MLB Player News

Through King's first two Cactus League appearances this spring, he's allowed no runs on two hits over five innings while posting a 4:0 K:BB.

King's first spring appearance came in relief, and he pitched two scoreless frames against Cleveland after entering in the third inning. He then started against San Francisco in his second outing and breezed through three frames, allowing just one hit while striking out three batters. King came over from the Yankees in December in the trade that sent Juan Soto to New York, and the right-handed hurler is set to start for the Padres from the outset of the campaign. His final three seasons with the Yankees were impressive, as he tallied a 2.88 ERA (3.13 FIP), 1.15 WHIP and 255:72 K:BB over 219 frames, but only 15 of his 105 appearances during that span came as a starter.

Waldron has allowed one run on six hits while striking out eight over nine innings through his first three Cactus League appearances.

Waldron surrendered his first run of the spring Monday afternoon against the Cubs, but he was otherwise able to work out of danger despite giving up six hits. He's making a strong push in the early going to earn a spot as a starter, and according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, Waldron could even be the current favorite to shore up the back end of the rotation.

Brito allowed five hits and struck out six over 3.1 scoreless innings during Monday's exhibition against the Cubs. He didn't factor into the decision.

Brito has looked sharp so far this spring, surrendering three runs on nine hits while striking out 10 over 8.1 innings of work. He's also yet to issue a walk. The 26-year-old has put himself in a good position early on to win a spot in San Diego's starting rotation, though his work is far from over, as Matt Waldron has also been a bright spot thus far for the Padres.

Mastrobuoni seems likely to secure a utility role with the Cubs out of spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The Cubs have a few options for bench spots, but Mastrobuoni likely has an inside track due to his left-handed bat and his defensive versatility. The 28-year-old had some nice moments toward the end of last year, though he finished with just a .609 OPS across 61 games and doesn't profile as a great fantasy asset in 2024.

While Canario may push for a reserve outfield role in camp, he's likely to start the season with Triple-A Iowa, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Canario gives the Cubs a potential option to mash against lefties, but he's still likely to begin the year in the minors. The 23-year-old made his MLB debut last season and appeared in six games, recording a double, a triple and a home run during that limited run. If Canario impresses at Triple-A, he may force his way into Chicago's plans at some point this summer.

Amaya is just 2-for-11 through four Cactus League games with no home runs or RBI.

It's very early and Amaya should have a roster spot secured even if he continues to struggle in exhibition play. The youngster made his MLB debut last season and showed signs of promise, but he also only batted .214 and struck out nearly 26 percent of the time, so there is definitely room for growth. The veteran Yan Gomes is on hand to provide a steady presence behind the plate, though the Cubs likely want to see Amaya take the job and run with it sooner versus later.

Villar is day-to-day after X-rays on his left hand came back negative, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Villar had to be removed from Monday's contest against the Rockies after being hit on the left hand by a pitch, but he's managed to escape with merely a bruise. The 27-year-old is competing for a reserve infielder job with the Giants this spring.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said in an interview on MLB Network Radio on Monday that while he's been pleased with Morel's defensive work, the third base job is "not going to be solved in spring training."

Morel is going to get an extended look at the hot corner and may very well be the long-term answer there, but Counsell doesn't plan to make that decision based on what happens in spring training. Worth noting is that Morel's chief competitors at the hot corner, Nick Madrigal (leg) and Patrick Wisdom (quad), are both banged up. Ultimately, Morel figures to garner plenty of at-bats, whether that's mostly at third base, designated hitter or bouncing around to many positions.

Madrigal was pulled from Monday's game against the Padres with a right leg cramp, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Madrigal grounded out in his lone plate appearance before exiting. Leg problems have plagued the 26-year-old throughout his career, so hopefully this is indeed just a cramp and it's a day-to-day situation. Madrigal is competing for playing time at third base for the Cubs.

Winans was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett by Atlanta on Monday.

Atlanta is now left with 53 players in camp after making a handful of cuts. Winans held a 5.29 ERA but a 34:8 K:BB over 32.1 innings covering six starts in the majors last season and figures to wind up spending some time with the big club in 2024.