MLB Player News

Doyle put on 20 pounds of good weight since the end of the 2023 season, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Doyle made his big-league debut in 2023 and appeared in 126 games, all of which came in center field. He showed some intriguing power and speed potential, tallying 10 homers and 22 steals in 431 plate appearances. Doyle posted only a .140 ISO, so the added muscle could help him reach more power. However, his primary path to improved production would be cutting down on his 35 percent strikeout rate.

Henry will start the Diamondbacks' Cactus League matchup against the Rockies on Friday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Friday's start had originally been awarded to Eduardo Rodriguez, but Arizona will instead allow Henry to start the first game of spring training while Rodriguez throws a live BP session. Henry will spend the spring competing with Ryne Nelson for the final spot in the D-backs' rotation. While it's unknown how long Henry will remain in Friday's contest, a strong outing would certainly give him an early advantage.

Rodriguez will no longer start the Diamondbacks' spring opener Friday against Colorado, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Rodriguez will have to wait a bit longer to make his first appearance in a Diamondbacks uniform, as he will instead throw a live batting practice on a backfield Friday. Fellow southpaw Tommy Henry will get the nod to start against the Rockies in Rodriguez's place.

Betts said Thursday that he expects to play second base exclusively this spring, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Betts even joked that he didn't bring his right fielder's glove to spring training. While the 31-year-old undoubtedly could return to right field if a need arises there, this emphasizes the point that the Dodgers are committed to Betts as a full-time second baseman. Betts made 62 starts at the keystone in 2023, more than doubling his career total coming into the year.

Sanchez suffered a hand injury during a workout several weeks ago, which was the reason for the hold up with his contract, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

It was originally believed that Sanchez's right wrist -- which he fractured in September -- was what delayed the finalization of his deal with the Brewers. The 31-year-old backstop has already been cleared for baseball activities, so his hand (and wrist) shouldn't prevent him from seeing playing time during spring training, but it may be something to monitor going forward.

Slater (elbow) said Thursday that he has the "all clear" to play in spring training games, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Slater has been throwing from 150 feet, and he participated in cutoff and relay drills Thursday for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right elbow in October. It's unclear whether the Giants will use Slater in the field right away as Cactus League games begin or if they will ease him in as a DH, but he should be ready to handle fielding duties by Opening Day.

Perez was dealing with a cut on his right middle finger during Thursday's live batting practice session, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Perez mentioned that the cut developed while he was gripping his changeup. While there was some blood on his finger, Perez noted that he was not in any pain and isn't concerned about it lingering. That said, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Marlins hold the prized young righty out of a throwing session or two in order to let his finger heal.

Corry signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Thursday, Melissa Lockard of The Athletic reports.

Corry, 25, was a borderline top-100 prospect a few years ago but has had his career sidetracked by injury. He threw 34 innings over four stops in the Giants' system last season, posting a 5.03 ERA and 52:18 K:BB.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Ohtani (elbow) could make his Cactus League debut next week, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While Ohtani will be held out of game action through the weekend as he eases into things following right elbow surgery, his spring debut isn't far off. It would still give the designated hitter about three weeks of game action ahead of the Dodgers' March 20-21 series in South Korea against the Padres.

Reds manager David Bell said Thursday that Lodolo (tibia) is slated to face live hitters in his next throwing session, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo avoided offseason surgery to address a stress reaction to his left tibia, an injury he suffered in August while on a rehab assignment. The young southpaw is seemingly healthy again for the early stages of spring training, but the Reds have been taking it slowly with him following a lost season in which he was limited to just seven starts with the big club. Lodolo has thus far been pain-free during his bullpen sessions, and facing hitters without any discomfort will be the final hurdle he needs to clear before he's integrated into the Cactus League pitching schedule. He's still tracking to be part of the Reds' Opening Day rotation, though any setback with his leg or any other sort of health concern that crops up would likely result in him beginning the season on the injured list.