MLB Player News

Atlanta reassigned Gamel to minor-league camp Friday.

Gamel hit four home runs during Grapefruit League play, but the veteran outfielder went just 7-for-34 (.206 average) with a 1:12 BB:K. He was unable to win a bench role with Atlanta and is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Ballesteros was informed Friday that he will be on the Cubs' Opening Day roster, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Ballesteros impressed in his MLB debut last season, slashing .298/.394/.474 across 66 plate appearances. The 22-year-old hasn't skipped a beat this spring, going 11-for-31 (.355) with two home runs, two doubles and eight RBI. Ballesteros has the inside track to begin the season as the Cubs' DH, but with fellow catchers Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya on the team, opportunities behind the plate will likely be limited.

Yastrzemski is dealing with pink eye but is expected to be back in the lineup in the next couple of days, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Yastrzemski will be temporarily sidelined while he deals with pink eye. The issue is expected to be resolved in time for Opening Day. Yastrzemski is slated to serve on the strong side of a platoon in left field for Atlanta.

Atlanta assigned Ritchie to minor-league camp Friday.

Ritchie has made waves this spring, posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB across 12 innings. However, he'll open the season in the minors, which was the initial expectation. If he keeps rolling at Triple-A, Ritchie could make his MLB debut sooner rather than later.

Atlanta optioned Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

Dodd appeared in 28 games out of the bullpen last year for Atlanta, but he'll begin the 2026 campaign at Triple-A. The 27-year-old left-hander posted a 3.00 ERA across nine innings during spring training.

Kimbel did not exercise the first opt out in his minor-league contract with the Mets as he continues to pursue a spot on the Opening Day roster, Pat Ragazzo of SI.com reports.

New York's bullpen competition got a little bit narrower Friday with the club cutting Austin Warren, Kevin Herget and Robert Stock from big-league camp. Kimbrel has given up three runs with a 5:5 K:BB across six innings during spring training, but manager Carlos Mendoza has been impressed with the late life on Kimbrel's fastball. Bryan Hudson and Richard Lovelady are the remaining internal competition for a bullpen spot, but the Mets could bring in some outside arms as teams begin to trim the rosters for Opening Day.

Soderstrom (knee) will bat fourth and play left field in Friday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

Soderstrom was lifted from Thursday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on the knee, but he'll be back in action Friday. Thursday's removal was deemed to be precautionary.

Butler (knees) will lead off and play right field for Friday's Cactus League game against the Cubs.

Butler made his spring debut Tuesday but was limited to DH duties. Now, he's been cleared to play the field. The 25-year-old had been recovering from surgery on his left knee and tendinitis in his right knee. While he may have some rust to shake off, Butler looks to be a full-go ahead of Opening Day.

Beavers has been scratched from Friday's spring training game against the Yankees due to right knee discomfort, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Beavers had a right knee issue pop up pregame, and it'll prevent him from playing in the contest. While more information on Beavers' health should be provided in the next 24 hours, he can be considered day-to-day for now.

The Cubs optioned Roberts to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Roberts will start the 2026 season at Triple-A despite having a strong camp. The right-hander posted a 1.50 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across six innings this spring. He appeared in 10 regular-season games for the Cubs in 2025.