MLB Player News

Lynn is penciled in to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday versus the Nationals, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Lynn has been working on the back fields so far, giving the Cardinals an opportunity to evaluate other pitchers in spring games. Lynn will don the Cardinals' jersey for the first time since 2017 after signing a one-year deal with the team in November. The right-hander endured the worst season of his career in 2023, posting a 5.73 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 44 home runs allowed over 183.2 innings between the White Sox and the Dodgers. He'll play most of 2024 at age 37, so it's unclear how much he'll be able to bounce back, though he'll at least have his home games in a pitcher-friendly stadium.

Liberatore is in competition with Zack Thompson for the last spot in the Cardinals' rotation, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Liberatore is lagging behind in results with three runs allowed over five innings across two spring starts so far. There's a chance both Liberatore and Thompson could make the rotation -- Steven Matz is being brought along slowly this spring after an injury-riddled 2023. Liberatore started half of his 22 outings last season, pitching to a 5.25 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 46:25 K:BB over 61.2 innings. He'll need to show better to avoid a trip to Triple-A Memphis.

Thompson allowed two runs on three hits and struck out three without walking a batter in Saturday's Grapefruit league start versus the Astros.

Thompson and Matthew Liberatore are in the Cardinals' biggest battle for the last starting spot in the rotation. Thompson pitched for 2.2 innings Saturday before giving up back-to-back doubles. With Steven Matz coming along slowly after an injury-plagued 2023, there could be room for both Thompson and Liberatore in the Cardinals' projected early season six-man rotation, but both of them have shown some inconsistency early in the spring.

Davis told reporters he's willing to do "whatever the team needs," following the Giants' signing of Matt Chapman on Friday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Prior to the deal, Davis was lined up for the starting job at third base. Davis now is likely to either be a reserve or trade option, as the Giants also have Wilmer Flores available for an infield utility role and LaMonte Wade expected to handle a strong-side platoon role at first base. Davis batted. 248 with 18 home runs and a career-high 69 RBI over 144 contests last season and was awarded a $6.9 million contract in arbitration in February.

Perez exited his start Saturday against the Mets due to a broken nail on his right middle finger, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Perez had been dealing with a cut on the same finger earlier during camp, but his removal Saturday was unrelated. Perez said after his start that he felt no pain from the broken nail, and he doesn't expect it to become an issue going forward. The 20-year-old righty lasted 2.1 innings against New York, striking out two batters and walking one.

Perez was removed from his appearance during Saturday's spring training game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Perez called a trainer out to the mound during the third inning of Saturday's game to take a look at his hand. Perez recently had problems with a cut on his right middle finger, so it's possible he aggravated the injury during the game. The Marlins should offer more information on Perez's condition in the near future, but his status for Opening Day likely won't be affected.

Walker (knee) told reporters Saturday that he's aiming to throw off the mound in the next few days after playing catch Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Walker experienced right knee soreness during his bullpen session Thursday after returning from an absence due to personal reasons. He's set to play catch again Sunday from a longer distance and will look to throw off the mound in the coming week. In his first season with the Phillies in 2023, Walker finished with a 15-6 record over 31 starts with a 4.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 138:71 K:BB across 172.2 innings.

Gore gave up one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros. He struck out three.

The 25-year-old southpaw has had an impressive start to the spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB over five scoreless frames. Gore had an uneven first full season in the majors last year; his 151:57 K:BB through 136.1 innings highlighted both his ability to miss bats and his issues finding the plate. A first-round pick of the Padres in 2017, Gore has the upside to develop into an ace if he can sharpen his control and command.

Garrett (lower leg) has been hitting and running the bases in minor-league intrasquad games, but he has yet to play defense and isn't ready to play a full nine innings, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez still believes Garrett could be on the Opening Day roster. "I'm still optimistic that he can do it," Martinez said Saturday. "He's working really hard. Probably the next 10-12 days are going to really determine where he's at. They're pushing him, and he wants to be pushed." However, the 28-year-old could be running out of time to get in enough Grapefruit League action that the team will be comfortable having him on the 26-man roster to begin the season, even if he's limited initially to DH duties. If Garrett does wind up on the injured list, it might open the door for top prospect James Wood to make the Opening Day roster.

Vientos went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

Starting at third base and batting fifth, the 24-year-old took Matthew Liberatore deep in the second inning for his first long ball of the spring. The Mets are looking for Vientos to take a step forward this season after he stumbled to a .211/.253/.367 slash line over 233 plate appearances in 2023 with a 30.5 percent strikeout rate, but it's not yet clear if he'll have a consistent spot in the lineup or split his time between third base and DH while also occasionally spelling Pete Alonso at first base.