MLB Player News

The Cubs selected Conforto's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Chicago had already informed Conforto a few days earlier that he had secured his spot on the Opening Day squad, but the team officially cleared room for him on the 40-man roster Wednesday by placing left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. With Seiya Suzuki (knee) on the 10-day IL to begin the season, the left-handed-hitting Conforto should have a clear path to making regular starts against righties as either a designated hitter or corner outfielder.

The Phillies selected Crawford's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

The Phillies informed Crawford last week that he would be on the Opening Day roster, though there was never much doubt. He will operate as the club's primary center fielder and is poised to bat ninth in the lineup. Crawford slashed .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs and 46 stolen bases at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025 and should be an immediate fantasy contributor in the steals department, at the very least.

The Cardinals placed Nootbaar (heels) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Nootbaar began a running progression last week and took live batting practice Tuesday, but the Cardinals are planning to proceed cautiously with the outfielder, who underwent surgery in October to address Haglund's deformities on both of his heels. A firmer target date for Nootbaar's season debut should become available in the weeks to come once he ramps up the intensity and frequency of his on-field work, but he won't be eligible to debut until late May after landing on the 60-day IL. The transaction will free up a spot on the 40-man roster for top prospect JJ Wetherholt, who will be part of the Cardinals' Opening Day squad.

The Giants selected Oliva's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

Oliva was in camp as a non-roster invitee and earned a spot after slashing .375/.444/.550 with one home run and 14 steals in Cactus League action. The 30-year-old has not played in the majors since 2021 and is poised to back up at all three outfield spots.

The Rockies placed Veen (knee) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Veen suffered a knee contusion in early March and was sidelined for the closing stretch of spring training, so it's not a major surprise he won't be available to begin the season. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut and batted .118 in 37 plate appearances last year, and he could be headed back to Triple-A Albuquerque once healthy.

The Cubs placed Suzuki (knee) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Suzuki was diagnosed with a strained PCL in his right knee after hurting himself while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He resumed baseball activities last week and is not expected to be sidelined long. Michael Conforto should get the bulk of the reps in right field for the Cubs while Suzuki is out.

The Diamondbacks placed Gurriel (knee) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Gurriel is on the mend from Sept. 11 surgery to address a torn ACL in his right knee and is likely to remain on the shelf for at least the first month of the season. He was cleared earlier this week to serve as a designated hitter in minor-league games on the back fields of spring training but has yet to get the green light to resume playing the outfield. Once he's facing no restrictions defensively, Gurriel could report to an affiliate to begin a rehab assignment.

The Marlins placed Stowers (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Stowers was diagnosed Sunday with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain and is expected to need 3-to-4 weeks to make a full recovery. With Stowers opening the season on the shelf, the Marlins should have regular reps available in the corner outfield for Griffin Conine and Owen Caissie, and the right-handed-hitting Heriberto Hernandez could see more opportunities against righties after he previously appeared to be in line for a short-side platoon role.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday that Gurriel (knee) has been cleared to serve as a designated hitter in minor-league games on the back fields of camp, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Lovullo added that Gurriel is close to returning to play defense. Gurriel has resumed shagging fly balls but not yet defended a position in a game situation.

Veen has been sidelined since March 9 due to a right knee contusion.

Veen injured himself sliding while trying to make a catch in the outfield. He had been slashing .250/.375/.550 with a pair of homers and four RBI through 24 plate appearances in the Cactus League, but his extended absence could be a sign that he won't be available for Opening Day.