MLB Player News

Fletcher was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett by Atlanta on Wednesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Given the $15.5 million left on his contract, Fletcher was easily going to pass through waivers. It's still possible that he claims a utility infielder job with Atlanta, but now the club will have a bit more 40-man roster flexibility. Fletcher has slashed just .259/.296/.327 in 251 major-league games since the beginning of the 2021 season.

Robles (back) was recently cleared to play in the Dominican Winter League, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Working his way back from lumbar spine spasms, Robles was cleared for action early last week and has played four games with Toros del Este. It's the first game action for the 26-year-old since June, as he was limited to only 36 contests with the Nationals in 2023. Robles appears healthy now and should head into spring training as the favorite to be the club's Opening Day center fielder.

Rodriguez underwent surgery to repair the UCL and flexor tendon in his right elbow Tuesday.

Rodriguez injured himself on a swing while playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic on Nov. 13. He's expected to resume baseball activity within 10-12 months, ruling him out for all of next season. With Rodriguez out, Henry Davis will presumably take on a larger share of starts behind the plate, and Jason Delay and Ali Sanchez will be in the running for the backup catcher spot.

Tellez signed a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Pirates on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Tellez spent over two seasons with the Brewers, and he will remain in the NL Central to fill the Pirates' opening at first base. The 28-year-old slugger took a major step back in 2023, slashing .215/.291/.376 with 13 home runs -- only one of which came after May 23. Despite his recent struggles, Tellez should begin the season as Pittsburgh's primary first baseman, though he will likely step out of the lineup against lefties in favor of Jared Triolo or Connor Joe.

Downs was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Tuesday.

The Nats needed to clear out 40-man roster space in order to finalize their one-year agreements with both Nick Senzel and Dylan Floro. Downs ranked as a top-100 prospect a few years ago, but he's slashed just .182/.260/.273 in 50 career plate appearances at the major-league level and posted an underwhelming .236/.358/.379 batting line across 51 games last season with Triple-A Rochester.

Mauricio has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his knee and will require surgery, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

Mauricio suffered the injury on Sunday during Dominican Winter League play while running the bases. A timetable for the youngster's return is not yet clear but should be available following the operation. At the very least, he is certainly not going to be ready in time for Opening Day. Mauricio had been set to compete with Brett Baty for the Mets' third base job, which means Baty is now the heavy favorite to man the hot corner in the opener, with Mark Vientos also in the mix.

Mauricio is headed back to the United States to undergo testing for a knee injury he suffered Sunday while playing in the Dominican Winter League, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Playing for Tigres del Licey, Mauricio was hurt when he stopped abruptly in between first and second base as he halted a stolen-base attempt. He first underwent testing in the Dominican Republic -- the results of which are unclear -- and will now travel to New York to be looked at by Mets doctors. If healthy, Mauricio is slated to compete in spring training for the Mets' third-base job.

The Reds signed Candelario on Monday to a three-year, $45 million contract that contains a club option for 2027, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Candelario and the Reds agreed in principle on the deal last week, but it wasn't until Monday that the team formally announced the signing of the 30-year-old. He's expected to move between the corner-infield spots and designated hitter in 2024, with his ability to hit from either side of the plate likely guaranteeing him steady playing time versus both left- and right-handed pitching. After posting a career-worst .633 OPS in his final season with the Tigers in 2022, Candelario bounced back nicely at the plate in 2023, slashing .251/.336/.471 with a career-high 22 home runs and eight stolen bases across 575 plate appearances between the Nationals and Cubs.

Ryan agreed Monday with the Pirates on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The 28-year-old reached the big leagues for the first time with Seattle in 2023, making just one relief appearance in August before he was cast off the 40-man roster following the season. Over a larger sample of 55 innings at Triple-A Tacoma last season, Ryan held his own in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, compiling a 3.76 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 56:22 K:BB. The right-hander will get a chance to compete for a spot in the Pirates' Opening Day bullpen but will likely be tasked with a lower-leverage role if he manages to secure a roster berth.

Bannon signed a minor-league contract with the Mets on Monday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Bannon has seen brief action in the majors for three different teams over the last two seasons, going 2-for-20 at the plate. The 27-year-old spent virtually all of 2023 at Triple-A Sugar Land in the Astros organization, posting an .810 OPS with 18 homers and 12 steals over 95 games. Bannon plays second and third base and can handle shortstop in a pinch.