MLB Player News

The Nationals reassigned Gsellman to minor-league camp Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Gsellman signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals at the end of January. The pitcher left affiliated ball in 2022 to pursue a career in Japan. Overseas, he had a 4.32 ERA and 1.52 WHIP across 139.2 innings. When he signed with the Nationals, it was thought the 30-year-old would likely start at Triple-A Rochester.

The Nationals reassigned Perdomo to minor-league camp Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Perdomo signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals in February that included an invitation to spring training. The pitcher spent the 2023 season in Japan, where he had a 2.13 ERA across 50.2 innings as a reliever.

Henderson left Sunday's Spring Breakout game versus Kansas City due to left oblique discomfort, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Henderson began his outing by giving up a solo home run to Royals prospect Trevor Werner. Henderson then faced a second batter but was taken out of the game when the trainer went out to the mound after he threw a pitch.

The Pirates optioned Nicolas to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

Nicolas finished last season in the big-league bullpen but is now on the outside looking in for the Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old had a 6.20 ERA over 45 innings at Indianapolis last season, and he'll likely need better results in 2024 to make it back to the majors.

The Cubs optioned Thompson to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Thompson was one of five players cut Sunday as the Cubs reduced their group at big-league camp to 42 men with Opening Day about a week and a half away. The right-hander had a decent showing in spring training, but his underwhelming results over a larger sample of work in the big leagues in 2023 (4.71 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 26:19 K:BB in 28.2 innings) likely played a greater part in the Cubs' decision to send him to Triple-A to begin the 2024 campaign.

Wesneski may be squeezed off the Cubs' Opening Day roster due to Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad both being likely to secure roles, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Wicks is the current favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the rotation, while Assad will likely shift to a long-relief role. That could push Wesneski off the roster entirely, as it may be more beneficial for his development if he's starting regularly at Triple-A Iowa. The righty could have some fantasy upside if he pushes into Chicago's rotation at some point, though for now, his appeal is limited.

Martinez (ribs) threw three innings at the Reds' complex Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Martinez's rib injury scratched him from a start Thursday, and the Reds opted for a more controlled environment for his subsequent throwing session. It's unclear if the session was a simulated game, as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, or live batting practice, as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Whatever it was, Rosecrans reports Martinez felt great afterward, and the hiccup should not delay the start of the season for the right-hander.

Assad is likely to secure an Opening Day bullpen role in Chicago, with Jordan Wicks serving as the No. 5 starter, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad, Wicks and Hayden Wesneski have been competing for the last rotation spot in camp, but the lefty Wicks seems likely to emerge there. That could push Wesneski down to the minors and send Assad into a long-relief role. The righty excelled in a similar role last year, posting a 3.05 ERA across 109.1 innings, though Assad would have more fantasy value if he's able to start regularly at some point in 2024.

Almonte will likely make Chicago's Opening Day bullpen due to being out of options, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Almonte would have to clear waivers if he's sent down, and the Cubs seem unwilling to risk losing the righty. Almonte struggled some last season, recording a 5.06 ERA across 48 innings with the Dodgers, but he also struck out 49 batters. Armed with a fastball that sits around 96 mph, Almonte has the potential to be a bullpen weapon for the Cubs if he cuts down on the walks. The 29-year-old posted a 4.5 BB/9 in 2023, which contributed to his overall struggles.

Floro (shoulder) gave up one earned run on two hits over one inning of relief Saturday in the Nationals' 8-5 loss to the Cardinals in Grapefruit League play.

Floro was finally cleared to make his spring debut Saturday after he was shut down in late February shortly after reporting to camp when he experienced shoulder tightness. He was able to resume throwing a few days later, and after checking out fine during a recent live batting practice session, Floro received the green light to pitch in games. Floro will likely need only a few more Grapefruit League appearances to get himself ready for Opening Day, when he's expected to fill a middle-innings role out of the Washington bullpen.