MLB Player News

Diaz allowed five runs on three hits and three walks while striking out one over a third of an inning in Saturday's Cactus League game against Kansas City.

Diaz, who was delayed getting into Cactus League games after dealing with a hamstring issue early in camp, struggled during his third spring appearance. "It's his third outing. Certainly, we've got to lock it in here. We've got about another week," Reds manager Terry Francona said about Cincinnati's closer to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. At some point during the outing, Francona and a team trainer visited the mound because the right-hander's thumb was bleeding. Diaz remained in the game and walked the next batter before being removed. Francona said the cut on his thumb, which was exacerbated by the pitcher's thumbnail, had nothing to do with Diaz's troubles.

The Reds reassigned Shaw to minor-league camp on Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Shaw signed an NRI deal with the Reds in December after appearing in five games for the White Sox during the 2024 regular season, during which he allowed four earned runs across four frames. He logged a 4.05 ERA in spring training, but he allowed eight walks while striking out seven and will begin the 2025 campaign in Triple-A, though he could return to the majors if the Reds need to bolster their bullpen.

Vasquez may be one of two finalists for San Diego's fifth-starter role, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

For most of spring training, Vasquez, Matt Waldron, Kyle Hart and Stephen Kolek have been battling for the job as the Padres' fifth starter. However, Waldron is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to a recent oblique injury, and Hart may not be built up in time for the start of the regular season after having his progression temporarily paused due to the flu. That may leave Vasquez and Kolek as the final two candidates for the team's final rotation spot. Vasquez has a clear edge in terms of starting experience after starting in all 20 of his outings with the Padres last season, while Kolek came out of the bullpen for all 42 of his appearances. Vasquez also impressed with five scoreless frames in a Triple-A start Friday, but Kolek has opened eyes this spring by allowing just one run over nine frames and averaging a mere 12 pitches per inning.

The Royals optioned Sisk to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Sisk spent the entire 2024 regular season in Triple-A and logged a 6-2 record with 15 saves, a 1.56 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 57.2 innings. Given his impressive numbers last season, Sisk could make his way to the majors in 2025 when the Royals need to bolster their bullpen with a southpaw.

Kolek may be one of two finalists to open the season as San Diego's fifth starter, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Kolek, Kyle Hart, Randy Vasquez and Matt Waldron have been battling for the Padres' final rotation spot for most of spring training, but Waldron recently suffered an oblique injury that will probably prevent him from being ready for Opening Day, and Hart had his throwing progression temporarily stalled due to the flu. That could leave Kolek and Vasquez as the finalists for a rotation role, and Kolek has looked slightly better in Cactus League action this far. Over nine innings spanning three appearances, Kolek has given up just one run while posting a 5:1 K:BB, while Vasquez has surrendered two runs over four frames with a 4:0 K:BB. However, Vasquez has the edge in terms of starting experience -- he started 20 games for San Diego last season, while Kolek came out of the bullpen for all 42 of his appearances.

Stewart exited Saturday's spring outing after two batters due to a "slight pull" behind his left knee, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. He's set for further tests Sunday, but downplayed the severity of the injury.

The good news is that it isn't related to his arm as Stewart finished the 2024 season on the injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in August. Given Stewart's lengthy injury history, it wouldn't be surprising for the Twins to play it safe with his return and have him begin the season on the injured list.

Stewart left Saturday's spring training outing against Atlanta after two batters due to an apparent injury. He was unable to continue pitching after retiring a batter and walked off with a trainer under his own power.

The specific injury wasn't immediately clear, but it's an ominous development given his lengthy injury history. Stewart finished the 2024 season on the injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last August, but he was on track to be ready for Opening Day before this setback.

Myers told reporters after Saturday's spring game against the Angels that he will undergo imaging Sunday to determine the severity of his left oblique injury, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Myers was removed from Saturday's game after feeling discomfort in his left oblique. He appeared optimistic that he avoided serious injury, though manager Pat Murphy relayed that he expects the 26-year-old right hander to miss some time, per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Imaging will determine the severity of the injury and provide Myers a better idea of his recovery timeline, but he seems to be in jeopardy of starting the regular season on the injured list.

Feyereisen signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Feyereisen struggled mightily in his 10 appearances with the Dodgers last season, surrendering 10 earned runs over 11 innings. He fared better at Triple-A Oklahoma City (5.48 ERA, 1.40 WHIP in 42.2 innings), but it wasn't enough for Feyereisen to earn an invitation to big-league spring training, as he had remained a free agent all offseason. After catching on with a new organization, Feyereisen will likely have to have a run of sustained success at Triple-A Reno before getting a look in the Arizona bullpen.

Myers was removed from Saturday's game against the Angels with left oblique discomfort, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Myers was grabbing at his left side before leaving the game alongside a trainer in the second inning. It remains to be seen how severe his injury is, but the Brewers will likely take a look at him in the clubhouse and provide an update in the near future. If Myers would need to spend time on the injured list to begin the season, Tyler Alexander would be the most likely candidate to join Milwaukee's Opening Day rotation.