Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Yainer Diaz (foot) is confirmed to return, with plans to serve as the designated hitter on Wednesday and start at catcher in Friday's Grapefruit League game. The Houston Astros player was delayed due to a foot sprain suffered in the Dominican Winter League but is now scheduled to catch before February's end. With Cesar Salazar as his only backup, ample playing time is expected for Diaz once his foot sprain is behind him.
Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran faced live hitters for the first time this spring, treating the session like a regular game and showcasing his readiness for the season. Duran, who declined the World Baseball Classic to focus on the Phillies, threw 17 pitches, including a 98 mph fastball, along with his "splinker," sweeper, and curveball. After locking down 16 saves in 19 opportunities last season, the 28-year-old is expected to be a key bullpen piece, remaining under team control through 2027.
Yordan Alvarez will not make his spring debut until "a little bit later" due to normal buildup, according to manager Joe Espada. While Carlos Correa and Christian Walker are set to debut Thursday, and Jose Altuve on Friday, Alvarez's appearance will follow. The Houston Astros slugger's delayed debut is notable for fantasy drafts, where he's discounted due to 2025 injury issues, making the length of this delay a key factor to monitor.
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Gavin Hollowell, a 6'7" pitcher, was profiled as a potential camp arm likely headed to Triple-A Iowa. Across 51.1 career innings, he holds a 5.79 ERA, with 10 strikeouts in 9.1 innings in 2025 but also 9 hits and 7 walks. His arsenal includes a 94.4 mph four-seam fastball, an 85 mph sweeper, and a 95 mph sinker. Despite decent stuff, he needs to improve his command to secure a major league spot.
The Kansas City Royals are reportedly "really banking on" Jac Caglianone, alongside Carter Jensen, to provide significant offensive improvement for the team. His development is seen as crucial for the Royals' aspirations to contend for a playoff spot after falling short last season.
Toronto Blue Jays prospect Ricky Tiedemann is shut down from throwing for a week after experiencing left elbow soreness post-side session, though his MRI came back clean. While avoiding structural damage is encouraging, this issue is notable as he missed all of 2025 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The 23-year-old's availability for the start of the campaign is now in question, with further clarity expected after re-evaluation next week.
Kazuma Okamoto went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in the Toronto Blue Jays' Grapefruit League game against the Mets on Monday, launching his first long ball of the spring. The 29-year-old slugger will soon depart camp to join Team Japan for the WBC but is making a strong early impression. He is expected to fill a near-everyday role at third base during his inaugural MLB season.
Reynaldo López made his long-awaited return from injury, pitching two solid innings in his spring training debut for the Braves. After only one game in 2025, his return is crucial for Atlanta's pitching depth. He faced eight batters, allowing a single and a walk while striking out two, though two stolen bases occurred during his outing.
Zach Cole, a 2022 10th-round pick, is an elite athlete with plus power and speed, showcasing his potential as an impact MLB player. After a challenging 2024, he excelled in 2025, posting an .868 OPS with 14 HR in Double-A, then a .353 AVG with 5 HR in Triple-A, and an .880 OPS with 4 HR in 15 games after a call-up to Houston. He totaled 22 doubles, 7 triples, 19 HR, and a 151 wRC+ in 97 minor league games.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson, who has been slowed by left hamstring tightness early in camp, is tentatively slated to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday, manager Kevin Cash confirmed. Simpson is reportedly making strides in his recovery and appears to have plenty of time to ramp up for Opening Day, provided he can avoid any further setbacks. The speedy outfielder's return to game action marks a positive step in his spring training progression.
Miami Marlins infielder Graham Pauley's MRI on his right arm revealed no UCL damage, avoiding a worst-case scenario. While the specific diagnosis remains unclear, Pauley is currently able to field grounders but is not yet cleared for throwing or hitting. He told MLB.com that he could return to game action as soon as later this week, or within two weeks at the latest. Pauley has a shot to be ready for Opening Day, though his availability could be close.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler struggled in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, allowing four earned runs, walking four, and striking out two across 1.2 innings. He threw only 14 of 35 pitches for strikes, a continuation of his 2025 Triple-A command issues. According to Kevin Gorman, Chandler intentionally lowered his velocity after hitting 100 mph, which led to erratic pitch placement and a loss of his attacking mentality.
Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will make only one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (March 7 vs. Great Britain) to prioritize his regular spring training regimen and prepare for the Tigers' Opening Day on March 26. He won his $32 million arbitration hearing and is slated for free agency after the season, with a reported $250 million gap in extension talks. Skubal recently struck out four over two scoreless innings in his first Grapefruit League start and will pitch for the Tigers again Sunday before his WBC appearance. He plans to lobby to watch the WBC finals as a spectator if Team USA advances.
Chicago Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, 23, who grew up in Los Angeles, publicly expressed disdain for Dodgers fans, stating that Cubs fans "give a s***" and "aren’t just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They are paying attention. They care." This comment, made in a Chicago Magazine feature, is expected to further endear him to Cubs fans after his breakout 2025 campaign.
Max Schuemann started Monday's game in right field for the Yankees, showcasing defensive versatility that could help him secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, especially if Oswaldo Cabrera isn't ready. Known primarily as a strong defensive infielder, Schuemann, acquired from the A's at the start of camp, also possesses valuable outfield experience.
Josh Smith appears to be the favorite to win the starting second base job for the Texas Rangers, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports. While the team hasn't officially announced it, teammate Corey Seager provided a hint, mentioning Smith specifically when discussing working with someone new at the keystone. Smith has already drawn two starts at second base in spring training and continues to work drills exclusively at the position, per McFarland, indicating he's ahead in the competition early in camp.
Mets pitcher Clay Holmes, preparing for the World Baseball Classic, threw 57 pitches over 3.2 innings in his first Grapefruit League start Monday, allowing two runs on one hit, including a 431-foot two-run homer to Kazuma Okamoto on a curveball (a pitch he last threw in 2021). He walked two and struck out three. Holmes, who threw 165.2 innings as a starter last year, is using early spring to build strength and experiment with pitches, focusing on his cutter. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted his cutter stood out and was unconcerned about his WBC workload.
Maikel Garcia went 2-for-2 in Monday's Cactus League loss to the Cubs, collecting a pair of singles that both left the bat at over 100 mph. The third baseman was slotted into the leadoff spot as manager Matt Quatraro evaluates options for the regular season. Garcia, 25, broke out with an .800 OPS across 160 games last year, often hitting cleanup. A Garcia-Bobby Witt combination could form a dynamic duo atop the Royals' lineup.
Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio, 25, is healthy and motivated for a breakthrough season after a torn ACL cost him much of 2024 and 2025. He's using time on the bench last September as motivation to improve his strike zone control, defense, and to stay healthy. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Mauricio is "healthy" and "free" of limitations. In Monday's game, he started at third, walked, and hit a pop-fly double. With Francisco Lindor out due to a hamate fracture, Mauricio has an opportunity to secure a role, aiming to play second, third, or short.
Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia made an emotional return to the mound Monday, pitching a 1-2-3 inning against the Mariners in his first game action since the tragic death of his newborn daughter, Sterling Sol, four months ago. He received a rousing ovation from the crowd and warm greetings from teammates, finding comfort in their support and the return to pitching. Vesia, who missed the World Series last fall, struck out one batter and expressed gratitude for the "overwhelming" support, stating that getting back to baseball is helping him move forward.
