MLB Player News
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Matt McLain SS | CIN
Reds' Matt McLain: Wraps up healthy spring
McLain went 1-for-2 with a walk and a three-run home run in Tuesday's exhibition game against Reds minor leaguers.
McLain didn't put up big numbers in the Cactus League this spring (.255/.281/.418) and acknowledged to Charlie Goldsmith of Cincinnati Magazine that he's had to shake off some rust. What matters most is that McLain is healthy, as he described himself as being in a "good spot" heading into the 2025 season after missing all of 2024 due to injury. The 25-year-old is tentatively expected to bat second in the order for the Reds against Logan Webb and the Giants on Thursday.
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Mookie Betts RF | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Back in lineup
Betts (illness) will start at shortstop and bat second in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels.
Betts has been battling an illness since the Dodgers' trip to Tokyo, but he has now recovered and will be active for the team's final tune-up game before the start of its stateside schedule. The 32-year-old had a rough time in the Cactus League, posting a .636 OPS across 25 plate appearances.
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Vidal Brujan 2B | NYM
Cubs' Vidal Brujan: Elbow issue could force IL stint
Brujan could need a stint on the 10-day injured list due to a right elbow injury, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
Brujan banged the elbow against the wall while trying to make a catch over the weekend and the issue has lingered. When healthy, Brujan will serve in a utility role with the Cubs.
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Mookie Betts RF | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Hopeful to play Tuesday
Betts (illness) completed a workout at Dodger Stadium on Monday and intends to play in Tuesday's game against the Angels, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Betts has already been ruled out for Monday's exhibition, but the fact that he's been able to keep food down and felt strong enough to complete a workout is a promising sign. If Betts is cleared for Tuesday's action, it would likely point to him being included in the starting lineup for Opening Day on Thursday, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
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Mookie Betts RF | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Remains out Monday
Betts (illness) remains out of the Dodgers' lineup for Monday's exhibition game against the Angels, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Betts has been dealing with an undiagnosed illness for weeks that has resulted in him losing nearly 20 pounds. There's been no indication one way or another that he might not be ready in time for Opening Day, but it would seem to be a possibility. Miguel Rojas is at shortstop Monday and could be there again Thursday if Betts isn't feeling up to playing.
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Masyn Winn SS | STL
Cardinals' Masyn Winn: Slated to bat ninth Opening Day
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that he is planning to bat Winn ninth Opening Day versus Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Winn didn't hit anywhere other than leadoff during Grapefruit League games, but he is in the No. 9 spot for Monday's exhibition contest versus Triple-A Memphis in what Marmol indicated is a preview of his Opening Day lineup. The young shortstop went just 4-for-50 in Grapefruit League play and will begin the season at the bottom of the batting order, at least against righties. Winn could move back to the top of the lineup versus lefties. Lars Nootbaar is in the leadoff spot for Monday's exhibition.
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Tyler Wade SS | TEX
Padres' Tyler Wade: Will not make Opening Day roster
Wade is not expected to be included on the Padres' Opening Day roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.
Wade posted a .524 OPS for the Padres last season and had just a .641 OPS this spring. The utility player is out of minor-league options, so he will have to be traded or go through the waivers process.
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Jackson Merrill SS | SD
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Belts fourth long ball of spring
Merrill went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Sunday's Cactus League victory versus the Diamondbacks.
Merrill opened the scoring in the contest with a 411-foot, two-run shot to right field in the first inning. The 21-year-old has slashed .244/.244/.556 this spring with four home runs and 10 RBI over 45 plate appearances. He hasn't yet taken a walk, but Merrill posted just a 5.0 percent walk rate as a rookie last year and still finished with an .826 OPS and a second-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting, so his aggressiveness at the plate shouldn't be a cause for concern.
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Mookie Betts RF | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Absent Sunday due to illness
Betts was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup against the Angels due to his ongoing battle with an illness, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
Betts has been dealing with an unknown illness for multiple weeks. The 32-year-old is reportedly down to 157 pounds after entering spring training at 175 pounds, and he's still struggling to hold down food. The Dodgers may have to start considering other options at shortstop for Thursday's home opener versus the Tigers.