MLB Player News

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak indicated Friday that Scott making the Opening Day roster remains unlikely even with Tommy Edman (wrist) and Lars Nootbaar (ribs) injured, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

While Mozeliak didn't totally dismiss Scott's inclusion on the roster when the possibility was raised, he said Dylan Carlson and Alec Burleson would receive starter's reps in the outfield for the time being. The chances of Scott getting a look could increase if the absences of Edman and Nootbaar last longer than expected, but for now it doesn't appear the team is expecting either player to miss much time. Scott is 3-for-16 with two stolen bases so far this spring.

Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said Friday it's doubtful Edman (wrist) will be ready to play by Opening Day, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Edman recently resumed playing catch and hitting off a tee but apparently isn't close to game ready as he returns from offseason wrist surgery. A stint on the injured list to begin the season seems likely, and it's now a question of how much time he'll miss.

Nootbaar has been diagnosed with two non-displaced fractures in his left ribcage, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

He suffered the injury nearly a week ago while making a twisting catch during a Grapefruit League game. Nootbaar will be monitored over the next 10-14 days and could swing a bat during that time based on his pain tolerance. The Cardinals are not yet ruling him out for Opening Day, but it would appear to be a long shot. St. Louis appears likely to be without two starting outfielders to begin the year with Tommy Edman (wrist) also banged up. Dylan Carlson and perhaps Alec Burleson could pick up the slack in the meantime. Top prospect Victor Scott could also potentially work his way into the mix.

Mejia was optioned to Double-A Hartford by the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Mejia was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and permitted two runs in three appearances this spring. His control needs work, but Mejia misses bats and will turn 24 this season, so he could push for his big-league debut sometime in 2024.

The Rockies optioned Amador to Double-A Hartford on Friday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Amador received a late promotion to Hartford last season and will return to the affiliate to begin 2024. The 20-year-old spent most of the season at High-A Spokane, where he had a .905 OPS with nine home runs and 12 steals in 54 games.

Chivilli was optioned to Double-A Hartford by the Rockies on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Chivilli made a nice impression this spring with three scoreless appearances, but the 21-year-old needs some more development. He'll return to Hartford, where he finished last season.

Fernandez was optioned to Double-A Hartford on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Fernandez went 3-for-13 with a homer in seven Cactus League contests, but the 21-year-old was always destined to head back to the minors. He's mega-talented and has loads of fantasy upside if he can rein in the strikeouts.

The Rockies optioned Davis to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Davis was competing for a spot at the back end of Colorado's Opening Day rotation but allowed three earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over six innings during spring training, striking out five. The 26-year-old struggled to an 8.70 ERA over 30 frames in his first taste of the majors last season but is a decent bet to receive another look with the Rockies at some point in 2024.

The Cubs optioned Alcantara to Double-A Tennessee on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 21-year-old finished last season at Double-A, but it's not a surprise he'll return there to begin 2024 since he played just five games for the affiliate. Alcantara spent most of the campaign at High-A South Bend, where he posted a .275/.333/.453 slash line with 12 homers and 15 steals in 95 contests.

Hodge was optioned to Double-A Tennessee by the Cubs on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hodge put up an uninspiring posting a 5.13 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 80.2 frames with Tennessee last season, although he did fan 103 batters. He pitched as both a starter and reliever last season and it's not clear what role the Cubs have planned for him this season.