MLB Player News

Yamamoto tossed two scoreless innings in a Cactus League contest against Texas on Wednesday, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out three.

Yamamoto's first game action in a Dodgers uniform began with a strikeout of Marcus Semien, and the only hit he allowed -- a first-inning single by Evan Carter -- was wiped out by a double play on the following pitch. The right-handed hurler's success in Japan was tied to his ability to strike batters out while limiting homers and walks, and that skill set was evident Wednesday, as Yamamoto punched out half of the six batters he faced while throwing 16 of 19 pitches for strikes. There's already plenty of hype around Yamamoto due to his dominance overseas and the lucrative 12-year deal he received from Los Angeles in December, and his Cactus League debut should provide more fodder for expectations that are already sky high.

Wicks logged three scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers. He allowed four hits and struck out two.

Through two spring appearances, Wicks has now allowed one run across 4.2 innings while striking out three. The lefty is competing for the No. 5 spot in the Cubs' rotation and appears to be off to a good start. His fantasy value would of course go up if he secures a starting role versus a bullpen job or an assignment to Triple-A Iowa. Wicks has some upside and could be poised to take a step forward in his second MLB season.

Ashcraft (toe) will start Thursday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Ashcraft will make his spring debut "within the next week," and it will end up coming just a day later. The right-hander has been brought along slowly in camp as he returns from September toe surgery, but it shouldn't affect his availability for Opening Day given how much time he has to ramp up his workload.

The Rockies placed Senzatela (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Senzatela is expected to miss the entire 2024 season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery, so his move to the 60-day IL was an inevitability. The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Sam Hilliard, whom the Rockies claimed off waivers from the Orioles on Wednesday.

Paxton will make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the Reds, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Paxton had the guaranteed money on his contract lowered when an unspecified issue arose during his physical. However, he hasn't been under any restrictions this spring and is fully expected to be part of the Dodgers' Opening Day rotation.

Buehler (elbow) said he was sitting in the 94-to-95 mph range during live batting practice Tuesday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Buehler felt good in the session in what was his first time facing hitters this spring. He expects to require another 3-to-4 live BP sessions before progressing to games. Buehler is not expected to appear in any Cactus League contests and will stay back at extended spring training at the start of the season.

Reds manager David Bell said Wednesday that Lodolo (tibia) is at least a week away from his Cactus League debut, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Bell noted that Graham Ashcraft (toe) is slated for his spring debut within the next week, adding that Lodolo's appearance would come after Aschraft's. It's still a relatively vague timetable but further emphasizes that the Reds will be proceeding cautiously with Lodolo this spring after he missed much of last season with a stress reaction to his left tibia. Lodolo acknowledged at the start of camp that while the leg doesn't hurt while he's pitching, it's not yet 100 percent.

Houser gave up one hit and struck out one over two scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

In his first game action of the spring, Houser tossed 15 of 23 pitches for strikes and was able to handle a Miami lineup that included a number of Opening Day starters such as Luis Arraez and Jazz Chisholm. Houser hasn't made more than 21 big-league starts in a season since 2021, but the Mets expect the 31-year-old right-hander to help solidify the back end of their rotation this year.

Reds manager David Bell said Wednesday that Ashcraft (toe) will make his Cactus League debut "within the next week," Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ashcraft has been slow-played this spring as he comes back from last September's right big toe surgery. The big right-hander has already been facing hitters and is poised for game action in a few days. Barring setbacks, Ashcraft will have time to be ready for Opening Day.

Puk struck out three and walked one over two scoreless, no-hit innings during Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.

New York's lineup didn't feature many regulars beyond Francisco Alvarez, and Puk breezed through the top part of the order on 26 pitches (18 strikes). The 28-year-old lefty is getting stretched out for a potential rotation spot in camp after making his first 142 career big-league appearances in relief, but Puk was a starter in the minors prior to moving to the bullpen due to injury and control concerns. Even if he pitches well in longer stints this spring, his chances of winning an Opening Day rotation spot could ultimately be determined by the health of the Marlins' other options.