MLB Player News

Despite going 0-for-4 in Friday's Cactus League game against the White Sox, Mervis is batting a solid .259 this spring with a .782 OPS.

While the numbers don't jump off the page, they're an improvement from 2023, when Mervis batted just .167 with a .531 OPS across 27 games, which marked his MLB debut. This year, the 25-year-old may have to settle for a bench role due to Michael Busch now being on the roster and expected to start at first. However, both players are fairly inexperienced at the MLB level, so Mervis could emerge if Busch struggles.

Busch, who primarily played second and third base the last few years, said recently he is feeling more comfortable at first, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Busch is expected to make an impact with his bat, but the Cubs would also like to get solid defense at first base. Manager Craig Counsell noted that Busch's athleticism is helping him make the transition, and the team seems to be happy with what it is seeing so far in camp. If Busch can hold his own at the position, he should be in line for a fairly steady amount of playing time this season.

Manager Oli Marmol said Saturday that Middleton will be shut down for 10 days due to a right forearm strain, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear when Middleton picked up the injury, but he won't be in action for the next 10 days and will start the regular season on the injured list. Middleton joined the Cardinals on a one-year, $6 million contract in February after splitting last season between the White Sox and Yankees. The right-hander posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB over 50.2 innings in 2023.

Collier went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Thursday's Spring Breakout game against the Rangers.

Collier showed opposite field power in taking a fastball out to left field, then struck out twice on fastballs in his next two plate appearances. Keith Law of The Athletic said the 2022 first-round pick has gotten thick around the middle, and it could be impacting Collier's defense at third; he was slow on a grounder then rushed a throw and pulled the first baseman off the bag. Collier has appeared in two Cactus League games, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Lowder struck out two over two scoreless innings in Thursday's Spring Breakout game against Texas.

Lowder was the star of the day, according to Keith Law of The Athletic, who remarked how efficient the right-hander was. The Reds' 2023 first-round pick showcased his fastball (94-95 mph), a plus changeup (86-89) and a plus slider that Law said had more bite that it did last spring at Wake Forest. The only batter that reached base did so on an error. Outside of the breakout game, Lowder has made two other spring appearances, allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out two over three innings.

McCarthy was included on the updated projected roster compiled by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

McCarthy was not part of Gilbert's initial projection, but Randal Grichuk's lingering ankle injury -- he hasn't played a game yet -- could impact his availability for Opening Day. McCarthy is 8-for-32 with two doubles, a triple, three RBI and two stolen bases over 12 Cactus League contests.

Suwinski is likely to be the full-time right fielder after the addition of Michael Taylor on Friday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Taylor hasn't posted a league-average season at the dish since 2017, but he's an elite defender and will take over in center field. In turn, Suwinski will shift to right field, with Bryan Reynolds remaining in left. Suwinski's shift will also have repercussions further down the depth chart, hurting the chance of Edward Olivares and Joshua Palacios (illness) to both make the team and earn consistent playing time.

Gray (hamstring) will face hitters in a simulated session Sunday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Gray will pitch to hitters before Sunday's Grapefruit League game as the next step in his rehab process, but the hitters will not be permitted to swing. If all goes well, the right-hander may move on to throwing batting practice or a full simulated game. Gray's status for Opening Day remains uncertain, though the Cardinals are optimistic the 34-year-old will be able to pitch in St. Louis' opening series against the Dodgers.

German signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates on Friday and was invited to major-league spring training, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Despite throwing the 24th perfect game in MLB history last season, German turned in only a 4.56 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 108.2 innings for the Yankees. The right-hander will be given a chance to prove himself during the final weeks of spring training, and he will make $1.25 million this season if he makes the MLB roster. His new deal also includes a $2.25 million club option for 2025.

Luplow signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

A day after being let go by Atlanta, Luplow will get a shot with the Phillies. He slashed .242/.347/.430 across 222 plate appearances in Triple-A last season, and he posted a .984 OPS over 33 plate appearances during spring training. The 30-year-old outfielder will begin the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he could get the call up to Philadelphia if the big club needs a bench bat to face left-handed pitchers.