MLB Player News
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Andy Ibanez 2B | DET
Tigers' Andy Ibanez: Impressing in camp
Ibanez has played well this spring and likely has locked up an Opening Day roster spot, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Ibanez was a pleasant surprise for the Tigers last season and he's carried that over into camp, as he's now popped four home runs in 15 Grapefruit League contests to go along with a .963 OPS. The utility player doesn't have a regular home on the diamond, but if he keeps swinging a hot bat, he may force his way into the lineup more often than not.
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Shota Imanaga RP | CHC
Cubs' Shota Imanaga: To start home opener?
Imanaga appears on track to start the Cubs' fourth game of the season on April 1, which is the home opener, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
Justin Steele will get the ball on Opening Day in Texas, potentially followed by Kyle Hendricks and Jordan Wicks. Imanaga would then be in line to make his MLB debut when the Cubs return home for a series against the Rockies. The Japanese lefty has just a 4.66 ERA in three spring starts, though he's also struck out 19 batters in just 9.2 innings, which showcases the type of potential he possesses in his first season.
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Drew Smyly SP | CHC
Cubs' Drew Smyly: Could serve as spot starter
Smyly could start the regular season in the rotation with Jameson Taillon (back) set to miss some time into April, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
Taillon could return as soon as April 8 in San Diego, but the Cubs will have to fill his rotation spot until then. Justin Steele is set to start Opening Day on March 28, and Chicago gets an off day after that. However, the Cubs then have games on five straight days, so a full rotation will likely be needed. Beyond Steele, Kyle Hendricks and Shota Imanaga should be locked into starting spots, and Jordan Wicks is making a strong case in camp. That could leave Smyly, Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski to compete for the No. 5 spot, at least until Taillon returns.
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Kyle Hendricks SP | CHC
Cubs' Kyle Hendricks: Likely to slot in second
Hendricks appears to be lined up to start Chicago's second game of the regular season, behind Opening Day starter Justin Steele, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
The southpaw Steele has emerged as the team's definitive ace, but the rotation gets a little more jumbled after that. Hendricks makes sense in the No. 2 spot, particularly as a veteran righty with Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks and possibly Drew Smyly joining Steele as left-handed starting options. Hendricks won't wow with strikeouts, though he's a steady pitcher who recorded a solid 3.74 ERA across 24 starts last season, giving him some fantasy value in the right matchups.
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Dominic Smith 1B | WAS
Cubs' Dominic Smith: Less competition for role
Smith seems likely to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, and he now has less competition with Matt Mervis getting optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.
Smith would give Chicago a left-handed power bat off the bench as well as a veteran option should Michael Busch falter at first base. It may not be a fantasy-friendly role right away, but Smith could have more value down the road if his playing time increases. The 28-year-old hit 12 home runs across 153 games with Washington last season to go along with a .254 batting average.
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Matt McLain SS | CIN
Reds' Matt McLain: Scratched with shoulder issue
McLain was scratched from Monday's exhibition against the Giants due to left shoulder soreness.
The team notes that this move was merely precautionary, but McLain's status will be worth keeping an eye on over the next few days as the 2024 campaign nears. Yan Contreras will start at shortstop Monday evening in McLain's place.
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Elier Hernandez LF | TEX
Rangers' Elier Hernandez: Sent to minors
Hernandez was assigned to minor-league camp Monday.
Hernandez showed flashes of potential in March while with the big club, recording eight hits in 31 at-bats to go along with six RBI, four walks and five runs scores across 20 appearances. He played in 14 big-league contests a season ago for the Rangers and will likely be a candidate for a mid-season promotion again in 2024.
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Sandro Fabian RF | TEX
Rangers' Sandro Fabian: Joins minors camp
Fabian was assigned to minor-league camp Monday.
Fabian struggled against big-league arms over the last few weeks, collecting three hits in 22 at-bats while driving in one and striking out eight times in 18 contests. He'll aim to put this rocky start in the rear-view mirror and should join Triple-A Round Rock for the 2024 campaign after slashing .288/.331/.523 with 23 homers, 78 RBI, six stolen bases and 67 runs scored over 117 appearances with the Express a season ago.
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Jose Godoy C | TEX
Rangers' Jose Godoy: Headed to minors camp
Godoy was assigned to minor-league camp Monday.
Godoy put pen to paper on a minor-league contract that included an invitation to spring training in February, and he made the most of his chances before being sent down. He went 5-for-13 with three RBI, two walks and one run scored over 12 contests.
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Ty Buttrey RP | SEA
Mariners' Ty Buttrey: Assigned to minors camp
Buttrey was assigned to minor-league spring training Monday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
Buttrey held his own while at big-league camp, surrendering one run on five hits while striking out five over five frames. He'll now set his sights on preparing for the 2024 minor-league campaign and figures to begin the year at Triple-A Tacoma.