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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Mike Tauchman is slated to start in center field for the team's spring training matchup against the Marlins at Clover Park. This appearance is part of the team's ongoing evaluation of their roster during the spring training period.
Logan Henderson is currently sidelined with mild right elbow soreness. This is a concerning development for the right-hander, who missed significant time during the 2025 season due to a flexor strain. While he reported feeling improvement on Monday, his status for future Cactus League appearances remains uncertain. Henderson is currently competing for a spot in the Brewers' starting rotation.
Byron Buxton is back in the starting lineup for Team USA in Monday's World Baseball Classic game against Team Mexico, playing center field and batting eighth. Buxton had been sidelined since Friday after being hit on the right elbow by a pitch during a contest against Team Brazil, causing him to miss Saturday's game against Team Great Britain. He is confirmed to be healthy and ready for action.
Colorado Rockies pitching prospect RJ Petit is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a sprained UCL ligament in his right elbow. The 6-foot-8 right-hander is a notable prospect within the organization's system.
Francisco Lindor remains on track for Opening Day as he recovers from hamate bone surgery. The Mets shortstop has progressed to hitting in a batting cage, and team officials remain optimistic about his availability. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns confirmed that while Lindor will miss standard spring workload, he must participate in game action before the season opener. Lindor is coming off a 2025 campaign featuring 31 homers and 31 steals.
Aaron Ashby is set to start for the Milwaukee Brewers in Monday's spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ashby is currently being stretched out this spring as he competes for a starting role in the Brewers' rotation. This matchup serves as a rematch of the 2025 NLCS, where Ashby also faced the Dodgers. Following his outing, the Brewers plan to utilize trade addition Shane Drohan and non-roster invitee Jacob Waguespack.
J.P. Crawford returned to the lineup at shortstop for the Mariners in their spring training matchup against the Diamondbacks. Crawford had been eased into action this spring while managing shoulder issues, leading to a slower start than usual. His return to the field is a positive development for Seattle as they continue their spring schedule. He is joined in the infield by Ryan Bliss and Brendan Donovan.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced that Corbin Carroll could make his Cactus League debut as early as this week. Carroll has been recovering from surgery performed less than a month ago to address a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. The outfielder's swift recovery keeps him on track to meet his goal of being ready for Opening Day, provided he can get into game action in the coming days.
Joshua Baez continued his impressive spring with a two-run home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. The 416-foot blast, measured at 109.4 mph, marks his third consecutive game with a home run. Added to the 40-man roster this offseason, Baez is competing for playing time in left field with Lars Nootbaar expected to start the season on the injured list. While an Opening Day roster spot is unlikely, he remains a prospect to watch for a potential summer debut.
Jackson Chourio returned to the starting lineup for Team Venezuela in Monday's World Baseball Classic game against Team Nicaragua, playing center field and batting second. Chourio had been sidelined for the first two games of the tournament after suffering a left hand injury from a hit-by-pitch in an exhibition game last Wednesday. Before joining the WBC, he appeared in six Cactus League games for the Brewers, recording a 4-for-18 performance.
Matthew Liberatore delivered a stellar performance in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, striking out seven batters across five scoreless frames while allowing only two runs. He threw 65 pitches, recording 16 swinging strikes and zero walks. With a 2.70 ERA and 14:1 K:BB ratio over 10 innings this spring, Liberatore is the frontrunner for the Cardinals' Opening Day start. He also started in a split-squad game against Baltimore at Roger Dean Stadium.
Kyle Freeland makes his first Cactus League start of 2026 on Monday against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Freeland previously saw action on March 4 against Team USA, where he allowed a solo home run to Aaron Judge in one inning of work. The Rockies enter the game with an 8-6-1 spring record, supported by an offense that currently ranks near the top of the league in several categories, including a .381 on-base percentage and 23 home runs.
Ryan Bergert is scheduled to start for the Kansas City Royals in Monday's spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians. Bergert has had a quiet spring thus far, having thrown only three innings of one-hit ball in his previous appearances. The Royals look to bounce back following a loss to the White Sox, while the Guardians will counter with pitcher Parker Messick.
Fernando Tatis Jr. powered the Dominican Republic to a 10-1 victory and a spot in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. Tatis delivered a standout performance, highlighted by a grand slam and a total of six RBIs in the win.
Rhett Lowder takes the mound Monday afternoon against the Athletics in Goodyear, looking to solidify his case for a spot in the Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation. Fully recovered from the dual injuries that sidelined him for most of 2025, Lowder has impressed throughout spring training. His performance is critical as the Reds navigate recent pitching concerns, including an elbow issue for Hunter Greene and inconsistent outings from other rotation candidates.
Roden is off to a strong start in spring training, recording eight hits in 22 at-bats, including one home run and a stolen base. This performance offers a positive outlook following his 2025 season, where he posted a .191/.261/.294 slash line with two home runs and one steal in 153 plate appearances. His early spring production is drawing attention as the Twins evaluate their roster depth.
Varland enters 2026 as a key piece of the Blue Jays' bullpen following a heavy 2025 postseason workload. The 28-year-old right-hander features an elite four-seam fastball averaging 98.1 mph, ranking in the 95th percentile for velocity. Steamer projects a 3.38 ERA over 67 innings for the upcoming season. While his trade from Minnesota remains a topic of discussion, he is expected to be a fixture in Toronto's relief corps through his 2030 team control.
The 28-year-old right-handed reliever is competing for a spot in the Cubs' bullpen. After missing 2023 due to injury, Roberts returned in 2024 to post a 3.71 ERA over 21 appearances. He utilizes a mix of a sweeper, cutter, and sinker, with his sweeper noted for high horizontal break. While projections suggest he may see time in the majors, he is currently viewed as a depth option likely to begin the season in Triple-A Iowa.
Analysts suggest the Houston Astros should stop overthinking defensive caution and allow Yordan Alvarez to play left field. Alvarez has expressed that playing the field helps him stay mentally sharp and engaged, which could benefit his offensive performance. While the team has historically prioritized his health by keeping him at designated hitter, the current roster construction and Alvarez's own preference indicate that regular defensive reps could provide manager Joe Espada with needed flexibility.
The San Francisco Giants have re-signed left-handed pitcher Joey Lucchesi to a Minor League deal worth $1.55 million with $300,000 in potential incentives. Lucchesi, who made 38 appearances for the team in 2025 with a 3.76 ERA, provides necessary depth following injuries to other bullpen arms, including Reiver Sanmartin. While not guaranteed a roster spot, the veteran is expected to compete for a role in the bullpen after a successful stint with the club last season.
