Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Baltimore Orioles center fielder Colton Cowser is in the starting lineup for today's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. He is one of four players expected to be regular major league players featured in the road lineup.
Parker Meadows is in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers, playing center field in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Kerry Carpenter is in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers, serving as the designated hitter in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Spencer Torkelson is in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers, playing first base in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is in the starting lineup for today's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. He is one of four players expected to be regular major league players featured in the road lineup.
Austin Slater is in the starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers, playing left field in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish is making his first spring training appearance today as the starting pitcher against the Detroit Tigers. He is expected to be followed by several other pitchers including Cameron Foster, Andrew Magno, Anthony Nunez, Cameron Weston, and Brandon Young.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, who led the NL with 56 homers in 2025, launched a 438-foot home run at 108.7 mph in his first Grapefruit League at-bat Sunday. Batting second, Schwarber is using spring training to prepare for the World Baseball Classic with Team USA, where his bat will be a key asset. Manager Rob Thomson praised his improved overall hitting and ability to use the whole field.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack is scheduled to start Monday's game against the Mariners, making his 2026 Camelback Ranch debut. Knack is looking to rebound after a challenging 2025 season where he posted a 4.89 ERA and 5.66 xERA in 10 major league games (7 starts), with 42 strikeouts and 19 walks over 42 1/3 innings.
Ryan Fitzgerald is in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing second base in their spring training game against the San Diego Padres.
Ryan Ward is in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing first base against the San Diego Padres, marking his second consecutive start in the team's first two spring training games.
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Nick Senzel, starting against the San Diego Padres, hit a double in the third inning that scored two runs, extending the Dodgers' lead to 3-0.
Miguel Rojas is in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing shortstop in their spring training game against the San Diego Padres.
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Michael Siani was in the starting lineup against the San Diego Padres, making key defensive plays by catching a flyout in the first inning and inducing a bases-loaded pop out to end the third.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., the first player in MLB history with a 40-homer, 70-steal season, will reclaim his leadoff spot for 2026, as confirmed by manager Walt Weiss. Acuña has started 676 career games in the leadoff position, which Weiss calls "part of his identity." He was also in the starting lineup for the Braves' spring training game against the Twins.
San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron, MLB's last knuckleballer, was dominant in his Cactus League start against the Kansas City Royals, allowing just one walk and one single over two innings in a 10-3 victory. Waldron, who decreased his knuckleball usage to 33% for a more balanced mix, struck out Salvador Perez and John Rave. After a 2025 season with a 6.48 ERA in the minors and being out of options, this strong outing is crucial for him to secure a backend rotation or swingman role.
New York Mets right-hander Justin Hagenman started against the Yankees, pitching 2.1 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, walking three, and striking out three. Hagenman, who had a 4.56 ERA in 9 games in his 2025 MLB debut, is considered a depth reliever or swingman option for the Mets. He gave up a solo homer to José Caballero in the third inning.
Jeff McNeil (shoulder) is slated to make his spring debut for the Athletics, starting at second base and batting sixth in Sunday's Cactus League game. This will be his first appearance in an Athletics uniform since being acquired from the Mets in a December trade. McNeil underwent thoracic outlet surgery shortly after the 2025 season, an issue his agent stated caused discomfort when swinging the bat late in the campaign. Entering his age-34 season, he is expected to benefit from the park upgrade in Sacramento.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan's recent MRI on his back revealed inflammation, a best-case scenario for the right-hander. He was scratched from his first scheduled spring training start Saturday due to the issue. The MRI confirmed inflammation in his lower back. While the inflammation is minor, it remains uncertain when Ryan will be able to resume mound work. This update provides clarity on his condition after initial reports of discomfort, confirming the issue is not more severe.
Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner is a key contender in the debate for MLB's top second baseman, with Buster Olney's rankings highlighting his elite defensive capabilities. The discussion specifically questions whether Hoerner's defensive prowess is sufficient to earn him the No. 1 position on the list, in contrast to players recognized for their offensive contributions. The article delves into the final outcome of these rankings.
