of being a relief option for the Dodgers during the season-opening series against the Padres in South Korea, which begins Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old has prepped as a starter during spring training and is still viewed as one long term, but he could help Los Angeles in relief to begin the season. Hurt's inclusion on the roster for South Korea doesn't necessarily mean he'll retain that spot once the Dodgers return stateside, but it could give him a chance to show why he should stick in the majors.

Grove is expected to open the season in a multi-inning relief role for the Dodgers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Gavin Stone beat out Grove for the fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation. The team is expected to use a six-man rotation, or at least a variation of one, and Grove figures to be in the mix there, perhaps in a bulk relief role. The Dodgers could just mix-and-match in the sixth spot until Walker Buehler (elbow) and/or Emmet Sheehan (shoulder) are ready.

Stone is likely to open the season as the Dodgers' No. 5 starter, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Stone earned the rotation spot with an impressive Cactus League performance which saw him yield just one run with a 9:1 K:BB over 9.2 innings of work. The 25-year-old was knocked around last season with the Dodgers, posting a 9.00 ERA and 22:13 K:BB across 31 frames. However, Stone is a former top prospect who collected a 32.6 percent strikeout rate in the minors. He should be better equipped for success in the big leagues in 2024 and makes for a fine late-round fantasy option.

Acuna will start in right field for Atlanta on Sunday for its split-squad game versus the Red Sox, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Acuna returned from his right knee injury in the designated hitter spot Thursday, but this will be his first time playing the outfield since late February. The team and the player seem to have zero concerns at this point about his knee flare-up, so fantasy managers shouldn't have any reservations about clicking Acuna's name at first overall.

Cobb (hip) struck out five over two hitless innings in a minor-league game Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Cobb threw 18 of his 27 pitches for strikes in what was his first game appearance since he had left hip surgery last October. The veteran right-hander's next outing figures to come during Cactus League play next week. A timetable for Cobb rejoining the Giants' rotation isn't clear yet, but a return before the end of April is looking distinctly possible.

Castillo is day-to-day after tests on his left hand came back negative, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Castillo was struck in the hand by a comebacker during a Cactus League appearance Saturday, but he's managed to escape with just a contusion. The 28-year-old is trying to win a bullpen job as a non-roster invitee and has pitched well this spring, allowing two runs with a 6:1 K:BB over seven innings.

Perdomo took grounders Saturday after imaging on his left knee came back negative, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Perdomo hurt his knee earlier this week on a slide during Cactus League play, but he's managed to avoid a serious injury. It's not clear when he might be cleared to play in a game, but Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he's not concerned about his shortstop's availability for Opening Day.