MLB Player News

Martinez's next Cactus League appearance has been pushed back from Thursday to Saturday because of a rib injury, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reds manager David Bell said that Martinez "may have a rib out of place," but the right-hander was still able to play long-toss Thursday and will start in a couple days. At this point, it doesn't sound like an injury to be concerned about. Martinez has allowed one unearned run with a 7:1 K:BB over five innings this spring. He's expected to open the season in Cincinnati's rotation.

The Cardinals optioned Robberse to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Robberse posted a 4.28 ERA across 124 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last season, but he surrendered six runs in just 4.2 innings during spring training. The 22-year-old right-hander will need to display more consistent success in the minors, but St. Louis' relatively weak pitching staff keeps open the possibility of a major-league debut for Robberse in 2024.

Moreno was scratched from Arizona's Cactus League lineup Thursday due to lower-back tightness, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo emphasized that Moreno's back is "nothing to be alarmed with," but the D-backs will act with caution nonetheless. Tucker Barnhart will enter to catch Thursday and Friday.

Megill, Abner Uribe and Joel Payamps "seem to be the most obvious" candidates to replace the injured Devin Williams (back) as the Brewers' closer, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. However, manager Pat Murphy does not plan to name a closer anytime soon.

When asked Thursday about having a defined closer, Murphy replied, "I don't think that's important, especially not now." The skipper added that he's open to eventually naming a closer if a clear candidate emerges, but heading into the season it sounds like Murphy plans to use his high-leverage options at different points in the game, depending on the situation. Payamps, Uribe and Megill are all worthy of fantasy roster consideration, probably in that order of preference. Williams is expected to be sidelined for about three months with two stress fractures in his back, so there will be plenty of saves available in Milwaukee's bullpen during the first half.

Manager Dave Martinez said Thursday that Ferrer is dealing with a lat injury, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Ferrer has pitched in just one exhibition game over the past two weeks, and his injured lat explains why. It's unclear when Ferrer will be ready to get back to making consistent appearances, but Martinez said the team will know more in a couple of days.

The Diamondbacks reassigned Almora to minor-league camp Thursday.

Almora was brought into D-backs camp as a non-roster invitee and had an outside chance at winning a spot on Arizona's Opening Day bench, but he will end up missing the cut after going 4-for-22 with a homer and three RBI during Cactus League play. The 29-year-old outfielder will head to Triple-A Reno to begin the season.

Arroyo is not playing for the Reds in Thursday's Spring Breakout game after suffering a left shoulder injury Wednesday in Cactus League action, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell said that Arroyo "felt a little tweak" in his shoulder on a dive back into first base. Bell believes Arroyo will be fine, but the team has ordered an MRI just in case. Once healthy, Arroyo will likely begin the season at Double-A Chattanooga.

McCutchen was scratched from the Pirates' Grapefruit League lineup Thursday due to illness, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

The veteran slugger should be ready to rejoin the lineup in a day or two. Billy McKinney entered the starting nine at designated hitter in McCutchen's place.

Rivas has gone 3-for-26 (.115) over 15 Grapefruit League games.

Rivas' hold on a 40-man roster spot is tenuous at best after being waived by three teams in the offseason. He's stuck around with the Cardinals for a while, but his poor hitting in the spring has left him with little chance of leapfrogging Alec Burleson for a spot as a backup first baseman/outfielder. Rivas hit a poor .229 with a .725 OPS over 48 games between the Pirates and the Padres last season.

Young has gone 2-for-31 (.065) over 15 Grapefruit League games.

Young provides organizational depth at the corner infield and corner outfield spots, but he's yet to get in a groove during spring training. The 28-year-old was claimed off waivers from the Cubs in November. Young's poor hitting in spring will likely mean he begins the year in the minors.