MLB Player News

Stoudt was designated for assignment by the Reds on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Stoudt really struggled in 2023, posting a 6.23 ERA at Triple-A Louisville and a 9.58 ERA during his brief time with the Reds. The 26-year-old has been a prospect of some significance in the past, so perhaps he'll draw some interest on waivers.

The Reds claimed Thompson off waivers from the Twins on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Thompson had been claimed by the Reds back in October before being dumped two months after that. He's now found his way back to Cincinnati as he continues his waivers merry-go-round. The speedy outfielder will compete for a reserve role.

Bard (forearm) will undergo arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Bard finished 2023 on the IL with a flexor strain in his right forearm and will begin 2024 in the same fashion after he suffered a torn meniscus in a throwing session just over a week ago. The 38-year-old had a 4.56 ERA and 47:49 K:BB in 49.1 innings last season and was expected to compete for the closer role during spring training. A projected 5-to-7-week recovery timeline from surgery means Bard likely won't be game ready until April.

Lamet has yet to report to Dodgers camp because of a visa issue, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Pitchers and catchers reported last week for the Dodgers since they begin their season early. While Lamet still has time to get up to speed, a late start won't help his chances at winning a job as a non-roster invitee. The right-hander held an 11.71 ERA across 27.2 innings with the Rockies and Red Sox last season.

Diaz (knee) had no issues after throwing a bullpen session Monday on a back mound at the Mets' spring training complex, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

"Finally back," the right-hander said after the session. "I'm ready to go." Diaz missed the entire 2023 campaign due to a knee injury he suffered in the World Baseball Classic, but he appears fully recovered from surgery and ready to resume his role as the Mets' closer. While he is throwing off a mound, the 29-year-old has yet to begin fielding bunts or covering bases during defensive drills, but those milestones will happen soon enough as spring training ramps up. Diaz recorded 32 saves in both 2021 and 2022, and if he stays healthy in 2024, he figures to deliver similar numbers again.

Ashcraft (toe) is projected to be part of the Reds' rotation, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

Ashcraft, who suffered a toe injury at the end of August, missed the final month of the 2023 season. He underwent surgery in September, but the right-hander was expected to be ready to go by spring training. More should be learned about Ashcraft's status in the coming days. Cincinnati's pitchers and catchers report Tuesday and have their first workout Wednesday.

Lodolo (leg) is projected to be a member of the Reds' rotation, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

Lodolo was limited to just seven starts in 2023 due to a lower-leg injury and will need to prove he's 100 percent healthy before the Reds hand him the final spot in the rotation. And, there will be no shortage of competitors for the job, as Brandon Williamson, Nick Martinez and Connor Phillips are in the mix. Cincinnati's staff should have the depth to manage any holes in the rotation that typically crop up during the regular season.

Encarnacion-Strand is projected to be the Reds' starting first baseman, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Encarnacion-Strand gives Cincinnati pop from the right side of the plate, but the switch-hitting Jeimer Candelario figures to play his fair share there as well and Jonathan India could even enter the mix at the position on occasion. However it all shakes out, the DH spot will allow all three of those capable hitters to potentially be in the lineup together on any given day.

Henry and Ryne Nelson are expected to compete for the final spot in the rotation, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Henry had a decent run at the back end of the rotation during the 2023 season, taking over when Madison Bumgarner was designated for assignment in April before an elbow injury cut short his season. While Henry was healthy by September, he was not added to the postseason roster for any of the playoff rounds. The 26-year-old left-hander recorded a 5-4 record and 4.57 ERA over 136 innings (17 appearances, 16 starts) with 100 strikeouts and 56 walks in 2023.

Nelson is expected to compete with Tommy Henry for the final spot in the rotation, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The top three in the rotation are set -- Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez -- and it looks like Brandon Pfaadt has the edge for the No. 4 spot, leaving Nelson and Henry to compete for the back end. Nelson spent the first four-and-a-half months of the 2023 season as part of the rotation before an August demotion. He returned to the Diamondbacks in September and made three postseason appearances as a reliever. Nelson recorded an 8-8 record and 5.31 ERA over 144 innings (29 appearances, 27 starts) with 96 strikeouts and 46 walks during the regular season.