MLB Player News

The Cubs designated Neely for assignment Wednesday.

Neely ended up being a roster casualty after the Cubs needed to free up a 40-man spot for infielder Scott Kingery, who won a utility role with the big club coming out of spring training. A 25-year-old righty reliever, Neely made six appearances out of the Chicago bullpen in 2024 but pitched exclusively in the minors in 2025. He struggled across his 28 appearances last season with Triple-A Iowa, logging a 6.23 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 39:27 K:BB in 30.1 innings.

The Brewers optioned McGee to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

McGee had been in the mix for a spot in the Brewers' bullpen but ultimately didn't make the cut. He should be one of the first relievers called upon from the minors when the club needs bullpen help.

The Cubs placed Steele (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Steele is progressing as anticipated after undergoing UCL revision surgery back on April 18, 2025, but he'll still need at least the first two months of the 2026 season to complete the lengthy recovery process. The southpaw checked off a major box in his rehab program by facing live hitters in batting practice sessions just under two weeks ago. He'll likely continue to gradually increase the volume and intensity of his pitching in live BP sessions and simulated games over at least the next few weeks before eventually embarking on an extended minor-league rehab assignment.

The Rockies placed Crim (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Crim sustained an oblique strain in February and isn't ready for the start of the regular season. The 28-year-old was cleared for baseball activities last week and is likely at least a week or two away from a rehab assignment.

The Rockies selected Sullivan's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

Sullivan won the backup catcher job behind starter Hunter Goodman. He will get some starts on days Goodman serves as a designated hitter, but Sullivan will mostly operate as a reserve.

The Phillies selected Cairo's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned him to Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Cairo did enough this spring to earn a spot on the 40-man roster, but he will begin the season in the minors. The 24-year-old is a light-hitting infielder but gives the Phillies a versatile, stable glove at Lehigh Valley.

The Cardinals placed Dobbins (knee) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Dobbins is still working his way back from July surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. Though he's been able to steadily build up his pitch count throughout the spring through live batting practice sessions and simulated games, he's not yet been cleared for full fielding and agility drills. Once he clears that hurdle in the recovery process, Dobbins may not require an extensive rehab assignment, but the Cardinals aren't guaranteed to have a spot in the rotation available for him upon his return from the IL.

The Cardinals selected Wetherholt's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

St. Louis freed up a spot on the 40-man roster for their top prospect by placing outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heels) on the 60-day injured list. Following a dazzling 2025 campaign that included stops at Memphis and Double-A Springfield, Wetherholt continued to impress throughout spring training, posting a .386 on-base percentage in the Grapefruit League while contributing two home runs and two stolen bases. He's projected to serve as the Cardinals' everyday second baseman and is expected to bat leadoff in Thursday's season opener versus Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen.

The Phillies selected Crawford's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

The Phillies informed Crawford last week that he would be on the Opening Day roster, though there was never much doubt. He will operate as the club's primary center fielder and is poised to bat ninth in the lineup. Crawford slashed .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs and 46 stolen bases at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025 and should be an immediate fantasy contributor in the steals department, at the very least.

The Rockies selected Rumfield's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

Manager Warren Schaeffer announced Sunday that Rumfield made Colorado's Opening Day roster, and the first baseman has now officially been added to the big-league club. The 25-year-old is now on the cusp of his MLB debut and is expected to see regular action at first base after posting a .913 OPS with five homers in 23 spring training games. He spent last season at the Triple-A level with the Yankees, where he had a .285/.378/.447 slash line in 138 contests.