Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Nico Hoerner rebounded from a first-inning error to hit a home run in the Cubs' 9-8 walk-off victory over the Royals. The game featured seven total home runs and unusual batting sequences, including the Cubs batting out of order in the seventh and eighth innings. Hoerner's contribution was part of a productive offensive day for Chicago, which saw Matt Halbach drive in the winning run in the ninth inning at Sloan Park.
The Atlanta Braves reassigned veteran starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco to their minor league camp. Carrasco, who made his MLB debut in 2009, returned to the organization on a minor league deal following a difficult 2025 campaign where he made three starts for Atlanta. The move is part of a broader roster shuffle that saw the Braves reassign multiple pitchers to minor league camp, bringing the current camp roster to 50 players.
The Atlanta Braves reassigned reliever James Karinchak to their minor league camp. Karinchak has pitched well this spring, striking out nine batters across four innings while attempting to return to the majors after missing time due to injuries. Mark Bowman of MLB.com suggests Karinchak could be a candidate for a big-league call-up by early April, as the team prioritizes carrying long-relief options during the season's opening stretch.
The Atlanta Braves optioned reliever Hayden Harris to Triple-A following a strong spring performance where he struck out 12 batters in five innings. Despite his success, the team's roster constraints and the need for multi-inning relief options early in the season led to the move. Harris remains a candidate for a future call-up as the Braves navigate a schedule featuring 13 consecutive games to open the regular season.
Cole Young had a standout day for the Mariners, recording three hits including a 108.7 mph home run in an 11-7 loss to the Rockies. Young also contributed an RBI single and a double, showcasing significant power and contact ability. Defensively, he demonstrated improvement, making two difficult plays to his right at shortstop. His performance was a bright spot in a game where the Mariners' bullpen struggled late.
Brewers pitcher Robert Gasser struggled in his spring training start against the Reds, allowing four runs on five hits over 2 2/3 innings. Gasser surrendered three home runs during his outing, including shots to Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, and Jose Trevino. Despite striking out four batters, he was unable to contain the Cincinnati offense in a 6-3 loss. The Brewers' bullpen later combined to hold the Reds scoreless from the fourth through the seventh innings.
Kevin Ginkel was charged with two runs during the Diamondbacks' 13-3 loss to the Athletics. His defensive error, alongside one by Pavin Smith, contributed to four unearned runs in a game where Arizona's pitching staff allowed 14 hits. Ginkel's outing was part of a difficult day for the Diamondbacks' staff, which saw only Philip Abner complete an inning without allowing an earned run.
Pavin Smith was involved in a defensive lapse during the Diamondbacks' 13-3 loss to the Athletics, contributing to four unearned runs allowed by the pitching staff. Arizona's staff surrendered 14 hits and two walks in the defeat. While the team managed only five hits offensively, the game highlighted ongoing defensive and pitching struggles for the Diamondbacks this spring.
Brandon Valenzuela is set to start behind the plate at catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays in their spring training game against the New York Yankees.
Randal Grichuk is in the starting lineup for the Toronto Blue Jays, playing left field in their spring training game against the New York Yankees.
Nathan Lukes is slated to bat second and serve as the designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays in their spring training matchup against the New York Yankees.
Trent Grisham is in the starting lineup for the New York Yankees, positioned in center field for their spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Myles Straw is set to lead off and play center field for the Toronto Blue Jays in their spring training game against the New York Yankees.
Jazz Chisholm has returned to the New York Yankees' camp following his participation in the World Baseball Classic. He is back in the starting lineup for tonight's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, playing at second base.
Rafael Lantigua is set to start at second base for the Toronto Blue Jays in their midweek spring training matchup against the New York Yankees.
Cody Bellinger is included in the Toronto Blue Jays' starting lineup for their spring training game against the New York Yankees, playing at first base.
Ryan Mountcastle is considered day-to-day after X-rays on his right hand returned negative for a fracture. He was removed from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates after being hit by a pitch. With the Orioles idle on Thursday, he could return to action as early as Friday. Mountcastle faces uncertain playing time this season as he competes for depth chart positioning at first base and designated hitter.
Lance McCullers Jr. recently provided an update on his status and performance during spring training. With Opening Day just over two weeks away, McCullers is continuing his preparation to secure his role in the Astros' rotation.
Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier will be away from the team for a few days due to a personal matter. Javier is expected to be a key part of the Houston starting rotation for the upcoming season.
Astros RHP Tatsuya Imai is set for his third Grapefruit League start against the Marlins. Imai recently made a small adjustment that helped him reach 98.5 mph on his fastball. He impressed in his March 5 outing, allowing one hit and one walk with three strikeouts over two scoreless innings. A three-time NPB All-Star, Imai posted a 1.92 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP in 2025 with the Seibu Lions before joining the Astros' rotation.
