MLB Player News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that McNeil (biceps) is feeling "a lot better" and could return to Grapefruit League games soon, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

McNeil has been battling some left biceps soreness but did not require an MRI, and it sounds like he's almost put the injury in the rearview mirror. The 31-year-old also has a partial UCL tear in the elbow of the same arm, which surely factors into the team taking extra precaution. McNeil is slated to be the club's primary second baseman in 2024.

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Tuesday that Garrett (shoulder) will likely begin the season on the injured list, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Schumaker noted that Garrett "feels great" as he works his way back from some early-camp left shoulder soreness, but the team does not think it's a good idea to push him to be ready in time for Opening Day. The southpaw has been throwing bullpen sessions and a live batting practice session appears imminent. With Garrett expected to miss at least a start or two, it could clear a path for A.J. Puk in Miami's rotation.

McCaughan was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville by the Marlins on Tuesday.

McCaughan had a couple scoreless appearances this spring, but that wasn't enough to prevent him from being an early roster cut. Acquired via trade from the Mariners last month, McCaughan will likely be part of Jacksonville's rotation.

McCutchen (Achilles) will make his spring debut Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The veteran has been slow-played this spring after a partial tear of his left Achilles' tendon ended his 2023 season. McCutchen said that he thinks his modified program in camp has helped get his body into a great spot. While he's not the player he once was, McCutchen showed early on last year that he still has something in the tank, posting an .823 OPS over the first two months.

Encarnacion-Strand started at designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a triple, a home run, three RBI and an additional run scored in Monday's spring game against Oakland.

Encarnacion-Strand, who was hitless over his first five Cactus League at-bats, has hit safely in three straight games, going 4-for-8 with three extra-base hits and four RBI. Although he served as the DH on Monday, the 24-year-old is projected to be the Reds' primary first baseman.

Antone allowed two runs on four hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning in Monday's spring game against the Athletics.

Antone has been through an ordeal the last three years, recovering from a second Tommy John elbow surgery, then overcoming a forearm issue that limited him to five September appearances at the big-league level in 2023. He told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com that he's "becoming more of a pitcher instead of a thrower." Indeed, the right-hander that once toiled in the upper 90s is down in the 91-95 mph range this spring. In three spring outings, the 30-year-old Antone has allowed three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five over 2.2 innings.

Diaz allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one over one inning in Monday's spring game against Oakland.

Diaz made his second Cactus League appearance, entering to start the fourth inning. He's one of a handful of closers deemed to have a high degree of security, so it will take more than one deleterious spring outing for the Reds to be concerned. Diaz recorded 37 saves (40 chances) in 2023.

Abbott allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out two over three innings in Monday's spring start against the Athletics.

The A's jumped on Abbott early, touching him up for three runs and five hits in the first inning, including Shea Langeliers' three-run home run. The left-hander met with more trouble in the third when he gave up singles to the first two hitters, leading to the fourth run. Abbott is in the mix for the final spot of the rotation; however, there could be two open slots depending on how Nick Lodolo (lower leg) progresses.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirmed Acuna's diagnosis of irritation in the meniscus of his right knee after examining the outfielder Monday night. Acuna will gradually increase baseball activities and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Fans and fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, as the doctor that performed Acuna's ACL repair in 2021 has signed off on the reigning NL MVP ramping up his activities. Acuna was scratched from the lineup last Friday and the visit to ElAttrache set off alarm bells, but it seems he should be fine once the irritation dissipates. Atlanta opens the regular season in a little over three weeks -- March 28 at Philadelphia.

Henry allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings in Monday's spring game against the White Sox.

Henry entered the third inning following starter Brandon Pfaadt and made his third appearance of the Cactus League, getting up to 56 pitches. He was pulled in the middle of the fifth inning after bumping up against his pitch limit. It was the first time he's met with any resistance this spring; the left-hander breezed through his previous outings, allowing just one hit and one walk over five scoreless innings. Henry and Ryne Nelson are competing for the No. 5 starter job, and Nelson is set to start Tuesday.