Kansas City, MO

Hernandez has covered five innings without allowing an earned run over three Cactus League appearances. Hernandez has also posted a 6:1 K:BB with just three hits allowed. His workload hasn't been that heavy in the spring, but he's performed well in the limited sample. The 26-year-old right-hander looks set to fill a bullpen role as a multi-inning option this season. He struggled to a 7.39 ERA and 1.84 WHIP over 56 innings last season, but if he carry over his improved control from the spring to the regular season, he should at least enjoy a little more job security.

Royals' Carlos Hernandez: Doing well in spring

Atlanta, GA

Rosario appears locked into the starting role in left field for Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. The 31-year-old outfielder underwent laser eye surgery last year and struggled to pick up the ball after his return, but he's appeared to be something close to his old self at the plate this spring, rapping out his first extra-base hit Monday in Grapefruit League play (a double off the Rays' Zach Eflin) after going 3-for-17 with two homers and a double for Puerto Rico during the WBC. Rosario was a big part of Atlanta's postseason run in 2021, winning the NLCS MVP after slashing .271/.330/.573 over 33 regular-season games, but his career .270/.305/.462 line is a more realistic goal over a full campaign if he returns to form.

Braves' Eddie Rosario: Set as starter in left

Manhattan, NY

Salon

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels' attorney handed over her communications with Trump attorney Joe Tacopina to the Manhattan district attorney's office, according to CNN. Daniels, who is central to Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg's investigation into Trump's connection to alleged hush money payments made in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign, was seeking an attorney in 2018 when she was purportedly in touch with Tacopina.

Stormy Daniels turns over messages from Trump lawyer — and they could "disqualify" him in the case

Saint Louis, MO

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright will open the season on the injured list and likely miss "several weeks" with a groin strain, manager Oliver Marmol told reporters Thursday (via MLB.com). Wainwright suffered the injury in the weight room Tuesday, prior to Team USA's loss to Japan in the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Adam Wainwright injury update: Cardinals veteran to miss 'several weeks' with groin strain

Jimenez might get some save opportunities with Atlanta while Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is out. A.J. Minter might be ahead of Jimenez in the pecking order, especially since Jimenez has been eased into things this spring following offseason back surgery. The former Tiger is considered healthy now, though, and was terrific in 2022 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 77:13 K:BB over 56.2 frames. It's possible Atlanta doesn't settle on one closer while Iglesias is on the shelf.

Braves' Joe Jimenez: An option for saves in Atlanta

Phoenix, AZ

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly has suffered a fractured right forearm, manager Torey Lovullo told reporters on Tuesday. Lovullo didn't say how long Kelly would be sidelined with the injury, but it figures to be a lengthy absence. Kelly suffered the injury on Monday when he was struck by a pitch during a spring training game against the White Sox.

Carson Kelly injury: Diamondbacks catcher suffers fractured forearm after spring training hit-by-pitch

Miami, FL

Barnes walked one and struck out one in a scoreless sixth inning during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. The right-hander was the first reliever in the game for the Marlins after Trevor Rogers hit the showers, which in the spring is a spot generally reserved for high-leverage options. Barnes' 6:4 K:BB through 4.2 innings in camp isn't exactly sharp, however, and it's an ominous sign for a pitcher who's posted a walk rate above 11.0 percent in four of the last five seasons. Miami isn't expected to go into 2023 with a set closer, instead mixing and matching among four different late-inning arms, but Dylan Floro still seems to be ahead of Barnes in the pecking order from the right side.

Marlins' Matt Barnes: Clean outing Wednesday

Seattle, WA

Mariners manager Scott Servais said Monday that Kelenic (quadriceps) "will be fine," Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. Kelenic was lifted for a pinch hitter Monday due to some minor quad tightness, but his skipper doesn't seem worried at all that the injury is anything that will linger. The Mariners are off Tuesday, and while it's possible Kelenic is held out for a few days as a precaution, he should be ready to go come Opening Day. The outfielder is sporting a robust .410/.439/.872 batting line with four homers this spring.

Mariners' Jarred Kelenic: Expected to be fine

The Atlanta Braves made a pair of surprising roster moves on Monday, optioning both Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake to the minors. Grissom and Shewmake had been in competition for the starting shortstop job. The Braves will instead enter the season with veteran Orlando Arcia serving as their starter at the six, with non-roster invitee Ehire Adrianza acting in reserve.

Braves make surprise roster moves and appear to pick veteran option as Opening Day shortstop

The Marlins reassigned Miller to minor-league camp Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. The 27-year-old outfielder received a brief taste of the big leagues in 2021, but he spent the entire 2022 campaign at Triple-A Jacksonville and looks set for a return trip to the affiliate to begin the 2023 season. Miller's assignment to minor-league camp comes after he slashed .235/.381/.294 with one stolen base across 16 Grapefruit League games.

Marlins' Brian Miller: Moves to minors camp

Pittsburgh, PA

Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. Ramirez pitched 27 innings for Pittsburgh last season, posting a 3.67 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He's struggled this spring, however, allowing 10 earned runs through 5.1 frames, so the Pirates will give him a chance to settle in with Triple-A Indianapolis. If he's able to bring his numbers back down, he could rejoin the Pirates' bullpen during the season.

Pirates' Yohan Ramirez: Optioned to Triple-A

Houston, TX

Tucker is scheduled to report to West Palm Beach on Wednesday to have his ankle looked at, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. Tucker was unable to play in Tuesday's World Baseball Classic final because of soreness in his ankle. Astros manager Dusty Baker told Rome that the outfielder was doing "better" but wanted the Houston training staff to look at the ankle first. Tucker should be considered day-to-day at this point, but there should be further clarity on the injury in the coming days. after the training staff is able to get a better look at the ankle.

Astros' Kyle Tucker: Having ankle checked out Wednesday

San Diego, CA

Padres manager Bob Melvin said there is a chance Nola avoids spending time on the injured list after he suffered a slight fracture in his nose Sunday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports. Melvin also noted that Nola could resume baseball activities as soon as Wednesday. No decisions on Nola's...

Padres' Austin Nola: Could avoid IL stint

Padres manager Bob Melvin announced that Tuesday's MRI on Soto's oblique strain did not reveal anything significant, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Melvin called the strain "minimal" and mentioned that the team is hopeful that Soto will be able to resume swinging in the next couple of days, and that he's optimistic that the outfielder will get more at-bats in the Cactus League before its conclusion. It's great news for all involved after Soto was removed from Sunday's game with the strained oblique. He should be considered day-to-day, and at this point it seems likely that Soto will be ready to play for the Padres on Opening Day.

Padres' Juan Soto: MRI reveals minimal strain

Kansas State

Fermin was optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the Royals on Wednesday. There was some thought that the Royals could carry three catchers to open the season, but it appears Kansas City will just go with Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez as optioned behind the dish on the opening roster. Fermin performed well in the Cactus League with a .906 OPS in 25 plate appearances before the demotion, and if there was an injury to either Melendez or Perez he'd be the first name called on as a replacement.

Royals' Freddy Fermin: Optioned to Triple-A

Minneapolis, MN

Taylor could get more playing time early in the season with manager Rocco Baldelli saying Byron Buxton will primarily be used at DH initially, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. Taylor, Nick Gordon and Joey Gallo could all be used in center field based on matchups, but Taylor (a former...

Twins' Michael Taylor: Could get more starts early in season

NewsBreak

Mariners' Tayler Saucedo: Claimed off waivers

Saucedo was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Tuesday. Saucedo had...

Mariners' Tayler Saucedo: Claimed off waivers

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