Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft (toe) is ready to pitch in Spring Training games, manager David Bell told the media on Saturday. The former sixth-round pick wasn't incredibly effective last year, posting a 5.06 FIP, 6.86 K/9, and 1.42 HR/9. However, he was a readily available option for Cincinnati, staying healthy long enough to make 26 starts. The toe issue didn't pop up until early September, at which point he was placed on the 15-day injured list (and eventually shut down for the year). Now healthy again, Ashcraft projects to open the year in the middle of the Reds' rotation.

Cincinnati Reds pitchers Emilio Pagan (sports hernia surgery) and Nick Lodolo (tibia) are both throwing bullpens as Spring Training gets underway, manager David Bell told the media on Saturday. Pagan pitched great as a Minnesota Twin last year, posting a 3.27 FIP, 8.44 K/9, 2.73 BB/9, and 0.65 HR/9. He was also a source of reliability in the Twins' bullpen, tossing 69.1 innings over 66 games, which was just one appearance shy of his career high. Bell did note that Pagan won't be ready for the Reds' opening Spring Training games, but it sounds like he continues to trend in the direction with 26-man roster decisions still more than one month away. Lodolo is also making significant progress, with Bell noting that his bullpen session on Saturday "will shape [the] next steps" in his rehab process. The former first-round pick managed to make just seven starts amidst injuries last year, posting a 5.79 FIP but maintaining a promising 12.32 K/9 and 2.62 BB/9. Assuming he doesn't face any setbacks over the next couple of weeks, Lodolo figures to be ready for Opening Day, too.

The Seattle Mariners have claimed right-handed pitcher Levi Stoudt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. To create room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba was designated for assignment. Adding Stoudt to the team is a noteworthy move for the Mariners. Seattle originally drafted him in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft before shipping him to Cincinnati in the Luis Castillo trade. Now 26, Stoudt struggled between the bullpen and rotation last year, allowing 11 runs over 10+ innings of work. Perhaps a return to the Mariners is exactly what the doctor ordered, though even if he does make the Opening Day roster, he'll remain off the fantasy radar. The same goes for Smith-Njigba, whose status is now in limbo. The outfielder spent less than two weeks in the Mariners' organization and went just 4-for-32 with 16 strikeouts while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. It's possible that another team with an open 40-man roster spot could take a chance on him via trade or waiver claim.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez is working through a visa issue and has yet to arrive at spring training. However, the issue is expected to get worked out soon and the team expects him to arrive any day. The 26-year-old Cuban native has been playing in Japan over the last three seasons and was primarily used as a reliever but the Blue Jays plan to use him as a starter. Blue Jays manager John Schneider wants to stretch him out this spring and see how things go but he also said they'll be cautious with Rodriguez because he's had a long layoff. Ultimately, he could end up being used as a swingman for the Jays if he isn't able to maintain a steady rotation spot. He's still an intriguing name for fantasy purposes but it's hard to spend meaningful draft capital on him with his role not yet defined.

New York Mets infielders Jett Williams and Luisangel Acuna are drawing a lot of interest as Mets camp gets underway in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Williams is the Mets' highest-rated prospect (No.45 in the Top 100) but Acuna is also considered a high-end prospect. Williams was a first-round pick back in 2022 and slashed .263/.425/.451 with 13 home runs, 55 RBI, and 45 steals in 121 minor-league games across three levels. Williams will see time at center field and shortstop while Acuna will get reps at second and shortstop as well. Williams' speed could play well in center field. According to beat writer Anthony DiComo both Acuna and Williams have an outside chance to appear in the majors at some point late in the season. They are must-draft players in dynasty formats but there's no need to rush and draft them in redraft leagues. Both are names to keep an eye on, however, if they do indeed get called up later in the year.