MLB Player News

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday that Gurriel (knee) has been cleared to serve as a designated hitter in minor-league games on the back fields of camp, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Lovullo added that Gurriel is close to returning to play defense. Gurriel has resumed shagging fly balls but not yet defended a position in a game situation.

Kelly (back) is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game on the back fields of extended spring training Saturday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

If all goes well Saturday, Kelly will then pitch rehab outings for Triple-A Reno on April 3 and April 8 in preparation to rejoin the Diamondbacks for his 2026 debut. He was able to throw 52 pitches and worked into the third inning in his final spring outing Monday and said he still has work to do in terms of timing and mechanics. The right-hander is expected to be placed on the 15-day injured list prior to the Diamondbacks' season opener Thursday in Los Angeles.

Marte was scratched from Tuesday's exhibition game due to lower-leg soreness, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

This provides a bit more context regarding the issue bothering Marte, which was previously undisclosed. Regardless, the issue is minor, and there is no concern that Marte will miss Opening Day.

Puk (elbow) has begun throwing bullpen sessions off a mound, MLB.com reports.

The sessions are described as "short box," which is when a catcher sets up just in front of home plate. Puk underwent internal brace elbow surgery last June and is expected back sometime around the All-Star break.

Veen has been sidelined since March 9 due to a right knee contusion.

Veen injured himself sliding while trying to make a catch in the outfield. He had been slashing .250/.375/.550 with a pair of homers and four RBI through 24 plate appearances in the Cactus League, but his extended absence could be a sign that he won't be available for Opening Day.

The Cubs placed Austin (knee) on the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Austin underwent a patellar tendon debridement procedure on his right knee in February. He remains without a return timeline, but his move to the 60-day IL ensures he'll remain out until at least late May. His spot on the 40-man roster will be handed to Dylan Carlson, whose contract was selected in a corresponding move.

The Cubs selected Carlson's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

Carlson joined the Cubs as a non-roster invitee to spring camp and played his way into a roster spot by slashing .298/.421/.404 across 57 plate appearances. He'll provide Chicago with extra depth in the outfield while Seiya Suzuki works his way back from a knee injury, but Carlson likely won't have a path to regular playing time unless another one of the Cubs' outfielders gets hurt. Tyler Austin (knee) was placed on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Carlson was informed Tuesday that he will make Chicago's Opening Day roster, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

With Seiya Suzuki (knee) set to begin the year on the injured list, the Cubs are bolstering their outfield depth with Carlson and fellow veteran Michael Conforto. Carlson was in camp as a non-roster invitee after stumbling to a .203/.278/.336 line across 83 games with the Orioles last season. He'll likely serve in a depth role with limited fantasy utility, though he does have a path to increased playing time if any other Chicago outfielders go down with injuries. Carlson will ultimately make the team over Kevin Alcantara, who has options available and will begin the season with Triple-A Iowa.

Lodolo (finger) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lodolo began playing catch Tuesday -- his first time throwing since leaving his start Sunday with a finger blister -- but the Reds have officially concluded that the 28-year-old is better off beginning the season on the IL. The move will give him all the time he needs to recover fully; meanwhile, Brandon Williamson will step in to fill the void in Cincinnati's rotation.

The Giants optioned Seymour to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Although he finished the Cactus League with a strong 2.92 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over 12.1 innings, Seymour will come up short in the race for a spot in San Francisco's bullpen. The 27-year-old righty may reclaim a middle-relief role with the Giants if he continues to cruise on the mound to begin the Triple-A season.