Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen (right shoulder) is "trending toward a return," according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. Injuries have been quite the obstacle for Treinen, who has pitched just five innings over the last two seasons, but it appears that he's ready to be a contributor out of the bullpen once again. The Dodgers would be thrilled to get the pre-injury version of Treinen this year. Through 72 appearances in 2021, he maintained a 1.99 ERA, 10.58 K/9, and 3.11 BB/9 while securing 32 holds and seven saves.

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux (knee) "is a full-go for Spring Training," according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. Lux tore his ACL last spring and missed all of the 2023 season, but he's healthy once again and is trending toward being the Dodgers' starting shortstop on Opening Day. The former first-round pick has a solid track record in the majors, including a .276/.346/.399 slash line from his last healthy season in 2022. He currently ranks 27th among second basemen (257th overall) in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.

The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran relief pitcher Jay Jackson to a major league deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Initial terms of the contract were unavailable. Just last month, it was reported that Jackson had interest from over one dozen teams and was trending towards receiving a major league contract. Indeed, the 36-year-old has put pen to paper with Minnesota and should provide meaningful innings in 2024. He was productive with the Blue Jays last season, posting a 2.12 ERA, 8.19 K/9, and 2.73 BB/9 through 25 games.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Matt Mervis will likely open the regular season on the bench, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. This decision is a product of an offseason trade in which Chicago acquired first baseman Michael Busch from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Given that the Cubs are expected to play Busch on a daily basis, Mervis, who didn't occupy any other positions during his rookie season last year, gets pushed out of the lineup and onto the bench. The 25-year-old has the potential for significant power but got off to a shaky start with his .167/.242/.289 slash line and 32.3 BB% in 2023.

Chicago Cubs pitchers Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, and Hayden Wesneski are expected to compete for the fifth starting pitcher role during Spring Training, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. Former first-round pick Jordan Wicks is also in the mix, but Bastian notes that he's likely "better served" opening the year at Triple-A. That leaves three pitchers for presumably just one spot in the rotation, assuming the top four starters remain healthy and productive this spring. All three hurlers have potential; Assad limited hits and runs last year, Wesneski boasted a .224 OBA and 10.67 K/9 following the All-Star Break, and Smyly is a lefty with plenty of MLB experience. The two odd men out will be top candidates for a shift to the bullpen, even if temporary.