Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, February 24

Soroka Solid in Debut Despite Early Deficit

AutoDraft Pro AI

Michael Soroka pitched two innings in his Arizona Diamondbacks debut, allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts. Despite an early deficit, the bullpen held strong, and the offense, led by home runs from A.J. Vukovich and Ketel Marte, secured a 6-4 win over the Texas Rangers.

Tauchman Hits Homer, Earns 'Real Opportunity' for Mets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mike Tauchman blasted a three-run homer in his first at-bat, bolstering his case for a roster spot with the New York Mets. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated Tauchman has a 'real opportunity' to make the team due to his defensive versatility and offensive capabilities.

Peralta Set for Mets Debut Friday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Freddy Peralta is scheduled to make his New York Mets debut on Friday, marking his first live action this spring. Peralta was a significant offseason acquisition by president of baseball operations David Stearns and is expected to be the team's ace.

Pallante Gets Spring Start vs. Nationals

AutoDraft Pro AI

Andre Pallante will start for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Washington Nationals in their fourth spring training game. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:05 p.m. central time.

Cavalli to Start for Nationals vs. Cardinals

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cade Cavalli is set to start for the Washington Nationals against the St. Louis Cardinals in their fourth spring training game. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:05 p.m. central time.

Freeman Debuts for Dodgers, Drives in 2 with Double

AutoDraft Pro AI

Freddie Freeman made his 2026 Cactus League debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting at first base and hitting a two-run double in his second at-bat. Freeman noted a more typical offseason improved his fitness, aiming to regain his .300 batting average and improve his defense after battling injuries in previous seasons. He hopes to play through his 20th season.

Joe Ryan (Twins) Throws After MRI Reveals Back Inflammation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Twins pitcher Joe Ryan (back) played catch from 90 feet on Tuesday, progressing after experiencing lower back tightness Saturday. An MRI confirmed the issue was inflammation, not more severe. While his spring training mound debut remains uncertain, the setback is not preventing him from using his arm.

Spencer Jones (Yankees) Adopts Ohtani-Inspired Stance, Crushes Spring HR

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees prospect Spencer Jones, who showed positive strides in the minors in 2025 despite a high strikeout rate, has adopted a new toe-tap and load batting stance, citing Shohei Ohtani as inspiration. This mechanical adjustment proved effective immediately, as Jones launched a 408-foot solo home run in his first spring at-bat. Teammate Aaron Judge praised the change, noting it helps Jones get his front foot down earlier, providing valuable milliseconds to react to incoming pitches, especially fastballs.

Luis Gil (Yankees) Adjusts Velocity Separation on Pitches for 2026

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees pitcher Luis Gil, who posted a 4-1 record with a 3.32 ERA in 2025 after missing four months with a lat strain, has made a mechanical adjustment to increase velocity separation between his fastball and secondary pitches. His fastball, slider, and changeup velocities were down in 2025 and early spring, but he's widened the gap from 5-6 mph to 7-9 mph. This aims to make his diminished fastball play up, potentially mitigating strikeout, chase, and command issues, though walk control remains a problem.

Gerrit Cole (Yankees) Shows New Windup, Fastball Hits 97 MPH in Rehab

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is back healthy in camp, participating in live batting practices with his fastball touching 97 mph. He is tracking on schedule for a May return from Tommy John rehab. Cole has adopted a noticeable new arms-over-the-head windup, a mechanical adjustment he says "feels good" and is similar to those used by pitchers like Andy Pettitte.

Caleb Boushley (Rays) Heads to KBO After Challenging 2025 MLB Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Relief pitcher Caleb Boushley, last with the Tampa Bay Rays after being designated for assignment, will play for KT Wiz in the KBO for the 2026 season. In 2025, he served as an "up-and-down" arm for the Texas Rangers, posting a 6.02 ERA over 43 innings in 25 appearances. He exhibited significant home/road splits (3.31 ERA home, 7.67 ERA road) and a high line drive rate (33.8%) with a .374 BABIP. Despite a -1.0 bWAR, his 3.85 FIP suggested some underlying positive metrics.

Josh Hader (Astros) Likely to Miss Opening Day with Shoulder, Biceps Injuries

AutoDraft Pro AI

Astros closer Josh Hader is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day as he continues to recover from a sprained shoulder capsule and biceps tendinitis, currently only throwing off flat ground. His absence would elevate Bryan Abreu to closing duties. Enyel De Los Santos is also expected to miss the start of the season. Hader's injury last year significantly impacted the Astros' bullpen, and his extended absence would be a major blow.

Ranger Suárez tagged for two homers by top prospect Konnor Griffin

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suárez, a one-time All-Star signed to a five-year, $130 million deal this offseason, was hit for two home runs by top prospect Konnor Griffin during a spring training game. Griffin launched a 374-foot dinger off Suárez's second-inning curveball and later a 440-foot shot off Seth Martinez. This marks an early challenge for Suárez in his first spring outing with his new team.

Bryce Montes De Oca strikes out the side in dominant Nationals debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Nationals pitcher Bryce Montes De Oca made a strong impression in his first spring training outing, striking out the side and showcasing a dynamic arsenal including a mid-80s slider and a 98 MPH sinker. The 29-year-old righty missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery and was signed to a minor league deal, making him a long shot for the roster. However, his dominant performance suggests he could be a factor in the team's bullpen if he maintains this form.

Matt Olson powers Braves with two-run homer in spring victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Matt Olson was a key offensive contributor for the Braves in their spring training win against the Tigers. Batting first base, he singled in the first inning and later hit a two-run home run in the fifth, helping the Braves secure a solid victory.

Miguel Rojas leads off for Dodgers on 37th birthday, eyeing 2B platoon role

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miguel Rojas led off at shortstop for the Dodgers in their spring training game against the Guardians, celebrating his 37th birthday. He is also considered a candidate for a second base platoon role, particularly against left-handed pitchers, while Tommy Edman is sidelined with injury.

Merrill Kelly Undergoes Additional Back Tests, Including CT Scan

AutoDraft Pro AI

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reported Tuesday that Merrill Kelly underwent additional testing, including a CT scan and MRI, for mid-back tightness. Lovullo previously stated Kelly was feeling good, suggesting the tests might be precautionary. The team anticipates further updates on the veteran right-hander's condition by Wednesday.

Astros eye Isaac Paredes amid roster reshuffling speculation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Isaac Paredes is a subject of speculation for the Houston Astros, who are reportedly considering potential roster reshuffling. The team is looking to address various needs, including a left-handed bat and rotation depth, with Paredes' name emerging in these discussions.

Tarik Skubal leads 2026 AL Cy Young odds after back-to-back wins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tarik Skubal is once again a front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award, leading the 2026 odds at +350. He previously won the award in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, establishing himself as a dominant force in the American League.

Chase Dollander takes mound for Rockies in "learning mode" after 6.52 ERA in 2025

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chase Dollander is scheduled to pitch for the Colorado Rockies in their spring training matchup. The right-hander, who posted a 6.52 ERA over 98.0 innings in 2025, is reportedly in a "learning mode" as he begins his 2026 season.