MLB Player News

Reds manager Terry Francona said that he hoped that McLain would play just one position -- second base -- in spring training, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic.

There were a lot of rumblings that McLain might move to center field this offseason, spurred both by McLain's deployment during the Arizona Fall League and by the acquisition of Gavin Lux, but for now that doesn't seem to be in the Reds' plans.

Joe and Jason Heyward are expected to platoon in left field for the Padres this season, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After All-Star outfielder Jurickson Profar signed with Atlanta in late January, the Padres signed Joe and Heyward on the same day in early February. It appears the plan is to have the pair platoon in left field, though Acee suggests that direction could change depending on how the players perform in spring training. If Joe is part of a platoon, he'll serve on the short side, though his splits weren't dramatic last year -- he had a .670 OPS against right-handed pitching and a .715 OPS versus southpaws.

Murphy will undergo an MRI on Sunday after experiencing back spasms, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's not believed to be a serious injury, but it's still a concerning development for the veteran catcher, who was limited to 12 games last season due to a knee injury. Murphy is expected to serve as San Francisco's No. 2 catcher this season, but he has played in just 64 contests across the past three campaigns.

Lodolo started a throwing program in October and comes into camp without any existing medical issues, as opposed to 2024 when he was managing the rehab from his fractured tibia from the 2023 season, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "It was nice to go into [this past offseason] relatively healthy and build a foundation that can get me through the year," Lodolo said.

Lodolo has entered his arbitration seasons, so a healthy 2025 season carries greater stakes. When healthy, he has flashed ace potential -- alas, "when healthy" has been the predominant concern regarding him. Lodolo has also been working with a metal file on his index finger to prevent a recurrence of the blisters that have plagued him in the past.

Nunez has yet to throw a live batting practice session in camp as the Mets prioritize having the right-hander healthy for Opening Day, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Nunez tossed his second bullpen session of the spring Saturday, but after his 2024 campaign ended early due to forearm trouble and a setback in December prevented him from pitching in winter ball, the organization doesn't want to push him too quickly. Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner didn't even rule out Nunez beginning the season on IL or at Triple-A Syracuse if he needs an extra week or two. "In the range of outcomes, that's definitely a part of it," Hefner said Saturday. "It's our hope to get him ready, and he's on track to be ready. But we are not going to force him into something he's not ready for." Once he is deemed ready, Nunez will have a high-leverage spot in the Mets' bullpen waiting for him after posting a 2.31 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and dazzling 48:8 K:BB over his first 35 big-league innings.

Meyer worked with new Marlins pitching coach Daniel Moskos this offseason on grips for a sinker and a sweeper, as well as on refining his changeup, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

"My slider is going to be more down in depth and my sweeper's going to come across the plate," Meyer said Friday before displaying his new arsenal in a live batting practice session. "I feel like with the movement, there's definitely a big separation between those two... My change is going to be a really good pitch, too, one of my best pitches. I feel like all my pitches are one of my best pitches right now. I just have crazy confidence in them that I haven't had a lot in the past going through the injury." Meyer has relied mainly on two pitches, his mid-90s fastball and nasty slider, dating back to his college days, and if even one of his other offerings can become a quality pitch, it would significantly improve his chances of not just sticking in the rotation but reaching his sky-high ceiling as a starter.

The Nationals placed Gray (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure in July, so it was always a matter of time before he landed on the 60-day IL for this season. Gray started up his throwing program in late January and will continue building up his arm strength in the coming months in hopes of taking the mound late in 2025 for the Nationals.

DeJong agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Nationals on Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Jose Tena and Trey Lipscomb were set to compete for the starting role at third base during spring training for the Nationals, but DeJong may now be the favorite for the job. The 31-year-old played in 139 regular-season games with the White Sox and Royals last season and provided his typical low-contact, high-power production with 24 homers, a .227 average and a 32.4 percent strikeout rate.

Lowder (elbow) is being handled cautiously to the point that he may not be ready by Opening Day, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I wouldn't even put an artificial timetable on him," manager Terry Francona said on Saturday. "Everybody shoots for Opening Day. I get it; I do, too. We need to do what's right by him, and we will. So that's kind of our timetable."

Lowder, who reported slow recoveries from throwing sessions in January, underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage. During the offseason, Lowder worked on his four-pitch mix of four-seamers, sinkers, sliders and changeups. He had a focus on landing his breaking ball to batters on both sides of the plate. Francona said once the right-hander is ready to pick up a ball, which the manager said could be "in a couple of days," there will be a throwing progression first.

Cook is in contention for playing time at first base with Spencer Horwitz (wrist) sidelined, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Cook was expected to compete for a starting corner outfield spot, but Pittsburgh's addition of Tommy Pham likely ended that possibility. However, Cook will now compete with Jared Triolo, DJ Stewart and Darick Hall for playing time at first base. Cook reached the majors for the first time late in 2024 and showed some intriguing potential with three home runs across 49 plate appearances. However, he also struck out at a 38.8 percent clip, so he'll need to show the ability to make more consistent contact to earn steady playing time.