MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks signed Almora to a minor-league deal Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Almora last saw major-league action in 2022 with the Reds, playing 64 big-league games and slashing .223/.282/.349 with five home runs, 29 RBI and three stolen bases. The 29-year-old could provide a right-handed bench option for Arizona's lefty-heavy outfield if Randal Grichuk (ankle) isn't ready for Opening Day.

Garlick signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday and received an invitation to major-league spring training, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Garlick logged five hits in 28 big-league at-bats with Minnesota last season, but he slashed .242/.346/.450 with 65 RBI across 355 plate appearances in Triple-A. He will have an opportunity to make Arizona's Opening Day roster during camp, but chances are the 32-year-old outfielder fills in as organizational depth with Triple-A Reno.

Lopez might be the early favorite to open the season as Atlanta's No. 5 starter, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Lopez holds a career 4.73 ERA and 19.8 percent strikeout rate as a starter but a 3.01 ERA and 26.6 percent strikeout rate as a reliever, and all but one of his appearances over the last two seasons have come out of the bullpen. However, Atlanta believes they might be able to coax more out of Lopez as a starter, and at the very least it would be easier to stretch him out now before moving him to the bullpen later rather than vice versa. Lopez's primary competition for the fifth spot in the rotation is Bryce Elder, with AJ Smith-Shawver, Darius Vines, Allan Winans and Dylan Dodd also options.

Fujinami is flying back to Japan on Friday to attend to a family matter, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander agreed to a one-year, $3.35 million deal with the Mets in early February, but he won't be with the team for the start of spring games due to the family issue. Fujinami is expected to be back with the club in plenty of time to get ready before Opening Day.

Ashby (shoulder) told reporters Friday that he's healthy and will be competing for a spot in the Brewers' rotation this spring, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ashby had left shoulder surgery last April and was roughed up in seven rehab appearances after returning, posting a 15.43 ERA. His velocity was reportedly trending in the right direction as of last fall, so it will be interesting to see what the radar gun says this spring. It's not clear when the southpaw will be making his Cactus League debut. When he's healthy, Ashby has loads of upside, but he has some boxes to check from a stuff and performance standpoint before fantasy managers should get excited.

Luciano (hamstring) has been scratched from the Giants' lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Luciano has been dealing with what's been described as a minor hamstring problem. While the hope was that he could play Saturday following a workout Friday, the Giants have ultimately decided to exercise caution. It's not clear when Luciano might be able to suit up for Cactus League action, but it seems like a day-to-day situation at this juncture.

Darvish threw another live batting practice session Friday and expects his next outing to be in a Cactus League game, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Darvish's goal is to be ready to go for the Padres' series against the Dodgers on March 20-21 in South Korea, and he seems on track to meet that timeline. The veteran right-hander missed the final month of last season with a bone spur in his right elbow but has been throwing this spring without restrictions.

Ford signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Friday that includes an invite to big-league camp, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Ford had a .228/.323/.475 slash line with 16 home runs in 84 games with the Mariners last season before being cut loose in November. The Reds already have a logjam of quality bats, so Ford is unlikely to see much playing time even if he manages to crack the big-league roster.

Bohm won't play in any Grapefruit League games this weekend due to neck spasms, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The severity of the injury hasn't been disclosed, but for now Bohm will be held out of spring games. The 27-year-old still has plenty of time to get healthy before Opening Day as he looks to build on his strong 2023 performance.

Winn (upper body) went through a full workout Friday, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Winn had not been able to hit the previous two days because of upper-body discomfort, but he took part in batting practice Friday without any apparent issues. The Cardinals will wait to see how the rookie responds before determining when he'll make his Grapefruit League debut, but it could come as soon as Sunday or early next week. Winn is expected to be the club's Opening Day shortstop.