MLB Player News

The Reds optioned Mey to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Cincinnati thought highly enough of the 23-year-old righty to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster over the winter, but Mey -- who has yet to pitch above the Double-A level -- was never a threat to win a spot in the Reds' Opening Day bullpen. He'll get his first taste of Triple-A to begin the 2025 season after he turned in a 3.44 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 63:43 K:BB over 55 innings between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga in 2024.

Mattison (elbow) was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The 25-year-old didn't see action in spring games while working through his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Mattison last pitched at the Double-A level in 2023 and had a 1.62 ERA over 33.1 innings, and he could be ready for action with Toledo at some point this summer.

The Tigers reassigned Vanasco (hip) to minor-league camp Sunday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Vanasco is still recovering from offseason surgery to address a labrum tear in his right hip, so he could be a candidate to open the 2025 season on the injured list at Triple-A Toledo. The 26-year-old right-hander was outrighted off Detroit's 40-man roster in November and re-signed with the organization on a minor-league deal.

Puk allowed one hit and struck out two over one scoreless inning in Saturday's spring game against the Reds.

Puk worked a scoreless fifth inning and has yet to allow a run over four Cactus League innings. He's given up two hits and two walks while striking out five. The left-hander was followed by righty Justin Martinez, who gave up three runs over a third of an inning. The two are considered the front-runners for save opportunities this season in Arizona.

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.

Francis pitched 2.2 innings in a Grapefruit League contest against the Phillies on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four batters.

Francis made two previous appearances this spring, but this was his first start after the initial scheduled one was rained out. Spring training has not been kind to Francis through 6.2 innings of work, as he sports an ugly 12.15 ERA. He's allowed 11 hits, including three home runs, and five walks while striking out seven. Francis gave up a ton of hard contact versus Philadelphia, including a third-inning homer to Alec Bohm. Francis is currently slots in at the back end of Toronto's starting rotation.

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.

Cano picked up a hold in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, allowing one walk in a scoreless inning.

The 31-year-old right-hander is off a solid start this spring, carrying a 3.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP with one strikeout over three frames. Closer Felix Bautista (elbow) will have his workload managed to begin the season, which could lead to the occasional save chance for Cano in the early going. However, Cano has converted just 13 of his 22 career save opportunities, so it wouldn't be surprising to see manager Brandon Hyde turn to Seranthony Dominguez more frequently for ninth-inning work on days where Bautista is unavailable.

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.

Bernardino threw one scoreless inning against the Rays in Wednesday's spring game, during which he allowed one run while striking out a batter.

Bernardino ended the 2024 regular season on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow soreness. He was able to recover from the injury over the offseason and has not allowed a run across three spring training appearances. Bernardino will look to get his ERA and WHIP numbers back down to where they were in 2023 (3.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP across 50.2 innings).