MLB Player News

Gomez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Gomez hit 30 home runs at Memphis in 2023 after clubbing 39 between Double- and Triple-A in 2022. However, the power also came with a 33.1 percent strikeout rate and poor defense, which clearly impacted his appeal on waivers. He'll remain in the Cardinals organization as outfield depth.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Saturday that Buehler (elbow) will not be on the Opening Day roster, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The Dodgers are trying to figure out the best way to manage Buehler's workload as he comes back from Tommy John surgery and will have him on a "slow program," per Roberts. Whether that means the right-hander will begin the year in extended spring training, on a rehab assignment or something else has not been revealed by the club yet. It's also unclear at this juncture when Buehler might join the Dodgers' rotation, but fantasy managers probably should count on him being unavailable at least for the first month or so. Buehler also figures to have a truncated workload when he does make it back. It's a tricky situation in fantasy, but there's not at least a bit more clarity ahead of spring training.

The Cardinals designated Zuniga (forearm) for assignment Saturday.

The signing of Keynan Middleton became official Saturday, and Zuniga was the roster casualty. Zuniga spent most of his time in Triple-A last season, logging a 7.63 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 30.2 innings, and he ended the season on the injured list due to a right forearm strain.

The White Sox traded Mena to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Dominic Fletcher on Saturday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Since his promotion to Double-A in 2022, Mena has struggled to find his footing in the minor leagues. He managed a 4.66 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 23 starts in Double-A last season and surrendered 13 runs in 19.2 frames upon arriving in Triple-A. Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said Mena will likely begin 2024 at Triple-A Reno and could be a rotation option later in the year, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The 21-year-old right-hander will need to show significant improvement before joining the Diamondbacks' rotation -- a task that may prove difficult in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Dodgers' general manager Brandon Gomes said Saturday that Ohtani will be "somewhat limited" to begin spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September and has yet to resume throwing, which is hardly a surprise since he isn't expected to pitch again until 2025. The two-way superstar has resumed hitting drills, however, and he should be ready to serve as the Dodgers' DH without restrictions by Opening Day.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Saturday that Treinen (shoulder) is trending toward a return in 2024, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

It remains unclear whether Treinen will be able to pitch in spring training games, but it's relatively positive news for the 35-year-old right-hander. Treinen missed the entire 2023 campaign after undergoing surgery on his shoulder in November 2022, and he was lit up for three runs in 1.1 innings at Triple-A Oklahoma City before being pulled off his rehab assignment.

Lux (knee) is a "full go" for spring training, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Lux missed all of last season after tearing the ACL and spraining the MCL in his right knee during a spring training game last year. Despite his extended absence, Lux is on track to begin the new campaign as the Dodgers' primary shortstop, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The 26-year-old infielder slashed .276/.346/.399 with 42 RBI across 471 plate appearances in 2022.

Frasso underwent labrum repair surgery in November and will miss the majority of the 2024 season, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Frasso suffered the injury toward the end of last season while pitching at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He registered a 3.77 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 93 innings between Double-A and Triple-A and was trending toward potentially making his MLB debut near the end of 2024, but it will now be a while before Frasso gets a chance to follow up on his success.

Feyereisen (shoulder) is expected to be a "full go" for spring training, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Feyereisen was forced to miss all of last season after undergoing a shoulder procedure in December 2022. He threw a bullpen session Saturday as the latest step in his rehab program and appears set to compete for a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen in the spring. The 30-year-old reliever boasts a 2.31 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 89.2 innings in his MLB career.

Lamet signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Saturday and received an invitation to major-league spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Lamet accumulated an awful 11.71 ERA and 2.35 WHIP across 27.2 innings in the majors last season. However, his numbers improved dramatically in the minors with a 2.70 ERA and 1.00 WHIP between the Rockies' and Red Sox's Triple-A affiliates. Lamet will certainly have to show more success before getting another shot in the majors, but the Dodgers organization has developed a reputation for reviving pitchers' careers.