Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Ortiz provided the decisive blow in the Diamondbacks' 8-7 comeback win over the Giants, hitting a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning. The victory marked Arizona's second consecutive win. The team overcame a five-run deficit, with Jacob Amaya also contributing a grand slam to the offensive effort.
Neto sustained a left hand injury while sliding into home plate during Saturday's game against the Mariners. Manager Kurt Suzuki indicated the 25-year-old shortstop will undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury. Given that Neto finished the 2025 season on the injured list with a similar hand strain, there is concern he could miss extended time, potentially forcing the Angels to look toward depth options like Oswald Peraza or Vaughn Grissom.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Kim is expected to return for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Cubs. Kim sustained a left hand injury while stealing a base on March 8 during the World Baseball Classic. He went 1-for-12 with three RBI during the tournament before Team Korea was eliminated. The injury is considered minor, and Kim is projected to secure a spot on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster as a utility player.
Max Fried logged 5.1 innings against the Phillies, allowing three runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks. Despite a pickoff error, he showed strong command, retiring the first six batters. Manager Aaron Boone praised Fried's leadership and work ethic as he anchors the rotation while awaiting the return of Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole. Fried, entering his second season in the Bronx, is set to start on Opening Day against the Giants after a solid spring buildup.
Jose Romero, along with Nick Piecoro, reported on Corbin Burnes' progress as the pitcher threw 15 pitches during a bullpen session on Friday. The session marked Burnes' first time on the mound since his Tommy John surgery in June, with the right-hander reaching 91 mph on his fastballs and sinkers.
Burnes reached an encouraging milestone Friday, tossing 15 pitches in his first bullpen session since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. He threw only fastballs and sinkers, reaching a top velocity of 91 mph. The 31-year-old right-hander plans to throw two bullpen sessions per week as he works toward a targeted return around the All-Star break in July.
Wrobleski labored through a difficult outing against the White Sox, failing to complete three full innings while being responsible for five of the seven runs allowed. He struggled with command, hitting the zone only 40% of the time and conceding multiple walks. Prior to this performance, he had not allowed an earned run in three spring appearances. The Dodgers continue to evaluate the young pitcher as they finalize their roster plans for the upcoming season.
Cubs right-hander Ben Brown impressed in Saturday's spring training appearance against the Rockies, tossing four efficient innings. Brown allowed just two hits and one run while striking out six batters and issuing zero walks across 51 pitches. While consistency has been a hurdle for the hard-throwing pitcher, this performance against a lineup featuring several regular-season starters bolsters his case for a potential spot in the Cubs' rotation.
Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson has suffered a significant setback in his recovery from a shoulder issue, with reports confirming a new elbow injury. Previously diagnosed with thoracic outlet symptoms over the winter, he is now set to be examined by orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister. His status for Opening Day is in doubt, forcing the Angels to consider alternatives like Kirby Yates, Drew Pomeranz, Jordan Romano, or Ben Joyce for high-leverage save opportunities.
Manager Carlos Mendoza reports that Clay Holmes is in a 'good place' entering his second season as a full-time starter. After a 12-8 record and 3.53 ERA in 165.2 innings last year, Holmes has shown improved routine and pitch usage during camp, posting a 2.84 ERA across 12.2 innings. He also looked dominant in a three-inning, six-strikeout WBC appearance. The Mets believe his experience and commitment to data-driven preparation will lead to a more consistent 2026 campaign.
Zack Wheeler faced hitters for the first time since his September thoracic outlet surgery, throwing 20 pitches and reaching 93 mph. The 35-year-old reported feeling "more in sync" during the session. While Opening Day is not a target, the Phillies are optimistic about a return between mid-April and early May. Wheeler will continue to build up his velocity and pitch count, with his next steps in the progression to be determined.
Max Scherzer delivered a strong performance against the Tigers, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Throwing 65 pitches, the right-hander has now completed two spring starts without allowing an earned run. Scherzer appears to be in mid-season form as he continues his preparation for the upcoming regular season.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol reports that Herrera is in a much better spot following knee inflammation caused by his increased catching workload. The team remains confident he will be ready for Opening Day. Herrera, who also recovered from offseason elbow surgery, has been eased into action with only seven plate appearances this spring. The club is proceeding cautiously, planning to utilize him as the Opening Day designated hitter while working him in at catcher as he reaches full health.
An MRI on Gabriel Moreno's right elbow revealed inflammation but no structural damage, according to Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. The 26-year-old backstop was scratched from Friday's Cactus League game against the Royals due to forearm tightness. Despite the scare, the team expects Moreno to be available for Opening Day. He will continue to be monitored as he recovers from the inflammation.
The Mets have placed right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman on the 60-day injured list due to a rib fracture. The injury comes as a surprise, as Hagenman had been competing for a roster spot after posting a 4.56 ERA over 23.2 innings with the club last season. He will be ineligible to return to major league action for at least two months, effectively sidelining him through the start of the regular season.
The Mets have re-acquired left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady via a waiver claim from the Nationals. Since joining the organization last June, Lovelady has been designated for assignment four times. Because he is out of options, his roster spot remains tenuous as the team evaluates other left-handed relief options in camp, including A.J. Minter, to join Brooks Raley in the bullpen for the upcoming season.
After an injury-marred 2025 campaign, Jackson Merrill is focused on refining his approach to reach superstardom in 2026. The Padres centerfielder has adjusted his diet and workout routine to increase power while maintaining speed. Despite a sophomore slump, Merrill posted a 112 OPS+ and 3.0 fWAR last year. Projections suggest a 25-homer season if he can stay healthy and reduce his chase rate, which he has identified as a primary area for improvement this spring.
Ryan Bergert continues to make a strong impression in Royals camp, competing for a final rotation spot. While he is likely ticketed for the minors to start the season, his spring performance, characterized by above-average stuff and high whiff rates, has been notable. The Royals plan to use him alongside other pitchers like Daniel Lynch IV and Nick Mears in upcoming games as they finalize their roster ahead of the regular season.
Joe Ryan will no longer pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, as the team opted to add Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman to the roster instead. Ryan, who recently made his spring debut after recovering from a mid-February back injury, is currently projected to start for the Twins on Opening Day against the Orioles on March 26. He is coming off a 2025 season where he tossed a career-high 171 innings with a 3.42 ERA.
Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman has been added to Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster. He replaces the retired Clayton Kershaw ahead of the team's semifinal matchup against the Dominican Republic.
