MLB Player News

Gonzalez could lose out on a roster spot to begin the season in favor of Leury Garcia, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez has had an inconsistent spring, leaving his status for Opening Day in flux. On one hand, he's slugged four home runs and added a double across 40 Cactus League at-bats. However, Gonzalez has also struck out 15 times in 43 total plate appearances. While Gonzalez's defensive versatility has been praised by the club, Garcia is also capable of playing many positions, either in the infield or outfield.

Burger is in the running to earn a roster spot to begin the season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Burger has made a strong case for a roster spot with both his bat and glove this spring. He's slugged four home runs and a double across 59 plate appearances during Cactus League action, though that's been offset by 18 strikeouts. Adding to Burger's appeal is that he added first base to his defensive repertoire, giving him some additional versatility as compared to the 2022 campaign.

Lynn allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six across 4.2 innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

Lynn took the mound for the first time since returning from the World Baseball Classic. He was hit around initially but closed the outing with three shutout innings while retiring 10 of the final 11 batters he faced. Lynn is expected to start Chicago's second game of the regular season Friday against the Astros, and he should be able to work fairly deep into the game after facing 21 batters in his spring training finale.

Buttrey was informed that he did not make the Astros' Opening Day roster Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Buttrey was with the team in camp on a minor-league deal, and he surrendered five earned runs across nine innings of work. He'll likely begin the season with Triple-A Sugar Land and could serve as depth out of Houston's bullpen at some point during the regular season.

Brantley (shoulder) will begin the season in West Palm Beach to continue his rehab at the Astros' team facility, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

This report confirms the expectation that Brantley will begin the season on the injured list. There's no clear timeline for his return, though he underwent surgery on his shoulder over seven months ago. Brantley figures to occupy a key role in the Houston lineup when he's able to take the field, though the lingering injury isn't a positive way to begin the new campaign.

Javier is likely to start Friday against the White Sox in the Astros' second game of the regular season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Framber Valdez is expected to start on Opening Day, though that has yet to officially be announced. Javier appears to be next in line, and he shouldn't have any problems pitching deep into the game after throwing 5.2 innings Saturday against the Nationals in his Grapefruit League finale. He will enter the season looking to back his breakout 2022 campaign, during which he posted a 2.54 ERA and 0.95 WHIP across 148.2 innings.

Votto told reporters before Saturday's Cactus League game that he could open the 2023 season on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Votto has been able to play for two weeks in the Cactus League after recovering from a torn rotator cuff and left biceps surgery that ended his 2023 season. As Nightengale notes, however, he's still in the process of reaching enough at-bats and defensive innings to feel comfortable enough for the beginning of the year. "I just want to make sure I'm clear: This is a performance-based game," Votto said. "You have to do your job. And I can't come back early, tank and embarrass our organization. I have to come back, perform well and be healthy." It would likely be a short stint on the injured list for Votto, but the assumption that he'd be ready for the start of the season may have been slightly premature.

Piscotty was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Giants on Saturday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Piscotty was signed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training in February. The outfielder dealt with an oblique injury during the Cactus League, and he hit .320/.370/.440 over 27 plate appearances in Arizona. The 32-year-old will begin the year in Triple-A Sacramento, and if the Giants decide to give him a promotion they'll have to add him to the 40-man roster.

Yajure was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Giants on Saturday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Yajure appeared in just one spring game for the Giants while allowing two runs over two innings with four strikeouts. The right-hander will likely head to Triple-A Sacramento to provide pitching depth in the Pacific Coast League.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz is expected to start the season on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching elbow, but his ability to toss a bullpen Saturday suggests that the issue is minor. The lefty reliever didn't pitch at all in the majors last season, but he's expected to have an important role in San Diego's bullpen once he's able to throw in games again.