Fantasy Baseball
-
BaseballWeek 20 Preview: 10 sleeper hitters
-
BaseballWeek 20 Preview: 10 sleeper pitchers
-
BaseballFBT: Juan Soto scare; sizzling Brave
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Player News
-
Ian Seymour TB P
Rays' Ian Seymour: Making strong case for roster spot
32m agoSeymour allowed one hit and no walks in 2.1 scoreless innings during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out four.
The 27-year-old left-hander is off to an encouraging start this spring, posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB over 10 frames (four appearances). With Shane McClanahan and Steven Matz likely to have workload limitations to start the year, the Rays are likely to need a couple of long relievers on their Opening Day roster, per Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. That bodes well for the chances of Seymour, who recorded a 3.63 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB across 57 innings for Tampa Bay in 2025, of breaking camp with the major-league club as a swingman.
-
Taylor Ward BAL LF
Orioles' Taylor Ward: Crushes first spring homer
45m agoWard went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.
It was the first homer of the spring for the 32-year-old, who's slashing a strong .250/.400/.500 with three doubles, six walks and one stolen base across 30 plate appearances covering 10 Grapefruit League contests. After coming over from the Angels in an offseason trade for Grayson Rodriguez, Ward is preparing to be Baltimore's everyday left fielder in 2026. Last regular season, Ward slashed .228/.317/.475 and set career highs in homers (36), RBI (103) and runs scored (86) over 663 plate appearances for the Angels.
-
Colson Montgomery CHW SS
White Sox's Colson Montgomery: Minimal concern about slow spring
1h agoManager Will Venable isn't concerned about Montgomery's poor results in Cactus League games, Barry Bloom of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Montgomery is only 5-for-27 to this point in the spring, while also striking out at a 28.6 percent clip. While not necessarily surprising given his minor-league track record and his results in a small sample from the majors in 2025, Venable still defended Montgomery by saying that the young shortstop has had a good spring from a process standpoint. Venable also reiterated that the poor results will not influence Montgomery's role with the club on Opening Day.
-
Clayton Beeter WAS RP
Nationals' Clayton Beeter: Fans three in spring game
2h agoBeeter struck out three batters and walked one during his lone inning of work in Tuesday's Grapefruit League win over the Marlins.
After being traded from the Bronx to Washington last season, Beeter turned in a 2.49 ERA and 1.02 WHIP to go with a 32:14 K:BB over 21.2 innings. He's followed up his impressive start with the Nats by allowing two runs (both unearned) across three frames in spring training, collecting five strikeouts in the process. The Nationals entered spring camp without a clear go-to choice for ninth-inning work, but the 27-year-old righty seems like a strong contender to open the season as the team's preferred closer based on his recent performance.
-
Denzer Guzman LAA SS
Angels' Denzer Guzman: Sent down to Salt Lake
3h agoThe Angels optioned Guzman to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Guzman had himself a nice spring, going 5-for-17 at the dish with a home run, two RBI and four runs scored through nine Cactus League contests. However, after posting a .566 OPS and striking out 22 times in 13 MLB games last year, the Angels will send him back to Triple-A to begin the 2026 campaign. The 22-year-old infielder could receive a promotion to Los Angeles midway through the season if he continues to hit well and improves his discipline at the plate.
-
Miles Mastrobuoni SEA 3B
Mariners' Miles Mastrobuoni: Suffered calf injury in WBC
5h agoMastrobuoni will return to spring training after suffering a calf injury during Team Italy's win over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
The severity of Mastrobuoni's injury will likely be revealed once the Mariners' medical staff gets a chance to look at him. The 30-year-old infielder had been having a strong spring before his injury, going 4-for-15 with a grand slam through seven Cactus League games, and he went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI with Team Italy.
-
Kyle Teel CHW C
White Sox's Kyle Teel: Out 4-to-6 weeks with injury
9h agoWhite Sox general manager Chris Getz said Wednesday that Teel has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain and could be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.
Teel suffered the injury while legging out a double in Team Italy's win over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday. With Teel shelved for at least the first couple weeks of the regular season, Edgar Quero will serve as Chicago's primary catcher, and Korey Lee will also get some reps behind the plate. Additionally, more playing time should be freed up at designated hitter for Lenyn Sosa.
-
Kyle Teel CHW C
White Sox's Kyle Teel: Pulls out of WBC with injury
11h agoTeel (hamstring) was removed from Team Italy's World Baseball Classic roster Wednesday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.
Teel injured his right hamstring while legging out a double in Team Italy's win over Team USA on Tuesday. The severity of the injury is unclear, but it's bad enough that Teel will not be available for the rest of the tournament. The White Sox should have more on Teel's status after he returns to their camp. Per Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, Mickey Gasper is expected to take Teel's spot on Team Italy's roster.
-
Kyle Teel CHW C
White Sox's Kyle Teel: Exits WBC contest with injury
1d agoTeel was removed from Team Italy's game against Team USA at the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday due to right hamstring discomfort, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
After belting a home run in the second inning, Teel hit a double to right field in the sixth but seemingly tweaked his hamstring while running to second base. He was immediately lifted for a pinch runner. The severity of his injury is unknown, but if he has to miss the start of the regular season, Edgar Quero would presumably fill in as the White Sox's primary catcher.
-
Daniel Susac SF C
Giants' Daniel Susac: Favorite for backup catcher role
1d agoSusac is viewed as the favorite to win the Giants' backup catcher job, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.
Eric Haase and Jesus Rodriguez are also in the mix to back up Patrick Bailey, though Susac appears likely to earn that role. The 24-year-old catcher was selected by the Athletics with the 19th overall pick in 2022 and has yet to make his big-league debut. He was left unprotected ahead of the Rule 5 Draft in December, and he was selected fourth overall by the Twins before being sent to San Francisco. Through eight Cactus League games with the Giants, Susac has slashed .350/.381/.450 with two runs scored, two doubles and one RBI across 21 plate appearances. He recorded a 26.8 percent strikeout rate with Triple-A Las Vegas last season, so improving his plate discipline and reducing strikeouts will continue to be a point of emphasis.
-
Thayron Liranzo DET C
Tigers' Thayron Liranzo: Out with oblique strain
1d agoLiranzo was diagnosed with an oblique strain and will miss the start of Double-A Erie's season, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
The 22-year-old was optioned to Erie on Monday, but he won't be available for the start of the minor-league season due to the injury. Liranzo is one of Detroit's top prospects but struggled in his first taste of the Double-A level last year with a .655 OPS and 31.9 percent strikeout rate in 88 games.
-
Joe Mack MIA C
Marlins' Joe Mack: Back in action Tuesday
2d agoMack (neck) is starting at catcher and batting cleanup in Tuesday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Nationals.
Mack was unavailable for a bit due to neck stiffness, but he's been cleared to return to action. The 23-year-old is 3-for-18 with one home run and a 2:6 BB:K this spring and is projected to open the season at Triple-A Jacksonville.
-
Ryan Mountcastle BAL 1B
Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle: X-rays on hand are negative
7h agoMountcastle is day-to-day after X-rays on his right hand came back negative, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Mountcastle was pulled from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates when he was plunked by a pitch, but he's managed to avoid a fracture. The Orioles are idle Thursday, so he could be back in action as soon as Friday. Mountcastle is facing uncertain playing time this season, as he's down the Orioles' depth chart both at first base and designated hitter.
-
Spencer Torkelson DET 1B
Tigers' Spencer Torkelson: Tending to bruised forearm
8h agoTorkelson was diagnosed with a bruised right forearm after being hit by a pitch in a simulated game Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.
Torkelson didn't play in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Twins in Grapefruit League play, but the first baseman should check back into the Tigers' spring lineup within a few days once the soreness in his arm subsides.
-
Ryan Noda BAL 1B
Orioles' Ryan Noda: Misses out on Opening Day roster
8h agoThe Orioles reassigned Noda to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.
The Orioles are well stocked on first-base and corner-outfield bats at the big-league level, so Noda never stood much of a chance at winning an Opening Day roster spot. The 29-year-old should get the opportunity to play regularly at Triple-A Norfolk this season, but his standing as a non-40-man-roster player may be a hindrance in him receiving a call-up to the majors at any point.
-
Ryan Mountcastle BAL 1B
Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle: Exits after HBP
8h agoMountcastle was removed from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates in the eighth inning after being hit in the right hand by a pitch, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
The severity of Mountcastle's injury isn't yet known, but the Orioles will presumably send him in for an X-ray to confirm whether he suffered a fracture. Though Mountcastle looked like a potential non-tender or trade candidate this offseason, he'll remain with the Orioles for 2026 after signing a one-year, $6.79 million deal to avoid arbitration. However, Mountcastle could struggle to find regular playing time after the Orioles brought in Pete Alonso on a massive long-term deal over the winter to take over as their everyday first baseman.
-
Trey Mancini LAA 1B
Angels' Trey Mancini: Returns to action Tuesday
10h agoMancini (illness) played four innings and first base and went 0-for-1 at the plate Tuesday in the Angels' 10-2 win over the Padres in Cactus League play.
Mancini had been sidelined for the past four days due to an illness before returning to action Tuesday. The veteran first baseman/designated hitter is batting just .125 over 16 at-bats through nine Cactus League games and appears to be on the outside looking in for a spot on the Angels' Opening Day roster.
-
Nick Loftin KC 1B
Royals' Nick Loftin: Expected back Thursday
10h agoRoyals manager Matt Quatraro said Wednesday that Loftin is dealing with a jammed left thumb but should return to the lineup for Thursday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Loftin was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with the injury, but he's feeling better and is expected back in action imminently. The utility player is competing for a reserve role with the Royals and has had a nice spring, slashing .318/.423/.682.
-
Brandon Lowe PIT 2B
Pirates' Brandon Lowe: Out Wednesday with tight side
12h agoLowe was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to lower-body tightness, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
According to the Pirates' medical staff, Lowe is scheduled to go through a normal practice session at camp Wednesday, so his removal from the lineup appears to be mostly precautionary in nature. Acquired from the Rays in a three-team deal in December, Lowe is projected to serve as the Pirates' primary second baseman this season, though he could occasionally sit against left-handed pitching.
-
Michael Massey KC 2B
Royals' Michael Massey: Nursing low-grade calf strain
2d agoRoyals manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Massey has a "low-grade" calf strain and will be sidelined "hopefully just about a week," Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Massey tweaked the calf during a Cactus League game versus the Dodgers this past Friday and the Royals sent him for imaging after he didn't bounce back as hoped. It does not seem at this juncture like an injury that could threaten Massey's Opening Day availability, but he can't afford any setbacks.
-
Zack Gelof ATH 2B
Athletics' Zack Gelof: Pair of hits in spring debut
2d agoGelof (shoulder) started at designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in Monday's Cactus League win over the Reds.
Gelof was slow-played to open the spring after undergoing surgery last September to repair a dislocated left shoulder, but he made his Cactus League debut Monday and started hot with an RBI double in his first at-bat that left the bat at 107.9 mph. After showing flashes of greatness during his rookie 2023 campaign, the 26-year-old has struggled to recapture that form and is coming off an injury-riddled 2025 in which he slashed .174/.230/.272 across 30 MLB games. A strong finish to spring training could improve his chances of making the big-league roster, though it's still quite possible that Gelof opens the 2026 season with Triple-A Las Vegas.
-
Hye Seong Kim LAD 2B
Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim: Hurts hand during WBC
2d agoKim suffered a left hand injury Sunday while with Team Korea at the World Baseball Classic and didn't play in Monday's 7-2 win over Team Australia, Matthew Moreno of SI.com reports.
Kim's injury happened while he was stealing a base against Team Chinese Taipei on Sunday. He sported a thin wrap around his left hand Monday while sitting out Korea's victory against Australia, per Dodgers Nation, but to this point there's been no word on the exact nature or severity of the injury. This may just end up being a minor issue, and Kim is still at least several days away from returning to the Dodgers as Korea has already advanced to the quarterfinals of the WBC, but if the injury lingers, it could impact Kim's bid to open the regular season as Los Angeles' starter at second base while Tommy Edman continues his recovery from ankle surgery.
-
Sung-Mun Song SD 2B
Padres' Sung-Mun Song: Could open season on IL
2d agoSong (oblique) has yet to resume swinging a bat and hasn't been cleared to participate in fielding drills, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.
The Padres have made it clear that they intend to slow play Song's recovery in an effort to ensure the issue doesn't pop up again later this season. "We've got to play that injury really cautious," stated manager Craig Stammen. "Because he had it, came back, got it again. It's just one of those things -- we can't have that happen the whole year. We've got to nip it in the bud right now." Cassavell points out that Opening Day is only two weeks away, and the fact that Song has only received treatment since aggravating the oblique injury is cause for concern.
-
JJ Wetherholt STL 2B
Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt: Cranks second spring home run
2d agoWetherholt went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Monday's Grapefruit League tilt versus the Orioles.
It was an opposite-field blast and the second home run this spring for Wetherholt. The top prospect has reached base at a .480 clip during Grapefruit League action, thanks in large part to a 7:4 BB:K. The Cardinals have not yet named Wetherholt their Opening Day second baseman, but it seems like a foregone conclusion.
-
Miles Mastrobuoni SEA 3B
Mariners' Miles Mastrobuoni: Suffered calf injury in WBC
5h agoMastrobuoni will return to spring training after suffering a calf injury during Team Italy's win over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
The severity of Mastrobuoni's injury will likely be revealed once the Mariners' medical staff gets a chance to look at him. The 30-year-old infielder had been having a strong spring before his injury, going 4-for-15 with a grand slam through seven Cactus League games, and he went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI with Team Italy.
-
Josh Jung TEX 3B
Rangers' Josh Jung: Targeting return Thursday
1d agoJung (groin) ran the bases Tuesday and is hoping to return to Cactus League play Thursday versus the Athletics, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Jung has been shelved since late February after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 adductor strain. When coming back from a leg injury, running the bases is typically the final hurdle one needs to clear, so Jung appears to be in a good spot to return to action and avoid a stint on the injured list. If healthy, Jung is expected to open the season as the Rangers' primary third baseman.
-
Graham Pauley MIA 3B
Marlins' Graham Pauley: Plays defense in backfields game
2d agoPauley (forearm) played five innings of defense in a backfields game Monday but did not throw, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Tuesday that Pauley will remain limited to designated-hitter duty in Grapefruit League games "for a while." Pauley is working his way back from right forearm tightness and the club is deliberating rebuilding his throwing before he's allowed to play in games without restrictions. If healthy, Pauley could open the season as Miami's primary third baseman.
-
Caleb Durbin BOS 3B
Red Sox's Caleb Durbin: Expected to play third base
2d agoRed Sox manager Alex Cora indicated Tuesday that Durbin will be the team's primary third baseman this season, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.
Durbin has played some second base this spring, as well, but signs had been pointing to him sticking at the hot corner where he played last season with the Brewers. He could wind up accruing enough time at second base to gain eligibility there in-season, but Durbin will enter the year eligible only at third base on most fantasy platforms. The Red Sox will likely go with either Marcelo Mayer or Isiah Kiner-Falefa at second base to open the season.
-
Coby Mayo BAL 3B
Orioles' Coby Mayo: Piling up hits in Grapefruit League
2d agoMayo went 1-for-3 with a single in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals and is now 9-for-22 with five RBI this spring.
Mayo is raking during spring training, hitting safely in six of his nine Grapefruit League outings to go with a trio of doubles and multi-hit games overall. Jordan Westburg (elbow) isn't expected to make his season debut until May at the earliest, leaving the door open for Mayo to begin the year as Baltimore's top third baseman. Mayo, a former top prospect, is looking to find some footing in the major leagues in 2026 after slashing .201/.285/.349 with 11 homers, 12 doubles and 28 RBI over his first 340 career plate appearances.
-
Jeimer Candelario LAA 3B
Angels' Jeimer Candelario: Getting reps at keystone
2d agoCandelario was spotted taking grounders at second base Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
It remains to be seen whether the Angels will give Candelario a chance at second base during an exhibition, but Bollinger notes that his work at the keystone is an effort to improve his versatility. The Angels are presumably enjoying what they've seen so far this spring out of the 32-year-old, who is 8-for-24 with one home run, four RBI and five runs scored.
-
Colson Montgomery CHW SS
White Sox's Colson Montgomery: Minimal concern about slow spring
1h agoManager Will Venable isn't concerned about Montgomery's poor results in Cactus League games, Barry Bloom of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Montgomery is only 5-for-27 to this point in the spring, while also striking out at a 28.6 percent clip. While not necessarily surprising given his minor-league track record and his results in a small sample from the majors in 2025, Venable still defended Montgomery by saying that the young shortstop has had a good spring from a process standpoint. Venable also reiterated that the poor results will not influence Montgomery's role with the club on Opening Day.
-
Denzer Guzman LAA SS
Angels' Denzer Guzman: Sent down to Salt Lake
3h agoThe Angels optioned Guzman to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Guzman had himself a nice spring, going 5-for-17 at the dish with a home run, two RBI and four runs scored through nine Cactus League contests. However, after posting a .566 OPS and striking out 22 times in 13 MLB games last year, the Angels will send him back to Triple-A to begin the 2026 campaign. The 22-year-old infielder could receive a promotion to Los Angeles midway through the season if he continues to hit well and improves his discipline at the plate.
-
Vaughn Grissom LAA SS
Angels' Vaughn Grissom: Departs early with sore hand
7h agoGrissom was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the White Sox in the first inning due to a sore left hand, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
Grissom presumably sustained the injury on one of his swings in the top of the first, with the at-bat culminating in a strikeout. Kyren Paris came on to replace Grissom at shortstop in the bottom half of the inning. Grissom, who is competing for a utility role with the Angels, can be viewed as day-to-day.
-
Vaughn Grissom LAA SS
Angels' Vaughn Grissom: Exits with apparent injury
7h agoGrissom was pulled from Wednesday's Cactus League game versus the White Sox in the first inning with an undisclosed injury, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
Grissom struck out to lead off the game in the top of the first inning and was then lifted before taking the field in the bottom of the frame. He did not suffer an obvious injury, but the Angels should offer an explanation soon as to why Grissom exited.
-
Brooks Baldwin CHW SS
White Sox's Brooks Baldwin: Day-to-day with sore elbow
8h agoWhite Sox manager Will Venable said Wednesday that Baldwin is day-to-day with right elbow soreness, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.
Baldwin hasn't seen any Cactus League action since last week, as he felt soreness while throwing to bases recently. It doesn't appear at this point to be an injury that threatens his Opening Day availability. Baldwin is expected to open the season in a reserve role with Chicago.
-
Maximo Acosta MIA SS
Marlins' Maximo Acosta: Sidelined with oblique discomfort
11h agoThe Marlins scratched Acosta from the lineup for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros due to left oblique discomfort, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Acosta will likely be put through further testing as the Marlins look to determine the severity of his oblique issue, but even a mild strain at this point in spring training could be enough to remove the young infielder from contention for a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old reached the majors for the first time in 2025, slashing .204/.295/.389 with three home runs and one stolen base across 61 plate appearances with Miami.
-
Taylor Ward BAL LF
Orioles' Taylor Ward: Crushes first spring homer
45m agoWard went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.
It was the first homer of the spring for the 32-year-old, who's slashing a strong .250/.400/.500 with three doubles, six walks and one stolen base across 30 plate appearances covering 10 Grapefruit League contests. After coming over from the Angels in an offseason trade for Grayson Rodriguez, Ward is preparing to be Baltimore's everyday left fielder in 2026. Last regular season, Ward slashed .228/.317/.475 and set career highs in homers (36), RBI (103) and runs scored (86) over 663 plate appearances for the Angels.
-
Will Robertson BAL RF
Orioles' Will Robertson: Sent out to minor-league camp
8h agoThe Orioles reassigned Robertson to minor-league camp Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Robertson logged 75 plate appearances in the big leagues last season between stops with the Blue Jays and White Sox, but after being claimed off waivers by the Orioles over the winter and later outrighted off the 40-man roster, he never appeared to be a strong candidate to break camp with Baltimore. He's slated to serve as organizational outfield depth at Triple-A Norfolk in 2026.
-
Joshua Lowe LAA RF
Angels' Josh Lowe: Takes part in intrasquad game
8h agoLowe (oblique) stepped in for approximately eight plate appearances Wednesday during an intrasquad game and also ran the bases, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
Lowe last played in a Cactus League game Feb. 25, but he took a monumental step forward in his recovery from a sore left oblique by facing live pitching for the first time since suffering the injury. The Angels plan on having Lowe play in minor-league games on the back fields of camp before reinserting him into the Cactus League lineup, but barring any further setbacks with his oblique over the next two weeks, he'll be on track to play Opening Day.
-
Akil Baddoo MIL LF
Brewers' Akil Baddoo: Slowed by quad strain
9h agoBaddoo sustained a left quadriceps strain during Monday's Cactus League game against the Mariners and is set to be further evaluated by the Brewers' team physician Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.
Baddoo suffered the injury while running to first base following an at-bat Monday. The upcoming re-evaluation should provide insight into a potential recovery timeline for Baddoo, who is competing for a backup outfield spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster. The 27-year-old has enjoyed a strong spring thus far, going 6-for-20 with two extra-base hits, two stolen bases and a 2:7 BB:K over seven games.
-
Tyler Fitzgerald SF CF
Giants' Tyler Fitzgerald: Competing for utility role
12h agoFitzgerald started at shortstop and went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 5-4 Cactus League win over the Guardians, and he's competing for a utility role ahead of Opening Day, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.
While Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss appear more likely to begin the 2026 campaign in utility roles, Fitzgerald remains an option for San Francisco. However, the 28-year-old hasn't made a strong case for himself at the plate this spring, slashing .154/.154/.385 with six RBI, three doubles and two runs scored across 26 plate appearances in 13 games. Fitzgerald opened the 2025 campaign as the club's starting second baseman but had a down season and spent significant time with Triple-A Sacramento, where he could begin this season.
-
Richard Palacios TB LF
Rays' Richie Palacios: Eyeing Friday return
13h agoRays manager Kevin Cash said that Palacios (back) could return to the Grapefruit League lineup as soon as Friday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Palacios has recently been managing back tightness, which has kept him from playing in spring games since March 3. He appears to have responded well to treatment and has seemingly resumed taking part in baseball activities, but Palacios may need to go through another workout Wednesday and/or Thursday before being cleared to play. Palacios is competing for a utility role on the Rays' Opening Day roster, with his ability to play multiple infield and outfield spots enhancing his chances of breaking camp with the big club.
-
Carlos Carrasco ATL SP
Braves' Carlos Carrasco: Dismissed from camp competition
7h agoAtlanta reassigned Carrasco to minor-league camp Wednesday.
Atlanta has already lost four potential starters (Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith-Shawver and Joey Wentz) to long-term injuries, but those absences aren't enough to clear room in the Opening Day rotation for Carrasco. Coming off a 2025 season in which he posted a 7.09 ERA over 11 appearances (nine starts) in 45.2 innings in the big leagues, Carrasco was forced to settle for a minor-league deal with Atlanta this winter. The 38-year-old righty will bring plenty of experience to the rotation at Triple-A Gwinnett but likely won't be in store for another look in the majors unless Atlanta loses more starters to injury.
-
Charlee Soto MIN SP
Twins' Charlee Soto: Delayed start to season
8h agoSoto (elbow) is not expected to begin his 2026 season until late April or early May, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Soto underwent surgery to remove a partially detached bone spur in August, so it's not surprising he'll be eased into action this spring. The No. 34 overall pick of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft has thrown three bullpen sessions in spring training, so he's making progress.
-
Zac Gallen ARI SP
Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen: Set for Opening Day assignment
8h agoThe Diamondbacks named Gallen as their starter for Opening Day against the Dodgers on March 26.
Merrill Kelly had previously been tapped to start Opening Day for Arizona, but he will not be ready at that point as he recovers from a back injury. As a result, Gallen -- who re-signed with the Diamondbacks at the start of spring training -- will be making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start. Gallen had a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing with a 4.83 ERA and 175:66 K:BB over 192 innings.
-
Bryce Miller SEA SP
Mariners' Bryce Miller: Bullpen session scrapped
9h agoMiller did not throw a bullpen session as scheduled Wednesday because his left oblique didn't feel right, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.
Miller had been slated to throw his first full-effort bullpen sessions since he felt inflammation in his left oblique in late February. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said Wednesday that the right-hander does not need to be completely shut down from throwing. However, Miller will have to revert back to flat-ground work, and he is increasingly unlikely to be available for the start of the regular season.
-
Spencer Strider ATL SP
Braves' Spencer Strider: Maintains velocity in third start
9h agoStrider struck out five and gave up two hits and one walk over four innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League start against the Rays.
Making his third start of the spring, Strider built up to 61 pitches (43 strikes) and delivered his best performance to date. He induced nine swinging strikes -- including five with his slider -- and retired eight of 12 batters via either strikeout or groundout, with another out coming on a pickoff. Perhaps more importantly, the velocity gains Strider noticed in his previous start last Thursday carried over into Wednesday's outing. He peaked at 96.5 miles per hour with his four-seam fastball and averaged 94.8 mph overall, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
-
Quinn Priester MIL SP
Brewers' Quinn Priester: Visiting doctor for wrist issue
9h agoPriester is scheduled to meet with a specialist in Dallas on Thursday to receive further consultation on his lingering right wrist injury, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.
Though Priester hasn't been shut down from throwing during spring training, he's yet to make his Cactus League while he's struggled to get over the hump in his recovery from wrist soreness, an injury that previously hampered him late in the 2025 season. Priester is hopeful that the upcoming meeting with the specialist will provide more insight in how best to treat the injury, but with the start of the regular season just two weeks away, the right-hander seems to be trending toward at least an abbreviated stint on the injured list to begin the campaign.
-
Clayton Beeter WAS RP
Nationals' Clayton Beeter: Fans three in spring game
2h agoBeeter struck out three batters and walked one during his lone inning of work in Tuesday's Grapefruit League win over the Marlins.
After being traded from the Bronx to Washington last season, Beeter turned in a 2.49 ERA and 1.02 WHIP to go with a 32:14 K:BB over 21.2 innings. He's followed up his impressive start with the Nats by allowing two runs (both unearned) across three frames in spring training, collecting five strikeouts in the process. The Nationals entered spring camp without a clear go-to choice for ninth-inning work, but the 27-year-old righty seems like a strong contender to open the season as the team's preferred closer based on his recent performance.
-
James Karinchak ATL RP
Braves' James Karinchak: Reassigned after strong camp
7h agoAtlanta reassigned Karinchak to minor-league camp Wednesday.
Karinchak did all he could to earn a spot as a non-roster invitee, striking out nine while yielding just one hit and two walks over four scoreless frames, but it wasn't enough. The 30-year-old hasn't seen action at the big-league level since 2023, but he could get a chance with Atlanta this season if he gets off to a good start at Triple-A Gwinnett.
-
Hayden Harris ATL RP
Braves' Hayden Harris: Optioned to Triple-A
7h agoAtlanta optioned Harris to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.
Harris has had a great spring, allowing just one run with a 12:2 K:BB over five innings, but it wasn't enough to land a spot on the Opening Day roster. The left-handed reliever will begin the year at Gwinnett but should spend plenty of time with the major-league club in 2026.
-
Cole Sands MIN RP
Twins' Cole Sands: Remains in closer competition
7h agoTwins manager Derek Shelton said he has no idea who his closer will be this season, but Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports that Sands is still a possibility. "I'm still trying to figure it out. Sometimes, that's the answer where you're trying not to answer it," Shelton said. "I've probably done that before. But right now, I'm trying to figure it out. I don't think we have an idea of what's going to happen."
We wouldn't read too much into this report as Sands is one of a handful of candidates to close game or share a committee along with Taylor Rogers, Liam Hendriks, Justin Topa and a series of lefties including Anthony Banda and Andrew Chafin, but he has a chance to finish games. Sands had a breakout season as a reliever in 2024, but he took a step back last season with just a 21.4 percent strikeout rate, down from 29.1 percent. Sands has given up three runs in five innings with a 4:2 K:BB this spring.
-
Julian Merryweather MIN RP
Twins' Julian Merryweather: Begins running
8h agoMerryweather (hamstring) played catch Wednesday and did some running in front of the training staff, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Merryweather suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain Feb. 24 and was expected to need about 3-to-4 weeks to recover. It looks like he's candidate to begin the season on the injured list but still has time to be ready for Opening Day.
-
Joshua Walker BAL RP
Orioles' Josh Walker: Denied Opening Day roster spot
8h agoThe Orioles reassigned Walker to minor-league camp Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.
After being outrighted off the Orioles' 40-man roster in January, Walker always appeared to be a long shot to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. He's expected to begin the season at Triple-A Norfolk and will likely need to deliver impressive results before potentially resurfacing in the big leagues.
-
Giancarlo Stanton NYY DH
Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton: Swats first spring homer
1d agoStanton went 2-for-3 with a solo home run Monday in a Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates.
Stanton opened the scoring with a 424-foot cannon to left-center field in the second inning. The veteran slugger didn't make his spring debut until March 3, as the Yankees decided to ease him into action. Stanton has gone 2-for-8 with three strikeouts so far during the exhibition slate. He's probably going to spend most of his time at DH this year, but by playing 20 games in the outfield in 2025, he's eligible at that position in most fantasy leagues.
-
Andrew McCutchen TEX DH
Rangers' Andrew McCutchen: Debuts for Texas
2d agoMcCutchen started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Monday's spring game against San Diego.
McCutchen stepped on the field for the first time since signing a minor-league deal with the Rangers last week. The 39-year-old has a little more than two weeks to show decision-makers that he can still make an impact. The early results were hopeful, as McCutchen's two batted-ball events clocked in at more than 100 mph. Designated hitter would appear to be his best shot at hooking on with the club, as the right-handed complement to Joc Pederson.
-
Byron Buxton MIN DH
Twins' Byron Buxton: Returns to Team USA lineup
2d agoBuxton (elbow) will start in center field and bat eighth in Monday's World Baseball Classic game versus Team Mexico.
Buxton was pulled from Friday's contest versus Team Brazil after being hit on the right elbow by a pitch. He did not play Saturday against Team Great Britain, but Buxton is fine and ready to roll for Monday's tilt.
-
Joc Pederson TEX DH
Rangers' Joc Pederson: Limited impact in spring
2d agoPederson, who will start at first base and bat second in Monday's game against the Padres, has gone 4-for-17 with one walk and four strikeouts through his first eight Cactus League contests.
Coming off a rough first season with Texas in which he posted a career-low .614 OPS over 305 plate appearances, Pederson decided against becoming a free agent over the winter and picked up his $18.5 million player option to remain with the Rangers for 2026, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. While Pederson is likely to maintain a regular spot in the lineup as the Rangers' primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching, he hasn't shown many early signs of reclaiming the power production that eluded him in 2025. All four of his hits so far in spring training have been singles.
-
Byron Buxton MIN DH
Twins' Byron Buxton: Fine after Friday's HBP
4d agoTeam USA manager Mark DeRosa said Friday following his team's 15-5 win over Team Brazil in the World Baseball Classic that Buxton (elbow) is "feeling fine" after being hit by a pitch in the top of the fifth inning, Ryan Kelapire of MLB.com reports.
Buxton was replaced by Pete Crow-Armstrong after the former took a pitch to his right forearm, but DeRosa relayed that Buxton's removal was precautionary. X-rays on Buxton's forearm came back negative, and while he isn't in Team USA's starting lineup for Saturday's game against Great Britain, the 32-year-old center fielder isn't expected to miss significant time.
-
Byron Buxton MIN DH
Twins' Byron Buxton: Removed from WBC game after HBP
5d agoBuxton was removed from Friday's World Baseball Classic game against Brazil after getting hit on the elbow by a pitch, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Buxton ran the bases for himself after taking a 92-mph fastball off his right elbow in the fifth inning, but he was replaced on defense to begin the next half-inning. The severity of his injury remains unclear, but more information on his status should come in the near future.