Kansas City Royals vs. Cincinnati Reds - News - March 15, 2024

Nick Martinez - Saturday outing not a givenReds manager David Bell said Friday that Martinez (rib) is not a lock to start Saturday as previously anticipated, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

ImpactMartinez has pitched through a rib issue in his last couple Cactus League appearances, but he was scratched from a scheduled start Thursday, throwing long-toss instead. The pitcher doesn't feel any pain while on the mound but is in some discomfort doing day-to-day things. If Martinez does start Saturday, it could be either a Cactus League game or minor-league contest. The Reds believe he'll be ready for the start of the season.

MARCH 15•ROTOWIRE

Jake Fraley - Steals second spring bagFraley started in right field and went 1-for-2 with a stolen base in Thursday's spring game against Texas.

ImpactFraley, who stole a career-high 21 bases in 2023, swiped his second bag in 10 Cactus League appearances. The lefty-hitting outfielder, who is hitless in eight at-bats against left-handers this spring, was on a strict platoon last season, making just four starts against southpaws. He had a .504 OPS over 41 plate appearances against them last season, slightly better than his career mark of .482 (173 PAs). Fantasy managers can expect a similar role in 2024, with Spencer Steer or Stuart Fairchild entering the outfield whenever the Reds face a lefty.

MARCH 15•ROTOWIRE

How a first-strike competition has taken over the Royals' clubhouseSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Royals starter Michael Wacha looked sharp with 3 2/3 scoreless innings Thursday in the Royals’ 6-0 win over the D-backs...

MARCH 15•MLB.COM

Reds' Elly De La Cruz Signs Teammate's Car Window That He Smashed in Batting PracticeThe young infielder made up for his inadvertent property damage.

MARCH 14•NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Nick Martinez - Pushed back two daysMartinez's next Cactus League appearance has been pushed back from Thursday to Saturday because of a rib injury, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

ImpactReds manager David Bell said that Martinez "may have a rib out of place," but the right-hander was still able to play long-toss Thursday and will start in a couple days. At this point, it doesn't sound like an injury to be concerned about. Martinez has allowed one unearned run with a 7:1 K:BB over five innings this spring. He's expected to open the season in Cincinnati's rotation.

MARCH 14•ROTOWIRE

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Kansas City Royals vs. Cincinnati Reds - News: Mar 15, 2024

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