MLB Player News

Herget signed a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Feb. 22 and received an invitation to major-league spring training.

Herget posted a 5.18 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 24.1 innings with the Reds last season. The Brewers already have a fairly deep big-league bullpen, so Herget will likely begin the new campaign in Triple-A Nashville.

Alzolay did not play in Friday's spring training game against the White Sox due to an illness, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Alzolay picked up the illness Thursday and was scratched from Friday's game and noted that his schedule will be pushed back by two days. He agreed to a one-year, $2.11 million contract in January after going to arbitration with the Cubs. Alzolay posted a 2-5 record and 22 saves last season with a 2.67 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 67:13 K:BB over 64 innings.

Muncy (hand) took batting practice Friday and is scheduled to return to Cactus League action Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Friday marks the first time Muncy has swung a bat since he was struck in the left hand by a pitch during Wednesday's exhibition game against the Rangers. The Dodgers never seemed too concerned about Muncy's availability for the regular season, and it appears he will return to the playing field after just three days of rest. The 33-year-old has logged three hits in six at-bats so far this spring, including a home run.

Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports Friday that Kershaw (shoulder) is with the Dodgers in camp and will be with the team until it heads to South Korea to open the 2024 season.

Kershaw underwent shoulder surgery in November to repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. Plunkett notes that Kershaw is still in the early stages of his throwing program, and the veteran left-hander isn't expected to return to action until the summer. He's expected to return to Texas to continue his rehab once the Dodgers leave for South Korea.

McCutchen (Achilles) took swings and participated in defensive drills Friday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

McCutchen is coming off a partial Achilles tear and has yet to see action in Grapefruit League games, but it appears he's closing in on his spring debut. The 37-year-old re-signed with the Pirates after he posted a .775 OPS in 112 games last season and is poised to serve as the club's primary designated hitter in 2024.

Reds manager David Bell said Friday that Lodolo is still not 100 percent and will have his injured left leg "re-scanned," Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The southpaw missed much of the 2023 season with a stress reaction in his left tibia, and he's still having trouble getting past the injury. While Lodolo is able to throw without issue, he "still feels it" in his leg the day after, per Bell. Being ready for the beginning of the season is still possible if Lodolo can be game-ready by the end of next week, but that looks to be very much in question.

Gonzales went 2-for-3, hitting one double and scoring once in Pittsburgh's 9-8 loss to Baltimore on Thursday.

Gonzalez is in a fierce competition for one of the final spots on the Opening Day roster, as the 2020 first-round pick is battling with Liover Peguero and Ji Hwan Bae for a utility infield job. Through a handful of spring-training at-bats, he's hitting .300, but he'll need to consistently maintain success after hitting just .209 last season across 35 games.

Palacios has been dealing with a lower-leg injury but is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut in the next few days, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Palacios did some running Friday and has also hit on the field, so he appears close to putting the minor injury behind him. The 28-year-old is slated to be a reserve outfielder for the Pirates in 2024.

Reds manager David Bell said Friday that Gibaut (forearm) is progressing but isn't a lock to be ready by Opening Day, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gibaut is working his way back from a pronator strain in his right forearm. While he is feeling better, he has yet to resume a throwing program. If healthy, Gibaut is projected for a middle-relief role in Cincinnati.

Marte (hamstring) will make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Rockies, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Marte has been brought along methodically this spring after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain in late November while playing in the Dominican Winter League. There is still time for the 22-year-old to ramp up before Opening Day, but the delayed start to his spring won't help his chances of nailing down a regular role at third base.