MLB Player News

Nothing has changed in Stassi’s prognosis -- there’s still no clear timetable for his return as he deals with a family situation -- this was merely done as a procedural move to free up a spot on the club’s 40-man roster for Gerardo Reyes on Saturday. Stassi continues to work out and participate in baseball activities.

thought he had given Nicaragua the lead earlier in the game, launching a towering drive to left that died just short of the wall. A couple innings later, he removed the ambiguity, crushing a 397-foot blast that left no doubt and put Nicaragua ahead. Unfortunately, the lead wouldn’t hold up as the Netherlands rallied for a walk-off victory. The 27-year-old former top prospect — one of the centerpiece returns in the Mookie Betts trade earlier this decade — hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2023, spending the last two seasons with the SoftBank Hawks in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. Careers rarely unfold in straight lines, and Downs’ path has bent more than most — but for one swing on Saturday, the narrative felt momentarily uncomplicated.

Kelly will progress to facing hitters for the first time since being shut down with a back issue last month. The 37-year-old veteran won’t take the ball for Arizona on Opening Day but there’s a chance he’ll be ready to pitch at the back-end of the rotation to open the regular season. He’s a worthwhile late-round rotation stabilizer for fantasy purposes.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters Simpson has been held out of spring training action recently after experiencing renewed hamstring tightness. The 25-year-old speedster missed time at the outset of camp with the same issue, which is why Tampa Bay is proceeding with an abundance of caution. There’s been zero indication that Simpson won’t be ready for Opening Day later this month.

Uceta will require a season-opening trip to the injured list after missing time early in spring training with shoulder inflammation. The 28-year-old high-leverage option’s absence seems to clear a path for Griffin Jax to open the year as Tampa Bay’s primary closer. However, that has yet to be confirmed by manager Kevin Cash.

Caissie put Canada on the scoreboard with a two-run homer against Colombia starter Austin Bergner in the second inning. Berner drew the starting assignment after Julio Teheran was scratched just prior to first pitch due to a shoulder impingement. The 23-year-old corner outfielder was one of the more prominent prospects to change organizations this offseason, landing with the Marlins as the primary return from the Cubs for high-upside starter Edward Cabrera. Canada will square off against Panama on Sunday in their next pool play showdown.

Arroyo is one of the top prospects in Seattle’s system and is getting a chance to lead off for Colombia during the international showcase. The 21-year-old second baseman projects as an impact fantasy contributor at second base in the near future thanks to his ability to generate above-average exit velocities while also possessing strong plate discipline.

Soroka notched two strikeouts and only issued one walk, needing 54 pitches (30 strikes) to navigate three frames. The 28-year-old righty is locked into the final spot in Arizona’s season-opening rotation after signing a one-year, $7.5 million pact during the offseason.

Schultz’s fantasy stock has cratered over the past calendar year as his strikeout and walk rates continue trending in the wrong direction. He’s been plagued by injuries, which limited him to just 17 minor-league starts this past season. The 22-year-old southpaw was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball just a few years ago but he isn’t close to pitching in the big leagues entering 2026.

Teheran was scratched just moments from first pitch of Colombia’s matchup against Canada after suffering the injury while warming up. Rangers minor leaguer Austin Bergner took the ball in his place. The 35-year-old veteran is probably done for the rest of the World Baseball Classic.

Gonzalez has been held out of baseball activities this spring and won’t be ready for Opening Day. He received a PRP injection last month and hasn’t been progressing to the point where he can resume hitting again. There should be a definitive update on his status at some point later this week. He would be facing a lengthy absence if he winds up requiring a shoulder procedure.