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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Mets outfield prospect Nick Morabito, the lone Mets prospect added to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, had a strong spring outing. He laced an RBI single to center field, then swiped second base, and later scored. Morabito, whose big league ETA is 2027, stole 49 bases last season in the minors and 16 more in the Arizona Fall League. He also flashed impressive defense in left field, making a charging catch.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed Monday that the team is awaiting MRI results for Merrill Kelly's back. Kelly was scratched from a scheduled live batting practice session over the weekend due to mid-back tightness. Lovullo noted that the veteran right-hander currently feels good, but more information regarding his condition will be available once the test results are received. Kelly is currently considered day-to-day.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff (lat) threw a live batting practice session Monday, with more sessions planned. Despite progressing from a right lat strain that ended his 2025 season, Woodruff stated his Opening Day availability is 'up in the air,' prioritizing a healthy season. He is being slow-played this spring and will face hitters again before game action. Last season, he posted a 3.20 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 83:14 K:BB in 64.2 innings after shoulder surgery, returning on a $22.025 million qualifying offer.
Miami Marlins player Graham Pauley has been shut down for the season due to persistent right forearm tightness. This issue prevented him from appearing in any Grapefruit League games and led to him undergoing imaging, with results previously anticipated within a day or two. Pauley was considered to be in the mix for a starting third base role for Miami, making this season-ending injury a significant blow to his prospects and the team's plans.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated Blake Snell (shoulder) is uncertain for the Opening Day rotation, as the left-hander remains limited to throwing off flat ground. The Dodgers are taking a deliberate approach due to Snell's past shoulder problems, and he is still a couple of weeks away from his Cactus League debut. He needs multiple bullpen sessions and live batting practice before pitching in a game. If he reaches these checkpoints by early-to-mid-March, any potential IL stint to start the season would likely be abbreviated.
Colson Montgomery was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Rockies due to an illness. The move is considered precautionary, and Montgomery is expected to return to action within a day or two. William Bergolla will replace him at shortstop, batting ninth for the White Sox.
Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak, slowed by right oblique tightness early in camp, is on the mend and will take batting practice Monday. He could make his Cactus League debut this week. While oblique issues can be finicky, he appears to have ample time to ramp up for Opening Day if he avoids setbacks. The left-handed hitter is slated for regular playing time against righties in 2026 after hitting 24 home runs last season.
Bryan Abreu could begin the season as the Houston Astros' closer, as Josh Hader's availability for Opening Day remains in doubt due to a bicep issue. If Hader ultimately starts the year on the injured list, Abreu is considered the clear choice to assume closing duties. The right-hander has been an excellent setup man for the Astros, posting a combined 2.30 ERA over his last four seasons, including 25 holds and a career-high seven saves in 2025.
Astros closer Josh Hader is at risk of beginning the season on the injured list due to left biceps inflammation. He is currently limited to light catch off flat ground, with no clear timeline for mound work, making his Opening Day availability doubtful. While Houston hasn't officially ruled him out, reports suggest it's difficult to envision him rushing back. If Hader misses time, Bryan Abreu is the clear choice to assume closing duties for the Astros.
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg is expected to be out of action at least through April due to an unspecified injury. In response to his absence, the Orioles have signed veteran infielder Thairo Estrada to a minor league deal to add crucial infield depth. Westburg's extended recovery period necessitates the team's move to bolster their roster.
The Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran infielder Thairo Estrada to a minor league deal. This move adds crucial infield depth for the team, especially with third baseman Jordan Westburg expected to be sidelined at least through April due to injury. Estrada's addition provides the Orioles with an experienced option to bolster their roster during Westburg's absence.
Chris Sale showcased an encouraging performance in his first spring action Sunday, hitting 96 mph with his fastball. The veteran southpaw allowed two hits and struck out three over two scoreless innings against the Twins, tossing 37 pitches and firing first-pitch strikes to all eight batters faced. This strong outing comes after he missed significant time last summer due to a rib fracture, making it a very positive start to his spring. Sale also made a tough defensive play on a chopper.
Pirates' senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk reported Monday that Jared Jones (elbow) is expected to be game-ready by late May, coinciding with his eligibility to return from the 60-day injured list. Jones, who underwent UCL reconstruction on his right elbow last May, is progressing well and was described as "coming out really good" after a live batting practice session Friday. It remains unclear whether his return will be directly to the Pirates' roster or for a rehab assignment.
Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday has been cleared to field ground balls and take one-handed swings after having stitches removed from his right hand. He's expected to gradually increase activities, aiming for full participation before late March. While he may start the season on the injured list, it could be a minimum-length stay, indicating a positive recovery trajectory for the 22-year-old.
Alex Bregman, the Houston Astros' standout third baseman, is featured in Buster Olney's latest rankings of baseball's best players at the position. Olney's analysis explores where Bregman stands among the top 10 third basemen in MLB, alongside stars such as Jose Ramirez and Manny Machado. This evaluation underscores Bregman's significant impact and consistent performance, positioning him as a key figure in discussions about the league's elite hot corner talents.
Manny Machado, the San Diego Padres' star third baseman, has been recognized by Buster Olney as one of baseball's top players at the hot corner. Olney's recent rankings place Machado among the elite, prompting discussion on where he fits within the top 10 alongside other prominent third basemen like Jose Ramirez and Alex Bregman. This assessment highlights Machado's consistent performance and status as a premier talent in MLB.
Yale freshman catcher Bryce Miller, an MLB Develops alum, made his collegiate debut at the Andre Dawson Classic, calling his return to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex a 'homecoming.' Miller went 1-for-4 with two walks in his debut. A former Padres High School All-Star and two-time First-Team All-League player, Miller's elite pedigree was highlighted. Yale fell to Bethune Cookman 7-5 and Jackson State 6-5 in the tournament. His mother emphasized the role of MLB Develops in his journey to Division I baseball.
Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros had a "pretty good day" at the plate, starting in the lineup during the team's 9-5 road loss to the Texas Rangers in Cactus League play. This marked the Rockies' first opponent other than the Diamondbacks this spring.
Brady House showcased an explosive start to spring training, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins. The 22-year-old third baseman wasted no time, smoking a three-run homer in the first inning, followed by a solo shot in the fifth. This promising performance marks a significant improvement from last season, where he tallied only four home runs over 73 games.
Nick Kurtz made his spring debut, going 0-for-3 while batting leadoff in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Guardians. Despite the hitless outing, there's a real possibility the slugger could secure the leadoff role for the 2026 campaign. Manager Mark Kotsay expressed his preference for getting the team's best hitter the most at-bats, noting, "My opinion, getting the best hitter on the team the most amount of at-bats is productive." Kotsay likes the idea of Kurtz leading off, though the order isn't solidified.
