MLB Player News

Fernandez is the favorite to open the season as the Cardinals' primary right-handed setup man, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

JoJo Romero is expected to be the main setup man from the left side for closer Ryan Helsley. Fernandez had a terrific rookie season in 2024 after the Cardinals plucked him in the Rule 5 Draft, posting a 3.51 ERA and 71:32 K:BB over 66.2 innings. He's also been superb so far this spring, tossing five hitless and scoreless innings with a 9:2 K:BB. Those in holds leagues should consider Fernandez, who also could eventually get a chance for some saves if St. Louis winds up shipping Helsley out by the trade deadline.

Reynolds (foot) isn't expected to be on the Padres' Opening Day roster, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan reports.

Reynolds is dealing with a stress reaction in his right foot and hasn't yet been able to pitch this spring. He was expected to compete for a spot in the Padres' Opening Day bullpen coming into camp, but it appears the injury will prevent him from having that opportunity. It's not yet clear when Reynolds will be able to get back on a mound.

Hoeing (shoulder) isn't expected to break camp with the Padres, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan reports.

Hoeing has dealt with a sore right shoulder throughout camp and hasn't yet pitched in a spring game. The right-hander began playing catch near the end of February, but it appears he won't have enough ramp-up time to be ready for Opening Day. Hoeing is expected to work in long relief when he's healthy after coming out of the bullpen in 32 of 34 regular-season appearances last season.

The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Lazar was in the running for a spot in Philadelphia's Opening Day bullpen after registering a 4.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 13.2 innings with the big club last season. However, he will ultimately miss the cut after surrendering seven runs over 3.2 innings this spring. The 25-year-old could still return to Philadelphia sometime this season if/when the Phillies' bullpen depth is tested.

The Marlins optioned Arias to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Arias spent all of last year in Jacksonville, turning in a 3.04 ERA and 1.19 WHIP alongside a 75:27 K:BB over 68 innings. He was hit around quite a bit this spring, allowing nine earned runs over 3.1 frames, but he should still have a good chance to make his MLB debut in 2025 if he can return to form in Triple-A.

Finnegan faced hitters on a back field Friday afternoon, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander didn't re-sign with Washington until late February, putting Finnegan behind the team's other relievers, and Friday was the first time he'd seen game action in any setting this spring. He tossed 22 pitches and worked in the mid-90s with his fastball, suggesting he's close to ready for a Grapefruit League appearance. Finnegan recorded a career-high 38 saves in 2024, and he'll head into Opening Day back in the ninth-inning role for the Nats.

The Reds reassigned Staumont to minor-league camp Saturday.

Staumont only made one appearance for the Reds this spring, during which he struck out two batters and walked one in a scoreless inning. He'll head to Triple-A Louisville to begin 2025, but he could still make a few appearances out of the Reds' bullpen after posting a 3.70 ERA in 24.1 innings last year for the Twins.

Johnson is expected to open the season as one of Atlanta's primary setup men in front of closer Raisel Iglesias, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Johnson had a solid first full season with Atlanta in 2024 that included a career-high six wins and 12 holds, and he will be counted on to handle more high-leverage duties with Joe Jimenez (knee) out until at least the All-Star break. If Johnson struggles, he could be pushed for late-inning work by Hector Neris, who didn't sign with the team until March 3 but racked up 31 holds as recently as 2023 with the Astros.

Lopez surrendered five runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk over 3.1 innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game versus the Twins. He failed to record a strikeout.

Lopez worked up to 57 pitches (36 strikes) Thursday compared to 44 in his previous outing, though his velocity was noticeably down and inconsistent, as noted by David O'Brien of The Athletic. He averaged just 93 mph on his fastball after averaging 95.5 mph with his heater in 2024, and his slider and curveball experienced similar drops in speed as well. Arm fatigue is fairly common at this stage in spring training, though it may be worth keeping an eye on Lopez, who had issues with a tired arm last season after making the move from the bullpen to the rotation.

The Cardinals optioned Svanson to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Svanson spent all of 2024 with Double-A Springfield, where he logged a 3.25 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 63.2 innings. The Cardinals gave him a spot on their 40-man roster this offseason to prevent him from being scooped up in the Rule 5 Draft, and he'll now get to test his abilities at the Triple-A level for the first time.