Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Colton Cowser is starting in center field and leading off for the Baltimore Orioles in their spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. The game is being held at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
Parker Meadows is starting in center field and leading off for the Detroit Tigers in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles. The game is being played at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
Pete Alonso is playing first base and batting in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles. The matchup is taking place at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
Ryan Mountcastle is in the starting lineup as the designated hitter for the Baltimore Orioles in their spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. The contest is being held at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
Samuel Basallo is listed as the starting catcher for the Baltimore Orioles in their spring training matchup against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. The game is part of the team's ongoing evaluation of their roster as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot is scheduled to pitch in the spring training matchup against the New York Yankees. Pepiot, who emerged as a key rotation piece after the Tyler Glasnow trade, has thrown five strong innings over two appearances this spring, though he has issued six walks. The team expects him to throw between 60 and 75 pitches in this outing as he continues his preparation for the regular season rotation.
Juan Soto's energetic playing style, including his signature shuffle, has become a focal point of discussion leading into the World Baseball Classic final. U.S. players have cited Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as examples of the flamboyant, high-energy approach that has energized the tournament. American players expressed respect for this style, noting that while they have their own way of having fun, the Latin flair adds significant excitement to the international stage.
Ahead of the World Baseball Classic final, U.S. players have expressed admiration for the flamboyant playing styles of stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto. While the U.S. team has maintained a more controlled, stoic approach under captain Aaron Judge, players like Pete Crow-Armstrong noted that they respect the theatrics and energy brought by Latin American stars, acknowledging that different styles contribute to the game's overall excitement.
As the Houston Astros navigate a period of transition in their pitching staff, Hunter Brown stands out as a top-end arm for the 2026 season. While the rotation faces uncertainty due to the departure of Framber Valdez and injuries to Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski, Brown is expected to anchor the staff. The team has added depth through acquisitions like Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows to support Brown as they aim to return to championship form.
Masataka Yoshida returns to Red Sox spring training following a standout performance in the World Baseball Classic, where he notably hit a two-run home run for Team Japan against Australia. The Red Sox are looking for Yoshida to maintain his offensive momentum as the team prepares for the regular season. His recent performance has been a highlight for the club as they integrate him back into the lineup for the final stretch of spring games.
Lawrence Butler is making his first spring training appearance Tuesday, batting third as the designated hitter against the White Sox. The 25-year-old was brought along slowly after undergoing surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee last October, alongside a PRP injection for left knee tendinitis. Assuming he experiences no issues during his DH action, Butler is expected to return to the outfield later this week.
Kyle Farmer is making a strong case for an Opening Day roster spot with the Braves, currently boasting a .986 OPS this spring. He is set to start against RHP Sonny Gray today, aiming to solidify his position on the bench. Given his platoon splits and performance, Farmer is considered a strong candidate to make the team alongside Dominic Smith.
José Azócar is vying for a bench role on the Braves' Opening Day roster as spring training concludes. Carrying an .832 OPS this spring, Azócar will receive a start against RHP Sonny Gray today to further boost his case. He remains in contention alongside Kyle Farmer and Dominic Smith for the final bench spots as the team finalizes its roster.
Bryce Miller is slated to throw a full-effort bullpen session Tuesday as he recovers from oblique inflammation that has sidelined him for three weeks. A previous attempt to throw last Wednesday was scrapped due to discomfort. The 27-year-old right-hander, looking to bounce back from an injury-marred 2025 season, is currently considered a long shot to be ready for Opening Day.
Mariners pitching prospect Griffin Hugus is expected to miss significant time and is likely heading toward Tommy John surgery. Despite a strong winter showing where he displayed increased velocity and an improved arsenal, the University of Miami product will not make his professional debut in 2026. The organization remains optimistic about his long-term recovery and development.
Ivan Herrera is set to catch a bullpen session Tuesday and return to the Cardinals' Grapefruit League lineup Wednesday against the Astros. The 25-year-old, who has been sidelined by knee inflammation following offseason elbow surgery, is expected to catch three innings. Herrera is projected to serve as St. Louis' primary designated hitter this season while also seeing opportunities behind the plate.
Dylan Crews is facing a critical crossroads after a difficult start to Spring Training, hitting just 3-for-28 with 10 strikeouts. Following a disappointing 2025 season hampered by injury and inconsistent production, fans and analysts are questioning if the former No. 2 overall pick should begin the year in Triple-A to regain confidence. While the Nationals' new regime may prefer to develop him at the MLB level, his roster spot is under scrutiny due to his lack of dominance in the high minors.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The suspension serves as a significant roster setback for the Phillies as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove is expected to begin the 2026 season on the injured list. Musgrove has not thrown in over a week and reportedly did not recover well following an exhibition start against Great Britain's WBC club. This is a significant blow to the Padres' rotation depth, as Musgrove missed the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery and has been working to return to form.
The Mets are expected to include 39-year-old reliever Luis García on their Opening Day roster after signing him to a one-year deal in January. Coming off a 2025 season with the Angels where he posted a 3.42 ERA and 3.28 FIP, García remains a reliable ground-ball inducer. Despite a high walk rate last year, he limited home runs effectively. With no minor league options remaining, the Mets must expose him to waivers if they decide to cut him, though he is likely to stick if he starts strong.
