MLB Player News

Betts won't play in the Dodgers' exhibition games in Japan this weekend due to an illness, and he'll be re-evaluated Monday on his availability for Opening Day, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Betts has been dealing with the ailment since before the team traveled overseas and has lost some weight, so it sounds as though there's at least a small chance he's unable to play in Tuesday's season-opening matchup with the Cubs in Tokyo. Miguel Rojas and Tommy Edman are the likely replacements at shortstop should Betts be unable to take the field versus Chicago.

Rodriguez will likely begin the season with Triple-A Indianapolis because the Pirates want him to get everyday at-bats, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez is returning from a lost 2024 season caused by an elbow injury. He's performed well enough to secure a roster spot by hitting .381 with three extra-base hits across 21 at-bats in Grapefruit League games, but Joey Bart has earned the top spot on the depth chart after producing well last year. The Pirates have experimented with Rodriguez at different positions in the past, and he may need to regain that versatility or have Henry Davis struggle in order to find his way to the majors early in the campaign.

Waldron suffered a mild left oblique strain while warming up in the bullpen Friday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Waldron's injury prevented him from pitching as scheduled against the Rangers. He'll be re-evaluated Saturday, at which point a return timeline may be established, but he's likely to be unavailable for Opening Day given the timing of the injury. The 28-year-old right-hander has had a tough time getting going this spring, surrendering 11 runs (nine earned) on nine hits and seven walks while striking out seven batters in 9.1 innings.

Doyle has collected 10 hits across 34 at-bats while striking out only seven times across 11 Cactus League games.

Doyle was anointed Colorado's leadoff hitter this offseason after the retirement of Charlie Blackmon, and he's occupied that position in all 11 games this spring. He's hit well, but there are a few noteworthy portions of his line, including the fact that he's taken zero walks and attempted only one stolen base. Doyle will presumably pick up his stolen base pace during the regular season, as he swiped 30 bags in 2024 with a success rate of 85.7 percent.

Waldron didn't pitch as scheduled Friday due to a potential injury he suffered while warming up in the bullpen, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

After Waldron threw a few pitches in the bullpen preparing for what was supposed to be his fifth appearance of the spring, a trainer intervened to check on him. The 28-year-old righty then retreated into the Padres' clubhouse. It's unclear at the moment what he might be dealing with, though more information is likely to be revealed following the game.

Manager Rob Thomson remains confident that Rojas (shoulder) will be ready to play in the outfield by the time the regular season begins, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Rojas threw from 150 feet Thursday and is expected to throw to bases over the weekend. The defensive-minded outfielder would be more likely to make the Opening Day roster as a bench player if fully healthy, but his shoulder injury has rendered Rojas a strict designated hitter this spring and could leave him in jeopardy of not making the team. Despite batting just .241 this spring and going 0-for-4 during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Rojas has a .333 on-base percentage to go with two home runs and seven RBI across 29 at-bats as he tries to keep pace with strong springs by Christian Arroyo, Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy.

Walker appears likely to make the Opening Day roster due to Matt Strahm's shoulder injury, but Walker could be a trade candidate this season, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

After giving up just two runs on four hits and one walk over four innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Walker now sports a 3.38 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with five strikeouts across 9.1 frames to further solidify his case to be part of the Opening Day roster. Lauber notes Walker isn't a great fit for the bullpen because he's functioned as a starter for the majority of his career, but the veteran right-hander might draw trade interest if he continues to perform well. Lauber also notes the Phillies could hold onto Walker for long relief as insurance in case one of their starters gets injured, so the team does have some options while their rotation is healthy.

The Cardinals optioned Munoz to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Munoz was solid in his first spring as a Cardinal, giving up four runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters over seven frames. However, he owns a 6.53 ERA over 82.2 career MLB innings, so it makes sense that St. Louis would like to see him sustain success over a longer period before giving him a big-league roster spot. The 24-year-old right-hander is making the switch from starter to reliever this season, which should increase his chances at reaching St. Louis once the Cards begin searching for fresh arms to cycle into their bullpen.

Condon was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist Friday, Manny Randhawa of MLB.com reports.

Condon suffered the injury Thursday while making a diving attempt to catch a ball in the outfield. He will not need to undergo surgery, which will keep his recovery relatively short, but it will still be roughly six weeks before he's cleared to begin baseball activities. The 21-year-old outfielder slashed .180/.248/.270 with one home run and 12 RBI across 109 plate appearances at High-A Spokane upon beginning his professional career last season, and he'll likely return to Spokane once his wrist heals.

Hicks has made three appearances during Cactus League play, recording five strikeouts, a 9.45 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP across 6.2 innings.

Hicks' struggles continued Friday, during which he gave up four earned runs over 2.2 innings in an 11-5 Cactus League loss to Milwaukee. He allowed five hits, including one home run, and one walk while striking out one batter. The right-hander is expected to stick in the Giants' starting rotation after covering 20 starts and nine relief appearances in his first season with San Francisco. In the 2024 campaign, he posted a 4.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and a 96:47 K:BB over 109.2 frames. Landen Roupp, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong are all competing for the fifth starting spot, which means Hicks could shift to a relief role if his struggles persist into the regular season.