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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn is set to return to the lineup as the designated hitter and leadoff batter for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. Winn had been sidelined for several days due to arm soreness stemming from an intense workload on the backfields over the weekend. The team plans to ease him back into action at DH before transitioning him back to his primary position at shortstop.
After a 2025 season hampered by multiple injuries, 39-year-old relief pitcher Chris Martin has returned to the Texas Rangers for 2026. Despite three stints on the injured list last year, Martin made 49 appearances, logging 42.1 innings with a 2.98 ERA. Renowned for his elite command and status as one of the most effective tall pitchers in MLB history, Martin remains a key piece of the Rangers' bullpen as he looks to stay healthy and continue his career-long trend of throwing strikes.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor took swings on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing hamate bone surgery. This marks a significant step in his recovery as he aims for Opening Day. While he has avoided setbacks, there is currently no firm timeline for his return to spring training game action. Lindor will continue his hitting progression in controlled environments as he works to ensure he is ready for the start of the season.
Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle is hitting in the batting cage for the second consecutive day Thursday and is targeting a return to the lineup for Friday's Cactus League game against the Athletics. Doyle has been sidelined with a left wrist sprain and has appeared in only two games this spring. Barring any late setbacks, the team expects him to avoid the injured list and be ready for the start of the regular season.
Nationals reliever Cole Henry has overhauled his pitch mix this spring by incorporating a refined cutter, which he has thrown in at least 20% of his outings. The pitch, which features increased velocity and improved shape, serves as a bridge between his fastball and sweeper. After a breakthrough 2025 season, Henry is competing for high-leverage roles and potential save opportunities. He has looked sharp in spring action, including a recent 1-2-3 inning against Venezuela.
Astros reliever Josh Hader is scheduled to throw a bullpen session early next week as he recovers from left biceps inflammation. Hader has been limited to flat-ground work since arriving at camp. Having missed the final seven weeks of last season with a shoulder strain, he is unlikely to be fully ramped up for Opening Day. Bryan Abreu is currently positioned to serve as the Astros' closer during the early portion of the season while Hader continues his progression.
Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 162 games after testing positive for PEDs for the second consecutive year. The suspension voids the $15 million salary he was owed by the Braves for 2026 and keeps him ineligible until 2027. Profar, a former top prospect who struggled with injuries early in his career, had previously served an 80-game suspension in 2025. A third violation would result in a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball.
Mariners outfielder Luke Raley is working to reclaim his role as a key contributor in the Seattle lineup following a 2025 season hampered by injury and performance struggles. Raley has been active in spring training, including a recent single against the Padres, as he looks to secure consistent playing time and provide depth for the Mariners' outfield rotation.
Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford expressed high confidence in the current roster, telling reporters he believes this could be the best team he has been a part of during his tenure in Seattle. As the team progresses through spring training, Crawford remains a central figure in the club's leadership and defensive strategy for the 2026 season.
Reds ace Hunter Greene is set to undergo an MRI after reporting stiffness in his throwing elbow. The team is taking a cautious approach with the young pitcher as he prepares for the upcoming season. Further updates regarding his status and the results of the imaging are expected following the examination.
After missing the 2025 season due to a rotator cuff injury, Tigers right-hander Ty Madden is healthy and showing improved mechanics this spring. In a recent two-inning appearance, his four-seam fastball velocity reached 94.4 mph with increased induced vertical break. While optioned to minor league camp, Madden is competing for a spot as a mid-rotation starter or middle reliever. The team is focused on his pitch mix and command as he looks to become a major league contributor in 2026.
Cedric Mullins is expected to miss multiple days after being scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League lineup due to lower-back tightness. Rays manager Kevin Cash noted that while the veteran outfielder is feeling better, the team is exercising caution. His availability for Opening Day does not currently appear to be in jeopardy, but the club will monitor his progress closely as he remains slated to be the primary center fielder against right-handed pitching.
Joe Musgrove made his long-awaited return to game action for the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, pitching in an exhibition game against Team Great Britain that ended in a 2-2 tie. This marked his first appearance since 2024. While the outing was not perfect, it served as a significant step forward in his recovery process as he works to regain his form for the upcoming season.
Legendary slugger Albert Pujols will manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his first time leading the national team. Pujols, who recently managed the Leones de Escogido and is entering his first season with the Estrellas Orientales, will oversee a star-studded roster including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr. as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2023 showing.
Yadier Molina is reprising his role as manager for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Known for his high baseball IQ, Molina previously navigated Puerto Rico through a difficult group in the 2023 tournament. Currently serving as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom with the Cardinals, Molina brings extensive leadership experience to the international stage as he continues his post-playing career.
Brandon Pfaadt officially made his spring training debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The young pitcher is looking to establish himself as a key contributor to the team's pitching staff as the club continues its exhibition schedule.
Merrill Kelly is taking promising steps toward avoiding an injured list stint. Recent updates on the Diamondbacks pitcher are described as extremely encouraging by the organization, providing a boost to the team's rotation outlook as they navigate the spring training schedule.
AJ Blubaugh has carried his strong finish from last season into spring training. He is a candidate for the Astros' Opening Day roster, potentially serving as a valuable long-relief option while the starting pitchers continue to build up their pitch counts early in the 2026 season.
Colton Gordon has delivered terrific results in his three spring training outings. While he is being considered for the major league roster, the Astros are likely to keep him stretched out as a starter, potentially having him begin the season in the Sugar Land rotation to continue his development.
Mike Burrows is currently projected as a member of the Houston Astros' starting rotation as the team works toward its Opening Day roster. He is competing for a spot in a rotation that includes Hunter Brown and Christian Javier.
