Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Colorado Rockies right-hander Tanner Gordon will start the team's second spring training game, aiming to secure the open fifth starter spot. Gordon had a breakout 2025 campaign, leading the team with six wins and finishing second with seven Quality Starts. This outing provides his first opportunity to make an impression this spring as he faces left-hander Mitch Bratt.
New Mets second baseman Marcus Semien, acquired from the Rangers, is driven to win another World Series and form the "best middle infield" with Francisco Lindor. He praised teammates like Bo Bichette and Juan Soto, calling Soto a "superstar" preparing for the Hall of Fame. Semien, who hit 45 homers in 2021, is focused on replicating offensive production and maintaining his Gold Glove defense. He aims to play 162 games, score 100 runs, and win a third Gold Glove, expressing his hunger and the team's readiness to win a ring.
Texas Rangers infielder Cody Freeman has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back and is expected to miss four to six weeks. This injury sidelines Freeman, who was competing for a bench spot, and likely solidifies Ezequiel Duran's position as the backup infielder. Freeman had provided an "injection of energy" to the team when he was called up last August.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (triceps) threw live batting practice Saturday, marking his first time facing hitters since July and subsequent season-ending surgery. The 28-year-old southpaw's session involved 16 pitches at approximately 80 percent intensity, signaling a significant step forward in his recovery process. This is a positive sign for his return to full strength, as he continues to work back from the injury.
Manager Alex Cora confirmed Saturday that Roman Anthony will be the Red Sox's main leadoff hitter to start the 2026 regular season. Anthony, 21, took over the role midway through 2025, posting a .396 OBP in 71 big-league games. While he made three leadoff appearances against lefties last year, it's uncertain if he'll maintain that spot in lefty-on-lefty matchups. This decision solidifies his position at the top of the order for the upcoming season.
Luke Keaschall (thumb) is set to start at second base and bat second in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox. His 2025 season ended due to a left thumb injury requiring October surgery, but he's fully recovered for spring training. The 23-year-old rookie, who hit four homers in 49 games last season, showed a promising blend of contact, gap power, and speed. He is projected to be Minnesota's starting second baseman for the 2026 season.
An MRI on Edwin Uceta's shoulder showed inflammation and a slight impingement, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. This is considered positive news for the Rays' bullpen arm. Uceta will receive a cortisone shot and is expected to resume throwing within approximately a week. While he may be cutting it close for Opening Day, he is not anticipated to miss extended regular-season action, though Griffin Jax's draft stock may rise temporarily.
Otto Kemp, who underwent offseason surgeries for a fractured left kneecap and a cleaned-out left shoulder, is reportedly a full-go for spring training. He is slated to start in left field and bat cleanup in Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Blue Jays. The 26-year-old is expected to fill a super-utility role for the Philadelphia Phillies, having played four different positions as a rookie (3B, 1B, 2B, LF).
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) may not be fully stretched out as a pitcher by Opening Day, reports Sonja Chen of MLB.com. While expected to be part of Los Angeles' pitching rotation and fulfill DH duties, his participation with Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic, where he'll hit exclusively, raises concerns about his readiness. It's possible his pitch count will be capped early in the campaign, with Justin Wrobleski or another long reliever potentially working in a piggyback role.
Munetaka Murakami made his Cactus League debut for the Chicago White Sox, overcoming a late arrival due to traffic and initial 'butterflies.' The 26-year-old Japanese slugger, who signed a $34 million, two-year deal in December, impressed with two hits and two RBIs. He recorded a 108.3 mph exit velocity single and a two-run double. Manager Will Venable praised Murakami's commitment and adaptability. Murakami previously hit .270 with 246 homers for the Yakult Swallows and will play with Seiya Suzuki for Team Japan in the WBC.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) threw his first live batting practice session Friday since undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last March, reaching an impressive 96.9 mph. He threw about 20 pitches, facing Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Jasson Dominguez. His rehab has progressed "swimmingly," and he is targeting a season debut in late May or early June, fitting the 14-18 month recovery range. Cole, who threw his first bullpen a week prior, has altered his windup.
Pete Alonso launched his first home run as a Baltimore Oriole in his spring training debut Friday, a powerful blast over the left-center-field fence against Bradley Hanner in the sixth inning. The homer provided the only runs in a 2-0 exhibition victory over the Yankees. Alonso, who signed a $155 million, five-year deal in December after seven seasons with the Mets, expressed immense satisfaction, stating he "couldn't feel any better" and felt "honored to wear" the uniform. He also sought extra work at first base and another plate appearance.
San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui's status for the World Baseball Classic with Japan is highly uncertain after he prematurely ended a batting practice session due to left groin tightness. While considered day-to-day and not expected to be a long-term issue, the injury casts significant doubt on his WBC availability, with the opener against Taiwan two weeks away. Padres manager Craig Stammen stated, 'I think it puts the WBC in question.' Matsui, a 30-year-old left-hander with a 3.86 ERA over 125 appearances, could return to playing catch this weekend, but his buildup for the tournament is affected.
Following Twins ace Pablo Lopez's season-ending Tommy John surgery, the Minnesota Twins are now considered a fringe playoff candidate. This significant loss for the rotation has sparked speculation that the team might consider trading pitcher Joe Ryan during the upcoming season. The potential move could be a strategic shift for the Twins given their altered playoff outlook without Lopez, as they reassess their competitive window for 2026.
Twins ace Pablo López is set to undergo Tommy John reconstructive surgery on Wednesday, following a confirmed diagnosis of significant tearing in his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament. This will be López’s second Tommy John procedure. He is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, with a projected return to pitch at the start of the 2027 season. The typical recovery period for pitchers undergoing this surgery is approximately 12 months.
Veteran catcher Elias Díaz has officially signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals, an agreement reached on Friday. The 11-year MLB veteran is slated to join the Royals' big league camp in the coming week, providing the team with experienced depth behind the plate. This signing marks a new chapter for Díaz as he aims to secure a roster spot and contribute to the Royals' efforts in the upcoming season.
Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is officially sidelined at least through April due to a partially torn UCL in his right elbow, as confirmed by GM Mike Elias. He will not undergo surgery, instead treating the injury with a platelet-rich plasma injection and rest. Westburg also entered camp with an oblique strain, which is expected to heal sooner. He could return initially as a designated hitter, but is expected to miss Opening Day. This injury creates a significant void at third base, potentially opening opportunities for Coby Mayo or Blaze Alexander.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta underwent an MRI on his injured right shoulder Thursday after experiencing a setback while playing catch. He is scheduled to see a doctor Friday. The injury puts his availability for Opening Day in doubt, as it will take time to ramp up even without structural damage. If healthy, Uceta is expected to be a contender for saves in the Rays' bullpen.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson will miss the team's initial Grapefruit League games due to a tight left hamstring, as reported by Marc Topkin. Given his value derived from speed, the Rays are exercising caution to prevent further setbacks. If healthy, Simpson is projected to be the primary left fielder this season, following a rookie campaign where he slashed .295/.326/.345 with 44 stolen bases across 109 contests.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien will be shut down for several days due to a mild right calf strain, as announced by manager Oliver Marmol. This injury makes him unlikely to pitch for Team South Korea in the World Baseball Classic, though he remains in the player pool. It will take a couple of weeks to ramp up, delaying his spring training game readiness until at least early March. The setback could also impact his bid to open the season as the Cardinals' closer, where he's competing with JoJo Romero and Matt Svanson.
