MLB Player News

Bednar allowed five earned runs on three hits and two walks across one-third of an inning during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

This marked Bednar's fifth appearance of the spring, and he had maintained a 5:1 K:BB while allowing only one earned run across his first four innings. However, Thursday's outing was particularly concerning in light of Bednar's struggles in 2024, when he posted a 5.77 ERA and 1.42 WHIP while being removed from the closer role to end the year. The departure of Aroldis Chapman this offseason likely gives Bednar some leeway for save chances to begin the campaign, but he'll need to perform to maintain the role.

Strahm (shoulder) will be evaluated again by a doctor Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Manager Rob Thomson noted that Strahm is feeling better since being diagnosed with a left shoulder impingement Tuesday, but it appears the Phillies are going to postpone his throwing program another couple of days. Even if he's cleared to resume throwing this weekend, the fact he's been shut down for nearly a week could still affect his availability for Opening Day.

The Cardinals optioned Loutos to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Loutos will fall short of the Cardinals' Opening Day bullpen after giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over three innings in the Grapefruit League. The 26-year-old righty turned in a 3.40 ERA over 53 frames with Memphis last season and was able to make three appearances in the major leagues. Assuming his Triple-A performance holds, he should have a decent chance at getting called up throughout the season to provide St. Louis with a fresh bullpen arm.

Beck, who made his first Cactus League start Wednesday against the Guardians, is still likely to begin the 2025 campaign as a long reliever, Jack Magruder of MLB.com reports. "We have a lot of really good arms. He's one of them," manager Bob Melvin said. "Maybe more long relief than starting right now with the guys we have a little bit ahead of him."

Beck allowed one run on one hit (a home run) over 2.2 innings while striking out three in the Giants' 11-2 win over Cleveland. Overall, Beck has made four appearances in Cactus League play, recording a 5.40 ERA while striking out four in 6.2 innings. The right-hander has mostly been used in relief over two seasons with San Francisco, though he could enter the starting rotation if injuries arise. The 28-year-old missed the majority of the 2024 campaign due to an aneurysm in his upper right arm that required surgery. Beck made seven appearances (one start) last season, recording a 1.69 ERA and a 14:4 K:BB across 16.0 innings.

Mears is back in Brewers camp after battling a stomach bug that caused him to lose nine pounds, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Mears suspects he will need 4-to-5 days in order to regain strength before he's ready to get back on a mound. He's already made three appearances this spring, so he won't be starting from scratch, which should allow the reliever time to ramp back up fore Opening Day.

The Padres optioned Cruz to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Cruz reached Triple-A for the first time last season, where he logged a 4.42 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 38.2 frames. He performed a bit better in the Cactus League, surrendering just one run in five innings, but San Diego will need a larger sample size from him at El Paso before granting him a bullpen spot.

The Padres optioned Cosgrove to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Cosgrove never quite got his feet underneath him in the majors last season, turning in an 11.66 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across 14.2 regular-season innings. His struggles followed him into spring training, where he allowed seven runs in just 5.1 frames, so the Friars will keep him in the minor leagues for now.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Maton is "fully built up" after working out the last several weeks in Arizona, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Maton was signed to a one-year contract Thursday, just two weeks before Opening Day. However, it sounds like he'll be ready to roll for the Cardinals' March 27 opener against the Twins. Maton will throw a live batting practice session Sunday and should see game action shortly after that. He is projected for a setup role in St. Louis.

Manaea was cleared to play catch earlier this week after an MRI on his right oblique was negative, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

With his oblique strain healed, the left-hander has begun his throwing progression. Manaea will need several weeks to get fully stretched out, but he could be ready to make his season debut sometime in April.

Horn was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Thursday.

The 27-year-old southpaw endured a rough spring, allowing four runs on three hits and five walks while striking out one batter over 2.1 innings in the Grapefruit League. Horn will now be subjected to waivers and could attract interest from teams in need of lefty relief help. While he has mostly struggled against big-league competition, Horn put up a 2.15 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 21 appearances with Boston's Triple-A affiliate last season.