MLB Player News

Merryweather had a nice season with the Cubs in 2023, finishing with a 3.38 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 72 innings, but he’s battled some injuries since and amassed a 6.14 ERA with his velocity down about two mph these last two years. He still might be interesting in a Twins pen absent much strikeout potential.

Slater finds a new home with the Marlins shortly after opting out of his contract with the Tigers over the weekend. The 33-year-old veteran’s arrival helps soften the blow of losing both Kyle Stowers (hamstring) and Esteury Ruiz (oblique) to injuries last week. He’ll operate in a lefty-mashing capacity off the bench for Miami.

The procedural move frees up a spot for Atlanta to claim swingman Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Yankees. Wentz suffered a torn ACL in his right knee earlier this month and will miss the entire upcoming season. His absence is a significant hit to Atlanta’s starting pitching depth.

Bido fortifies Atlanta’s wafer-thin starting pitching depth, which has been ravaged by injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Joey Wentz (knee) and Hurston Waldrep (elbow) this spring. The 30-year-old righty has bounced around between several organizations over the last few months but seems likely to stick with the Braves as a viable swingman capable of gobbling up multiple innings out of the bullpen.

Mushinski remains with the Rockies as organizational relief depth after being released over the weekend. The 30-year-old southpaw compiled a serviceable 5.45 ERA across 33 innings in the big leagues from 2022-2024 while with the Astros.

Altavilla and Bowman were in Twins camp as non-roster invitees this spring attempting to win spots in the club’s bullpen. Altavilla made 28 appearances for the White Sox last year. Bowman got into 20 contests for the Orioles last season and should be able to latch on somewhere, likely on a minor league pact.

Lodolo resumed throwing on Tuesday when he played catch in front of Reds manager Terry Francona and the team’s training staff; however, Wittenmyer noted that Lodolo “said he didn’t know what plan would be” and that he also “didn’t sound particularly enthused” about how the catch went. The 28-year-old southpaw had a blister issue crop up during his final spring training outing over the weekend, and might not be ready to take the ball at the back-end of Cincinnati’s rotation. It would likely be a brief stint on the injured list with the Reds making that determination before Thursday’s season opener against the Red Sox.

Freeman was set to be a backup outfielder, which means that Troy Johnston will make the team as a backup at both outfield and first base.

Halvorsen allowed 12 runs in five innings this spring and will start the season in the minors. There’s a chance he can work his way back into the closer’s role at some point this season.

We knew the Yankees were going to start the season with a four-man rotation because of the way their off-days were scheduled, so this isn’t a huge surprise. Gil will start in the minors so that he can remain stretched out. He had a fine enough spring, at least not walking many batters, but he is clearly the fifth starter in New York, which will be an issue for Gil when Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole return in April or May.

The Brewers needed a spot on the 40-man roster for newly acquired Jake Woodford, so Badoo will be moved to the 60-day IL after a solid spring.