Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Paul Blackburn is making his second spring appearance for the New York Yankees, aiming to prove himself in a bullpen role. After a brief stint with the club last year following a trade from Queens, he's working with Matt Blake on his sinker-cutter combo. Blackburn faces José Berríos and the Blue Jays, with a lineup featuring Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
José Berríos is rehabbing a right bicep injury and will miss the World Baseball Classic. He was unable to secure insurance for the tournament. Berríos's commitment to the team was questioned after he left the Blue Jays during their World Series run. His time in camp may be beneficial for his recovery, but missing his likely last Classic is a blow.
Rafael Devers (hamstring) has been shut down from all activities for the next 2-4 days by the San Francisco Giants, according to Justice delos Santos. The star slugger was scratched from Friday's game due to hamstring tightness. The team is exercising extreme caution, allowing him to rest. A clearer timeline for his return to Cactus League play is anticipated once he resumes activities.
Jake Irvin will start for the Washington Nationals against a strong New York Mets lineup featuring new additions Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette. Irvin faces a test against a lineup that includes Juan Soto, Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos. Tobias Myers is on the mound for the Mets. The Nationals aim to overcome recent sloppiness.
Harrison Bader (thumb) will be withheld from hitting until Monday, as reported by Justice delos Santos. Bader had been experiencing thumb problems for several days, aggravating the injury during Friday's Cactus League game, which resulted in an early departure. The San Francisco Giants are allowing his thumb to heal by keeping him from hitting for a few days. Jerar Encarnacion and Will Brennan are expected to receive additional reps in spring training during his recovery.
Ryan Ward is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting at first base for their split-squad road game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is part of the travel roster for the away game of the day's simultaneous contests.
Alex Freeland is included in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, slated to start at shortstop for their split-squad road game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is part of the travel roster for the away game of the day's simultaneous contests.
Dalton Rushing is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting at catcher for their split-squad road game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is part of the travel roster for the away game of the day's simultaneous contests.
Andy Pages is listed in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, set to start in center field for their split-squad road game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is part of the travel roster for the road portion of the day's double-header.
Alex Call is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting in left field for their split-squad road game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is part of the roster for the away game of the day's simultaneous contests.
Nick Senzel is slated to start at second base for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their split-squad game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is included in the travel roster for the road portion of the day's double-header.
Santiago Espinal is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for their split-squad road game against the Texas Rangers, starting at third base. He is part of the roster traveling to Surprise for one of the two simultaneous contests.
Kyle Tucker is included in the Los Angeles Dodgers' travel roster lineup for their split-squad game against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. He is slated to play as the designated hitter, participating in one of the two simultaneous games.
Freddie Freeman is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting at first base for their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is part of the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
Keston Hiura is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting as the designated hitter for their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is part of the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
Teoscar Hernández is included in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, slated to start in left field for their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is part of the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
Will Smith is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting at catcher for their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is part of the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
Miguel Rojas is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting at second base for their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is part of the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
Michael Siani is slated to start in center field for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is included in the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
Max Muncy is in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup, starting at third base for their split-squad home game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch. He is part of the roster for the home portion of the day's simultaneous contests.
