MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts wouldn't commit to naming Lux the Dodgers' Opening Day shortstop Thursday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Dodgers entered camp fully expecting Lux to start at shortstop on Opening Day. However, recent throwing issues have raised concerns about whether or not Lux is the best option to have in the field. It's possible Lux is simply rusty from missing the entire 2023 campaign due to a torn ACL, and Roberts stated the team is still confident in Lux's defensive abilities, but if Lux continues to struggle, his starting job may be given to Miguel Rojas instead.

Lauer was signed by the Pirates on a minor-league deal Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Lauer elected free agency in October after the Brewers did not want to give him a raise in arbitration. In 2023, the lefty posted a 6.56 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 46.2 innings. The 28-year-old has had better years, having posted a 3.84 ERA over 288.1 innings during his time in Milwaukee from 2020-22.

Middleton left the Cardinals' camp Thursday to watch his brother play in Oregon's state basketball tournament, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Middleton has served as a part-time coach for his brother's team and arranged for his absence when he signed with the Cardinals in the offseason. He is expected to return to camp Sunday. The 30-year-old reliever has thrown two scoreless innings this spring with one strikeout and is in line to serve in middle relief for the Cardinals in 2024.

Lodolo (tibia) will pitch during the Reds' Cactus League game versus the Guardians on Sunday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo said after a sim game Wednesday that he still doesn't quite feel 100 percent, but manager David Bell said Lodolo has the green light to pitch in exhibition games. It will take time for him to build back up to a starter's workload, and Bell noted the left-hander isn't in the mix to start the Reds' first five regular-season games. Bell brought up April 9 against Milwaukee as a possible date for Lodolo's regular-season debut, but that may change depending on how the rest of the spring plays out for him.

Wiemer was removed from Thursday's game versus the White Sox with an apparent injury, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Wiemer struck out swinging in the top of the fourth inning in his second plate appearance of the day and then was seen walking with a trainer to the clubhouse before being removed. The Brewers should have more information on Wiemer's condition shortly.

Marsh (knee) played in a minor-league intrasquad game Thursday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Marsh resumed taking batting practice Friday, and getting back into a game environment is a good sign that Marsh is recovering well from his arthroscopic knee surgery. It remains unclear whether or not Marsh will return in time to play in the Grapefruit League, but the Phillies have not yet ruled him out for Opening Day.

Burr was removed from Thursday's appearance versus the Rays with tightness in the back of his right shoulder, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Burr induced a groundout and a strikeout but then allowed a single to the third batter he faced before being lifted. The right-handed reliever will likely have tests done on the shoulder. Burr is in camp with the Phillies as a non-roster invitee.

Walker (knee) is on track for either live batting practice or possibly a game Monday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Coming back from right knee soreness, Walker will throw another bullpen session Friday and, if that goes well, will face hitters in some fashion Monday. The veteran right-hander should still have time to ramp up for his spot in the Opening Day rotation, but he can't afford any more bumps in the road.

Nootbaar underwent a CT scan on his torso Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Nootbaar is dealing with lingering soreness after jamming his elbow into in his left side and ribs while trying to brace his fall along the side outfield wall during Saturday's game versus the Astros. The Cardinals medical staff reviewed the imaging Thursday, and the club is expected to have a better idea as to the severity and a timetable for Nootbaar by Friday afternoon. Nootbaar did say Thursday that he's "feeling better and better every day," so hopefully it's more of a day-to-day situation.

Chapman is starting at third base and batting fifth for the Giants on Thursday against the Dodgers in his Cactus League debut, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman officially signed on with the Giants on Sunday and will make his debut with the team four days later. Left-hander James Paxton is starting for the Dodgers and the five spot could be where Chapman resides versus southpaws during the regular season, as well. He might slide down a spot or two against righties.