AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

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

Wednesday, February 18

Jackson Holliday Nears Return: Stitches Out Monday Post-Hand Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jackson Holliday will have stitches removed from his surgically repaired right hand Monday, per Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com. Following the removal, the 22-year-old infielder will be cleared to gradually begin activities. He is expected to start the season on the 10-day injured list due to hamate bone surgery, but it could be a minimum-length stint. Jordan Westburg and Blaze Alexander are candidates to play second base in his absence for the Baltimore Orioles.

Aaron Judge Expresses Mixed Feelings on Yankees Offseason Pace

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees captain Aaron Judge voiced initial frustration over the team's 'tough to watch' offseason pace, but ultimately expressed satisfaction with the front office's moves, including the pursuit of Cody Bellinger. Broadcaster Michael Kay described Judge's comments as 'passive aggressive' due to the conflicting sentiments, though Judge confirmed he communicated his feelings directly to the team's management.

Mason Miller Poised as Padres' Primary Closer After Stellar 2025 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mason Miller, who posted a stellar 2.63 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and an MLB-best 44.4% strikeout rate over 61 2/3 innings in 2025, is now poised to take over as the primary closer for the San Diego Padres. After converting 20 saves with the Athletics and then serving as a setup man for the Padres, Miller is expected to be a top selection among fantasy relievers following Robert Suarez's departure in free agency.

Edwin Díaz Joins Dodgers as Top Closer on 3-Year, $69M Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

After a stellar 2025 season with the Mets where he posted a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves, Edwin Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal to become the closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander, who maintained an elite 38% strikeout rate, projects as one of baseball's top closers on a powerhouse team, though some regression in his ratios is possible as he acclimates to his new home park.

Ohtani Confirmed Leadoff, DH for Spring Opener, Preps for Pitching Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Shohei Ohtani is confirmed as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter for 2026 and will DH in the first two Cactus League games this weekend. Manager Dave Roberts noted Ohtani is 'way ahead' on the pitching side compared to last year as he prepares for his first full pitching season since 2023. He will join Team Japan for the WBC later this month, continuing his throwing progression but not pitching in games, aiming for the Dodgers' Opening Day rotation.

Dodgers' Yamamoto, Cy Young Favorite & WS MVP, to Start Spring Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, fresh off a World Series MVP and a fantastic 2025 season (2.49 ERA, 12-8, 200+ K, 0.99 WHIP), is now considered a Cy Young favorite. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed he will start one of the first two Cactus League games this weekend, likely his only spring appearance before joining Team Japan for the WBC. Yamamoto aims to win a Cy Young, posing significant competition to Paul Skenes.

Mookie Betts Expected to Bat Third for Dodgers in 2026 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is leaning towards Mookie Betts batting No. 3 in 2026 against all pitching. Betts primarily hit second in 2025, so this shift isn't expected to significantly impact his fantasy value. The focus remains on whether Betts can reverse his 2025 decline, where his .258 average and .148 ISO were career lows, and his 8 stolen bases were his fewest since 2014 (52 games).

Yankees' Carlos Rodón to Start 2026 on IL After Career-High 2025 Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón, who signed a 6-year, $162 million deal, will begin the 2026 season on the injured list. This follows a career-high 195.1 innings and a 3.09 ERA with over 200 strikeouts in 2025, earning him an All-Star selection and a 6th-place Cy Young finish. Despite a rough 2023, he rebounded strongly in 2024 and 2025, proving vital in recent postseasons, though his 2025 ALDS start was a 'dud.'

Josh Hader Resumes Throwing Program After Biceps Inflammation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Hader (biceps) played catch out to 90 feet Wednesday, progressing in his throwing program after being shut down due to left biceps inflammation earlier this month. He missed the final 1.5 months of the 2025 season with a left shoulder strain, with the biceps issue arising after his fourth bullpen session. Hader still aims for an Opening Day return, but a setback could lead to an IL stint, potentially making Bryan Abreu the top saves option for the Houston Astros.

Astros' Yainer Diaz Shows Strong Hit Tool, But 30-HR Projections Unsustainable

AutoDraft Pro AI

Astros catcher Yainer Diaz possesses a strong 'hit tool,' making contact and hitting the ball harder than most players, which could lead to a batting average as high as .280. However, expectations of 30 home run power are based on an unsustainable 2023 rate. His high chase rate, which has been constant over three years, is a concern, as contact outside the zone rarely results in extra-base hits, highlighting a need for improved plate discipline.

Mariners' Brendan Donovan Excels with Elite Contact, Avoids Costly Outs

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mariners' Brendan Donovan exhibits exceptional contact skills, boasting a 13.5% career strikeout rate and a 9.1% walk rate, with a .282/.361/.411 line and 119 wRC+. He notably avoids pop-ups and grounded into only four double plays last season. Donovan shines with runners on base, posting a .307/.389/.451 line (136 wRC+). Projected as the presumptive third baseman and potential leadoff hitter, he offers valuable versatility and offensive production.

New Manager Kurt Suzuki Leads Angels into Spring Training

AutoDraft Pro AI

New manager Kurt Suzuki has officially begun spring training with the Los Angeles Angels in Arizona. He is leading the team, including veteran Mike Trout and many new faces, as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.

Angels Star Mike Trout Begins Spring Training Workouts in Arizona

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Angels veteran Mike Trout has officially begun spring training workouts in Arizona. As a familiar face, he joins the team under new manager Kurt Suzuki, preparing for the upcoming 2026 season.

Kris Bubic Throws Live BP for First Time in Seven Months Post-Shoulder Strain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bubic (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Saturday, marking his first time facing hitters in nearly seven months since a left rotator cuff strain ended his 2025 season early. The southpaw reported feeling good about his velocity and movement, experiencing only "normal soreness." He is scheduled for another live BP session Wednesday and will progress to game action afterward. Bubic is expected to be ready for Opening Day for the Kansas City Royals.

Rays Eye Mason Englert for Starter Role After Arsenal Refinement

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mason Englert, acquired by the Rays last offseason, is being considered for a rotation spot after posting solid multi-inning relief results. Known for his plus strike-throwing and outlier change-up command, the Rays have helped him refine his cutter and added a larger breaking ball, giving him three distinct fastball shapes. Despite modest whiff rates, his arsenal and command suggest a plausible path to a back-end starter role, even in his final option year.

Drew Sommers Traded to Tigers for Mason Englert Last Offseason

AutoDraft Pro AI

Drew Sommers was part of an offseason trade last year, moving to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for pitcher Mason Englert, who was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays. This transaction saw Sommers depart from the Rays organization.

Lawrence Butler's Spring Debut Delayed Due to Offseason Knee Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Butler will be held out of Cactus League action until mid-spring as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. He underwent surgery in October to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee and received a PRP injection for tendinitis in his left knee. While in the final stages of rehab and expected to be ready for Opening Day, the Athletics will ease him into game action. Butler posted a .234/.306/.404 line in 2025 while playing through knee issues.

Leaner Giancarlo Stanton 'Ready to Go' for 2026, Eyeing Outfield Time

AutoDraft Pro AI

Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, 36, arrived at camp leaner and 'ready to go,' though he'll continue managing a chronic elbow condition. After a lost 2023, he had a strong 2024 and an impressive 2025 season with 24 homers, 66 RBIs in 77 games, and a career-high .944 OPS. Manager Aaron Boone plans to utilize Stanton in the outfield occasionally, believing it aids his health. With 453 career home runs, he's focused on winning a World Series, with two guaranteed years left on his contract.

Phillies' Andrew Painter Faces Live Hitters, Shows Good Stuff Despite Loud Contact

AutoDraft Pro AI

Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter faced live hitters Wednesday morning, allowing 'quite a bit of loud contact.' Despite this, manager Rob Thomson was impressed, stating Painter's 'stuff was good, his control was good,' and that he threw many strikes. Painter reportedly missed some spots early in the session but commanded the ball better later on, indicating progress in his spring training build-up.

Phillies' Aaron Nola Shows Strong Command in First Live BP Session

AutoDraft Pro AI

Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola faced live hitters Wednesday morning, demonstrating 'really good' command from the outset of his first spring training session. He effectively utilized his backdoor cutters against lefties, along with a good changeup and fastball, impressing observers with his early form.