Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Samuel Basallo, who exited Thursday's game with abdominal discomfort, will start at catcher in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against Boston. The 21-year-old Orioles backstop is returning after a two-day break, having started spring 2-for-8 with three runs scored through four contests. No imaging was required for his injury.
Washington Nationals Rule 5 pick Griff McGarry had a dominant first spring training outing, striking out two batters in a 1-2-3 inning. The right-hander, known for control issues, pounded the zone with a breaking ball-heavy attack, including a sweeper averaging over 3,000 RPMs and an effective slider. He registered the third-highest Stuff+ rating among pitchers last night. McGarry, who posted a 3.44 ERA in 21 starts last year, is transitioning to a bullpen role, which will be monitored after previous struggles in relief.
The Seattle Mariners consider signing pitcher Logan Gilbert to a contract extension a top priority. General Manager Justin Hollander confirmed ongoing discussions, stating that the ball is currently in Gilbert's court to resume those talks. Gilbert was also mentioned in a survey about strange player superstitions.
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro is having Bobby Witt Jr. bat leadoff in spring training to prepare him for the role with Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Witt Jr., considered an MVP candidate, is being given a few days in the leadoff spot before he departs for the tournament.
Corbin Carroll (hand) has resumed baseball activity, as reported by Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic. The Diamondbacks outfielder was seen with a bat in his hand on Friday. Manager Torey Lovullo noted Carroll is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but a definitive timeline for his return cannot be estimated until he begins swinging the bat to ball. The team is monitoring his progress closely.
Jackson Holliday (hand) announced Saturday he has been cleared to resume throwing a baseball, per Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com. This follows earlier clearance for fielding and one-handed swings after his stitches were removed. Holliday is expected to begin taking regular swings on Thursday. The Orioles anticipate his return to the lineup around mid-April, assuming he continues to progress without any further issues in his recovery.
San Diego Padres infielder Sung-Mun Song recorded his second hit in as many games against the Rockies, indicating he's adapting to MLB velocity. He was one of three Padres starters to get a hit in a low-scoring 3-2 loss. Song is expected to receive more in-game pitching opportunities with several key players departing for the World Baseball Classic.
Kyle Stowers was scratched from Saturday's Grapefruit League lineup due to hamstring tightness and will undergo imaging, as reported by Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. He is currently considered day-to-day. Any significant strain could jeopardize the outfielder's availability for Opening Day. Stowers, 28, has recorded 1-for-6 with two walks and two strikeouts in his limited spring training action to date.
Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton has been shut down due to inflammation in his right elbow, making his Opening Day status questionable. He has not yet appeared in a spring game. While inflammation is common, it obscures imaging, leaving his prognosis uncertain until swelling subsides for an MRI. The issue could range from minor irritation to a UCL tear, potentially costing him the season. Melton was a key depth piece last season, performing well in his first postseason.
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler made his first spring start on Friday against the Phillies, returning from an arthroscopic procedure on his right elbow. The 27-year-old had been catching bullpens and is now back on the field after a throwing program. In his return, Dingler struck out in his first at-bat but then hit a double, driving in the Tigers' first run.
Ceddanne Rafaela is cleared and in Saturday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Twins after a scary outfield collision with teammate Roman Anthony on Friday. Both players were briefly down but stayed in the game and will start Saturday. Rafaela impressively homered against Chris Sale in the third inning after the incident, marking his second spring home run. He avoided serious injury and is ready for continued action.
Ronald Acuña Jr. launched a grand slam during the Atlanta Braves' 15-8 spring training victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday. His homer contributed to an explosive 11-run third inning for the Braves, who racked up 13 hits in total.
Roman Anthony confirmed he only got the wind knocked out of him during a scary outfield collision with teammate Ceddanne Rafaela in Friday's Grapefruit League game. Despite the ugly incident that drew trainers, Anthony stayed in the game and is back in the lineup for Saturday's exhibition. Through five spring games, Anthony is 3-for-16 with a double and four strikeouts. He is expected to serve as Boston's leadoff hitter to begin the 2026 season.
Aroldis Chapman is coming off a career-best 2025 season for the Boston Red Sox, where he posted a 1.17 ERA over 67 appearances. His success was attributed to a career-low 6.6% walk rate, showcasing newfound control. Chapman's overpowering arsenal, featuring 98-99 mph fastballs, an untouchable slider (34% putaway rate), and an effective splitter, made him virtually unhittable. He is expected to handle the ninth inning in 2026 if he remains healthy.
Garrett Whitlock is expected to remain a reliable reliever for the Boston Red Sox in 2026 after a dominant 2025 season in the bullpen, where he posted a 2.25 ERA in 62 appearances and didn't allow an earned run from August 19 onwards. Known as a strike-throwing machine, his sinker, slider, and changeup all boast strike rates over 65%. He was effective against both lefties and righties, holding them to an OPS below .600, and maintained a 30% strikeout rate.
Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo gave up a three-run home run in his spring training debut against the Diamondbacks, contributing to a 3-1 loss. After a strong first inning, striking out Jordan Lawler with a 96.3 mph four-seamer, Castillo allowed a single and then a three-run shot in the second. Despite the mistake, his fastball velocity was consistently 95-96 mph, a quicker start than previous years.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker demonstrated his effective pickoff move, indicating he's in form as he prepares to represent Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. This comes on the last day before many players depart for the tournament, highlighting his readiness.
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm was the subject of an interview conducted by national reporter Ken Rosenthal. The article highlights the interest in Bohm's story from a broader baseball perspective, noting the value of national coverage for the team's players.
Colorado Rockies prospect Zac Veen delivered his second walk-off home run of February, a solo shot off Padres reliever Sean Boyle in the 9th inning, securing a 3-2 spring training win. Veen, 24, is 3-for-11 with two homers this spring, showcasing new power after gaining over 40 pounds and getting sober from a multi-year substance abuse problem. He credits lifestyle changes, including an 11-week program and spiritual growth, for his improved performance. Despite past struggles and a brief .118 MLB debut last season, Veen's strong spring performance makes a case for an Opening Day roster spot.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was highlighted by FanGraphs' Jay Jaffe for his 'sheer unbelievable consistency' in the 2025 season, noting his worst month still outshone other superstars. Judge also participated in Gerrit Cole's second rehab session from Tommy John surgery, facing 22 pitches alongside Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham. This marks a step in Cole's recovery and provides Judge with live at-bats as spring training progresses.
