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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Shane McClanahan (triceps) is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday against the Phillies. The left-hander successfully completed two simulated innings in live batting practice on Thursday without any issues, clearing him for game action next week. McClanahan has reportedly been healthy throughout spring training and is expected to be a part of the Rays' starting rotation at the beginning of the season.
Brenton Doyle underwent imaging on his left wrist after being scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs due to the injury. While initially deemed precautionary, the imaging suggests a level of concern. The results are not yet available but may be later Thursday. Should Doyle miss time, the Rockies could consider shifting Jake McCarthy to center field to cover the position.
Austin Riley launched his first spring training home run Wednesday, going 1-for-2 with a two-run shot against the Pirates. The Atlanta Braves third baseman took Jarod Bayless deep in the third inning. Riley, 28, is fully healthy this offseason and aims to rebound after hitting 35 homers with a .760 OPS over the last two seasons, a decline from his 75 homers and .869 OPS in 2022-23. He's looking to regain his form this spring.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol announced Thursday that Ivan Herrera (elbow) will make his first Grapefruit League start at catcher Sunday. Herrera, 25, is making his spring debut Thursday as a designated hitter. He was limited to DH last season due to elbow bone spurs, which were surgically removed in November. While he's attempting to return to catcher this season, it's considered unlikely he will be used full-time at the position for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Josh Hader (biceps) played catch off the mound Wednesday, a minor step in his rehab progression. The Houston Astros closer was only tossing, not throwing a bullpen session. Manager Joe Espada confirmed Thursday that Hader is not yet scheduled for a bullpen session. It appears unlikely Hader will be fully ramped up for Opening Day, potentially putting Bryan Abreu in line to fill in as the team's closer to start the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada announced Thursday that Yordan Alvarez will make his Grapefruit League debut next week. Alvarez is being eased into game action this spring after dealing with injury issues last year, but he is currently considered fully healthy. The Houston Astros plan for the slugger to primarily serve as a designated hitter this season to help maintain his health, though he is still expected to make occasional starts in left field.
Joe Ryan (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday and will advance to facing live hitters next week. The Minnesota Twins pitcher was scratched from his Grapefruit League debut last Saturday due to a back issue. An MRI revealed inflammation but no other damage, allowing Ryan to resume throwing quickly. While he should have ample time to ramp up for Opening Day, his availability for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic remains in question.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jacob Melton was scratched from Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus the Red Sox due to a slightly sore left thumb. The injury is not expected to be serious, likely forcing him to miss only a day or two. Melton has gone 2-for-9 with one home run and a 1:5 BB:K in his first four spring games as he attempts to win a spot on the Rays' Opening Day roster. Homer Bush will start Thursday in his place.
New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers delivered an impressive spring debut, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings against the Nationals. He allowed just one hit, struck out five, and issued no walks, reaching as high as 99.8 mph with his fastball. Weathers, acquired from the Marlins in January, expressed confidence in his command and health, noting guidance from veterans Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Max Fried. Despite past injury concerns, his strong outing suggests promising potential for the Yankees.
Max Scherzer has finalized a 1-year, $3M deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, including up to $10M in incentives, marking his 19th MLB season. The 41-year-old right-hander, who posted a career-worst 5.19 ERA in 2025 but a 3.77 ERA in three postseason starts for Toronto, is not expected to start the season with the team. He is targeting a return in May or June, with a guaranteed rotation spot uncertain once all top five starters are healthy. He started Game 7 of the 2025 World Series for the Jays.
Veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk, 34, has signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, receiving an invite to big league camp. Grichuk, who played for the Diamondbacks and Royals in 2025, slashed .228/.273/.401 with 9 HR and 27 RBI in 113 games. Known for his past success against the Yankees (18 career homers in 63 games), he aims to provide a right-handed bat off the bench for New York's left-handed heavy outfield. He has a career .268/.819 OPS against lefties, though his production dipped in 2025.
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley launched his first Spring Training home run, a gargantuan 419-foot two-run shot to center field, driving in Jurickson Profar. This powerful display contributed significantly to the Braves' 3-1 victory over the Pirates. Earlier in the contest, Riley also demonstrated his plate discipline by successfully challenging a 99 mph pitch from Paul Skenes that was initially called a strike but was ultimately determined to be above the zone, showcasing his keen eye at the plate.
Former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler, a two-time World Series champion and All-Star, has signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, including a Spring Training invite. After leaving the Dodgers in 2025 for the Red Sox (5.45 ERA) and a brief stint with the Phillies (0.66 ERA), Buehler aims to compete for a starting rotation spot with San Diego. Known for his dominant regular-season record against the Padres (7-1, 1.67 ERA), he has yet to appear in a spring game for his new team.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (back) threw 25 pitches in live batting practice Wednesday, marking a significant step in his recovery from mid-back/left lat inflammation. This was his first time facing hitters since reporting to camp. Assuming he recovers without issues, Schlittler is slated to face hitters again Sunday before a potential Grapefruit League debut late next week. Manager Aaron Boone expects the right-hander to be ready for the start of the season, potentially throwing around 70 pitches or in a piggyback role, despite the Yankees not immediately needing a fifth starter.
Mets pitcher Jonah Tong made his spring training debut, showcasing a new low-90s cutter. He was sharp over the first two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two on 30 pitches. However, he appeared fatigued in the third, surrendering a three-run homer to Nolan Gorman. Overall, the 22-year-old allowed three runs on three hits and one walk with two strikeouts over 2.2 innings. Praised for his unique delivery and special fastball, Tong is working to increase his pitch mix and is expected to start the season at Triple-A Syracuse for further development.
Veteran infielder Wilmer Flores, currently unsigned, is being considered by the Chicago Cubs as a potential replacement for the injured Tyler Austin, who is out for months after knee surgery. The 34-year-old right-handed hitter last played for the Giants in 2025, where he posted a .241/.307/.379 slash line with 16 home runs in 125 games. Flores is likely seeking a guaranteed major league deal, which could push the Cubs into luxury tax territory, but he offers a direct replacement for Austin's role.
Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers made a dominant first spring training and team debut, striking out five batters and allowing just one hit and no walks over 3.2 innings against the Nationals. The southpaw, acquired from the Marlins in the offseason, threw 49 pitches (32 strikes) and faced the minimum 27 batters in New York's 7-0 shutout victory. Weathers, 25, is expected to serve as a depth arm, potentially as a starter or out of the bullpen, and showed intriguing potential in his initial outing.
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki had a challenging spring debut, surrendering 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks over 1 1/3 innings. He threw 36 pitches, with only 17 for strikes, and manager Dave Roberts noted he was 'overthrowing' and lacked fastball command. Scouts observed a lack of confidence. Sasaki, who is vying for a rotation spot and not participating in the WBC, is working on a slider to complement his fastball and splitter, acknowledging 'things I need to work on' after the outing.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes made his spring debut, pitching 2.1 innings with 4 strikeouts, 4 walks, 1 hit, and 1 run on 53 pitches. Four of his called strikes were overturned by the Automatic Ball-Strike system, including one by a mere one-tenth of an inch. This outing is his only planned start before joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, consistently threw in the upper-90s, expressing motivation for the WBC despite the ABS system's impact.
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz made his spring debut after signing a 3-year, $69M deal, pitching a scoreless fourth inning against the Diamondbacks. The 31-year-old, three-time All-Star touched 97 mph with his fastball and recorded a strikeout with his slider. Díaz, now fully entrusted with ninth-inning duties, is primarily focused on preparing for the World Baseball Classic with Team Puerto Rico, where he will play on home soil. He will make one more Cactus League appearance before departing, having previously sustained a knee injury celebrating a win in the 2023 WBC.
