Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Ronald Acuña Jr. showcased his offensive prowess in the Braves' 15-8 win over the Red Sox, going 2-for-3 and hitting his first grand slam of the spring. The grand slam brought in Michael Harris II, Jonah Heim, and Jorge Mateo, extending Atlanta's lead by nine runs. Acuña also demonstrated consistent quickness with base-stealing.
Lance McCullers Jr. is scheduled to make his 2026 Grapefruit League debut today for the Houston Astros. This follows his return in 2025 after missing the 2023-24 seasons due to a right flexor tendon injury. In 2025, he posted a 2-5 record with a 6.51 ERA and 9.92 SO/9IP over 16 games, navigating four IL stints.
Jose Altuve is scheduled to make his 2026 Grapefruit League debut today, playing second base for the Houston Astros in their matchup against the Washington Nationals. This marks his first appearance in spring training action for the season.
Eric Lauer had a challenging spring training appearance for the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching 1.2 innings and allowing three hits, three earned runs, and hitting a batter in a 6-5 loss to the Rays. The article suggests that Lauer will need to improve his performance to secure a spot in the starting rotation.
Left-hander Robbie Ray is slated to take the mound as the starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants in their upcoming spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly revealed he rejected a lucrative three-year offer from the Padres, opting instead for a two-year, $40 million deal with Arizona, primarily due to California's high state income tax. The 37-year-old, who considers Phoenix home, prioritized the lower tax rate. Kelly posted a 12-9 record with a 3.52 ERA and 167 strikeouts last season. His 2026 season start will be delayed due to a back injury.
Tanner Gordon is making his second spring training start for the Colorado Rockies against the San Diego Padres, continuing his bid for a rotation spot. In his last outing, he threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts. Gordon, who has shown an ability to throw strikes, is expected to pitch two innings and will be working on developing new pitches, including a two-seam fastball, against a lineup of Padres regulars.
Randy Vásquez is scheduled for his second spring training start for the San Diego Padres against the Colorado Rockies. In his previous outing, he pitched two scoreless innings against the Dodgers, allowing one hit. Last season, Vásquez made 28 appearances (26 starts), recording a 3.84 ERA over 133 2/3 innings, utilizing seven different pitches, though walks have been a concern in his young career.
Randal Grichuk has joined the New York Yankees on a minor league deal and is undergoing a physical, with plans to begin workouts Saturday. The Yankees see a "real opportunity" for the veteran outfielder to secure a fourth outfielder spot, particularly for his career .268 average and .819 OPS against left-handers. Manager Aaron Boone suggests Grichuk could start in left field against tough lefties, allowing Cody Bellinger to shift to center, addressing a need for right-handed hitting depth.
Luis Garcia (hamstring) is starting at second base and batting cleanup in Friday's Grapefruit League tilt against the Astros. Garcia is ready for his spring training debut after missing nearly a week of action due to tightness in his left hamstring. The 25-year-old is tentatively lined up to be the Nationals' primary second baseman this season, though he could also see ample playing time at first base.
Aaron Nola made an encouraging spring debut for the Phillies, pitching two innings with two strikeouts and a 91.7 mph average fastball. After an injury-shortened 2025 season, the 33-year-old is focusing on command and improving his fastball's "late jump" through delivery adjustments. Manager Rob Thomson was "really encouraging" about his early velocity. Nola will make one more spring start before joining Team Italy for the WBC, pitching against Mexico on March 11.
Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) threw a 21-pitch bullpen session Thursday at 80-85% effort, marking his first time off a mound since September surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Manager Rob Thomson indicated a six-week ramp-up could see Wheeler rejoin the rotation by early April, around April 9. Wheeler reported feeling 'good, smooth, natural' but is uncertain about pitching in Grapefruit League games or his next bullpen. His recovery is progressing well, with the team treading carefully.
Troy Melton has been diagnosed with a right elbow strain and will receive extended rest after seeing a doctor this week, as reported by Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. He is not expected to be ready for the start of the season and will need to resume a throwing program from scratch once cleared. The young right-hander was already unlikely to make the Tigers' rotation and is now facing a stint on the injured list.
Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (abdomen) anticipates returning to Grapefruit League action this weekend. He was pulled from Thursday's game due to right-side abdominal discomfort, which he believes was cramping. Imaging was deemed unnecessary, and he is currently considered day-to-day as he aims for a quick return.
Twins' Royce Lewis received negative MRI results on his right side after being scratched from Thursday's Grapefruit League lineup due to tightness. He avoided a serious injury but is expected to miss at least a few days of game action as a precaution, remaining day-to-day while recovering.
Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (elbow) will make his Grapefruit League debut Friday, batting fifth as the designated hitter. He is recovering from January arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow and is still progressing with throwing. Dingler is fully participating in other baseball activities and could be cleared for full action within a week, aiming for the regular season start.
Orioles lefty Cade Povich, who was a fifth starter in 2025, is now competing for a roster spot in a crowded rotation. With new additions and returning pitchers, Povich's most realistic path might be a hybrid or bullpen role, potentially as a left-on-left specialist. He's developed a gyro slider and refined his changeup, showing encouraging early spring results with two scoreless innings against the Braves. Povich remains on the 40-man roster, aiming to prove his value.
Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (hamstring) is making his first spring training start Friday, batting sixth in left field. He's recovered from left hamstring tightness. Last season as a rookie, Simpson showcased his speed with a .295 average and 44 stolen bases in 109 games, though his power numbers (no home runs, 26 RBI) were underwhelming.
Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim is making a strong case for the open second base spot, hitting .462 (6-13) this spring with a home run against the White Sox. He's also showcased strong defense at second and center field. Kim will soon depart to join Team Korea for the World Baseball Classic, but remains focused on consistent performance and refining his mechanics for the regular season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Mookie Betts will not play in any games this weekend and may not see action for another week. Betts is the only regular starter yet to appear this spring, as Roberts intentionally planned a later start for him to use the six-week spring training period for a gradual build-up.
