MLB Player News

Suzuki went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Angels.

The home run was Suzuki's first of the spring, though he's been solid with a .969 OPS across five Cactus League contests. Suzuki took a step forward in his second MLB season last year, boosting his production in virtually every category. The outfielder should be locked into a regular role for the Cubs in 2024 and has additional room for growth, making him an attractive fantasy option.

Assad tossed two scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

Assad entered the game having allowed seven runs (six earned) across his first 3.1 innings this spring, so this was a step in the right direction. After serving as a valuable swingman last season, the righty is in the mix to start for the Cubs on a more regular basis in 2024. He may need to string together a few more good outings in camp to beat out Jordan Wicks for a rotation spot.

Pagan (hernia) has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game, but the Reds haven't yet ruled him out for Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The Reds have four of their primary relievers not pitching in games right now -- Pagan, Sam Moll (shoulder), Alex Young (back) and Ian Gibaut (forearm).

With Nick Lodolo (leg) behind schedule this spring, both Andrew Abbott and Martinez are likely to begin the season in the starting rotation, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Initially, Martinez and Abbott were considered competitors for the fifth starter's job, but that decision will be deferred until Lodolo is up to speed and banging down the door to start.

Fairchild is one of four Reds players battling for a likely last roster spot for Opening Day, along with Jose Barrero, Josh Harrison and Tony Kemp, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

As Rosecrans elaborates, the Reds have significant infield depth, so Fairchild isn't hurt by his OF-only status. Moreover, he has a slight advantage by virtue of hitting right-handed, as TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley and Will Benson are lefty hitters.

Jones expects to return to the Rockies' Cactus League lineup Thursday against the Royals after being removed from Wednesday's game against the Rangers with lower-back tightness, Manny Randhawa of MLB.com reports.

Jones had to be lifted after just one plate appearance when his back tightened up on him, but the young slugger said his exit was precautionary and expects to be fine moving forward. The 25-year-old will look to build upon a breakout 2023 campaign in which he slashed .297/.389/.542 with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 424 plate appearances.

Fujinami's (personal) Grapefruit League debut will now take place Thursday versus the Nationals after Wednesday's game against the Astros was rained out, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Fujinami is healthy but faced a delay to his spring training while tending to a family matter in his native Japan. He will still have plenty of time to get ramped up ahead of Opening Day.

Castro went 1-for-2 in Philadelphia's 3-2 loss to Baltimore on Tuesday.

Castro has tallied 16 plate appearances in eight spring training games to date as it's clear the team wants to give the infielder every opportunity to make the Opening Day roster. While he has accumulated considerable experience over three seasons in the majors, Castro's high strikeout rate limits his offensive potential. If Castro makes the roster, he figures to be positioned as the team's rotational utility infielder.

Jones was lifted from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers due to lower-back tightness, Manny Randhawa of MLB.com reports.

Jones struck out in his lone plate appearance in the bottom of the first inning before being removed before the top of the second. The Rockies should have more clarity on the outfielder's condition after the game.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Brubaker (elbow) has progressed to throwing off the slope of the mound, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

It's another box checked for Brubaker as he continues the long road back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last April. The right-hander will likely be out until around midseason.