MLB Player News

Frias worked several innings of relief on Thursday and was going to be unavailable for a couple of days, so he’s sent out to add an extra bench bat. He’ll rejoin the Dodgers at some point in the second half.

Woodruff gets the ball for Milwaukee’s fifth game of the regular season to open a three-game series against Tampa Bay at American Family Field. There were some questions earlier this spring whether the veteran fantasy stalwart would be ready for Opening Day coming off a lat strain. The 33-year-old appears ready to roll and will pitch at the back-end of the Brewers’ rotation.

Rocker gets the nod to open the season in Texas’ rotation with Jacob Latz heading to the bullpen. It qualifies as a bit of a surprise considering how inconsistent the former top prospect was in his opportunities with the Rangers last year. The 26-year-old has turned in an impressive spring with a 4.26 ERA and 14/3 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings of work. He’s talented enough to make a fantasy impact, especially in deeper mixed leagues, but there’s enough evidence to suggest a wait-and-see approach in shallower formats.

McLain will sit out Monday’s spring contest against the Brewers as he recovers from a flu bug that has been working its way through Cincinnati’s facility. The 26-year-old second baseman has been the talk of the Cactus League this spring with seven homers and two steals in 17 contests. He should be ready for the club’s Opening Day matchup later this week.

Peña hasn’t been officially ruled out for Houston’s season-opener later this week. The 28-year-old shortstop traveled with the club to Daikin Park for Monday night’s exhibition against Triple-A Sugar Land where he’ll take on-field batting practice. He’s made steady progress in his recovery from a fractured right finger and could be ready for Opening Day. The Astros are unlikely to make a final decision on his status until later this week.

Lodolo will resume throwing later this week after exiting his final spring start over the weekend with a blister on his left finger. The 28-year-old southpaw seems likely to either pitch at the back-end of Cincinnati’s rotation at the outset of the regular season, which would give him additional time to rest and recover, or require a brief trip to the injured list to put the issue to bed. There should be a decision on his status at some point later this week, likely based on how his next throwing session goes.

McCutchen earns a spot on Texas’ season-opening roster as a bench bat after hitting a blistering .444 (8-for-18) with three doubles in seven Cactus League contests this spring after signing a minor league pact earlier this month. The 39-year-old longtime Pirates icon will kick off his 18th season in the majors later this week, splitting time with Joc Pederson at DH for the Rangers.

Baz struck out five and walked none while facing Nationals regulars, which is kind of like taking on an average Triple-A lineup. He ends the spring with a 2.61 ERA and a 14/4 K/BB ratio in 10 1/3 innings over his three outings. Baz will open up as the Orioles’ No. 3 starter, making him a solid play with the Twins and Pirates first up on the schedule.

Two innings was apparently sufficient for Bassitt to remain on track for his season debut next Monday against the Rangers. He’s in line to start twice next week, with the second outing being a road start in Pittsburgh. That makes him attractive as a streaming option.

Teams typically use their better relievers early in games in spring training, but it seemed like manager Blake Butera wanted Beeter to have the chance to close this one out. It didn’t happen — the Nationals were shut out — but it’s the thought that counts. Beeter and Cole Henry, who worked a scoreless second today, seem like the favorite for saves in D.C. There probably won’t be a bunch to go around, though.

Brady House excepted, it’s been a horrific spring for Nationals hitters. the team as a whole ranks dead last with a .194 average, a .288 OBP and a .304 slugging. Of the 13 position players expected to be on the roster, Nasim Nuñez has the second-highest OPS at .701. Wood has hit .125/.222/.250 with one homer. He has six hits and 19 strikeouts in 54 plate appearances. His exit velocity numbers when he makes contact are just fine, so we’re not especially worried about him. But with his strikeout and groundball rates still up, there’s nothing to suggest he’s about to take a step forward at age 23.