MLB Player News

Ray is the most prominent inclusion among the Brewers’ first round of spring training cuts. The 27-year-old outfielder, who was selected fifth overall in the 2016 MLB Draft, got into just one game last season at the major-league level. Perdomo, Bettinger and File are expected to serve as organizational pitching depth this season.

Lawrence was designated for assignment last week and sent outright to Triple-A Tacoma, but he’ll rejoin the big league bullpen on Thursday evening. The 37-year-old hurler holds a 4.08 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and a 7/1 K/BB ratio over 17 2/3 innings at the big league level this season.

The 26-year-old hurler appeared in just one game during his time with the Mariners, giving up three runs on four hits over his three innings of work. He’ll continue to serve as extra depth at the Triple-A level until he’s needed once more. Casey Lawrence was added to the M’s roster in a corresponding move on Thursday.

The Mariners needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for Casey Lawrence on Thursday and unfortunately Hunt drew the short straw this time around. The 26-year-old backstop was hitting just .231/.271/.407 with two homers, five RBI and a 29/5 K/BB ratio over 96 plate appearances at Triple-A Tacoma. It seems likely that he’ll pass through waivers unclaimed and continue to function as extra depth for the M’s.

With AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) landing on the injured list, Petersen will provide the Braves’ bullpen with a fresh arm for at least a couple of days while they decide how to handle that rotation spot. Petersen, 31, has logged a pair of scoreless innings in his only appearance with the Braves this season. Expect him to be utilized in a middle relief role.

Smith-Shawver felt a “pop” in his right elbow during the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Phillies and it’s certainly discouraging to see him already land on the injured list before the nightcap. He’s still being evaluated so there’s no word yet on what the actual injury is or how long he’ll be sidelined for — it’ll be a couple of weeks at an absolute minimum though. Michael Petersen was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for Alexis Díaz on Thursday and did so by shuffling Phillips to the 60-day IL. His recent MRI revealed only inflammation in his right elbow and the Dodgers had been hopeful that he would only require a minimum stint on the injured list, so it’s a bit surprising to hear that he’ll now be shelved until the middle of July at the earliest. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues who had been hoping that Phillips could work his way into the saves mix can safely cut bait.

Villani, 22, was a 13th round selection by the Dodgers from the 2024 draft class. He has logged just two innings in the minor leagues so far this season, hurling a pair of perfect frames with five strikeouts for the Dodgers’ Rookie League affiliate. He’s a long way away from being a potential option to help out the Reds’ bullpen, but an intriguing talent nonetheless.

The former Reds’ closer has fallen on hard times after a disappointing 2024 season. He suffered a hamstring injury at the end of spring training that cost him the first few weeks of the season and upon his return he struggled to a cringe-inducing 12.00 ERA, 2.17 WHIP and a 3/5 K/BB ratio over six frames before he was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. The results weren’t much better there, registering a 4.61 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and a 16/12 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings. Given their recent track record with reclamation projects, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Díaz get right with the Dodgers and return to being an effective high-leverage option out of their bullpen before the season is through.

It has been a quick fall from grace for the 28-year-old right-hander. He was expected to open the 2025 season as the team’s closer until a hamstring strain shelved him at the end of spring training. He then posted a miserable 12.00 ERA, 2.17 WHIP and a 3/5 K/BB ratio over six innings with the Reds before getting optioned to Triple-A Louisville. The Reds are expected to receive minor league right-hander Mike Villani in return from the Dodgers.

Walker was removed from Wednesday’s game after being hit in the hand by a pitch. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative for any fractures, but he’s still dealing with some soreness and swelling, so he’ll get at least an extra day to rest before returning to action. Victor Caratini will cover first base in his absence on Thursday and will bat cleanup for the Astros against Shane Baz and the Rays.