MLB Player News

The Phillies used all of their short relievers yesterday, limiting their options in this one. José Alvarado seemed like the favorite for the save going in, but the Phillies decided to use him against the middle of the order in the eighth. Marte came in with a one-run lead in the ninth and struck out three in a row for his first save in 56 appearances since debuting last year. He has a 6.89 ERA and a 17/8 K/BB ratio in 15 2/3 innings.

Hernández was one of the few big leaguers in Miami’s lineup for this early-afternoon contest as he continues to battle for an Opening Day roster spot as a platoon outfielder against left-handed starters. The 26-year-old is tentatively penciled into the Marlins’ season-opening mix capable of pairing with young right fielder Owen Caissie and Griffin Conine at DH.

Ryan was among candidates to start a potential WBC championship game after being added to Team USA’s pitcher pool earlier this week. That’s no longer happening. The 29-year-old Twins ace has been battling a back issue this spring but it doesn’t sound like this specific decision was made for health-related reasons. According to Leach, Ryan wasn’t an option to pitch in relief during a potential WBC finale, so the decision was made to go in a different direction with the roster spot. He’ll presumably be ready to take the ball when Minnesota kicks off the regular season later this month.

Keirsey was in Braves camp as extra outfield depth and won’t make the club’s season-opening roster, even after left fielder Jurickson Profar was hit with a 162-game PED suspension. The 28-year-old got into 74 games for the Twins last year and is more of a defensive specialist than anything else. He could be up as a temporary stopgap at some point during the season.

The move paves a relatively unobstructed path for veteran Adam Frazier to open the year as the Angels’ starting second baseman. Technically, Oswald Peraza, Nick Madrigal and Vaughn Grissom remain in the mix but they’ve struggled this spring and make more sense in bench roles. Los Angeles took Moore with the eighth-overall pick back in 2024, one spot before Pittsburgh grabbed baseball’s current top prospect Konnor Griffin. The 23-year-old second baseman has hit just .198/.284/.370 with seven homers in 53 games at the highest level and has struggled to emerge as an everyday option.

It’s a potential worst-case scenario and a crushing blow for Stephenson, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery back in 2024. The 33-year-old veteran reliever suffered a setback earlier this week after experiencing nerve issue and thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during the offseason. He’ll visit with Dr. Meister to evaluate his options and determine whether he’ll be able to pitch at all this season. The most likely outcome is some kind of surgical procedure if he’s dealing with UCL damage. He’s no longer in the mix to close for the Angels with Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz the leading candidates.

Speaking with reporters for the first time since undergoing a cleanup procedure on his left shoulder earlier this week, Gonzalez expressed confidence he’ll be ready to return when first eligible in late May. The 29-year-old infielder was placed on the 60-day injured list earlier this week. His absence creates a short-term platoon issue for the Red Sox at the cold corner because he was one of their most effective bats against left-handed pitching last year.

It was García’s first time throwing off a mound in Blue Jays camp since undergoing elbow surgery last August. The 35-year-old veteran reliever won’t be ready in time for Opening Day but he’s progressing towards an early-season return to Toronto’s high-leverage mix behind closer Jeff Hoffman and new setup specialist Tyler Rogers.

Richardson will open the year back at Triple-A Louisville after being removed from Cincinnati’s 40-man roster during the offseason. The 26-year-old righty posted a serviceable 4.54 ERA and 30/21 K/BB ratio across 37 2/3 innings over a career-high 34 appearances in the big leagues last year.

Lowe returns to Los Angeles’ lineup for the first time since suffering a left oblique injury back in late February. The 28-year-old corner outfielder has expressed optimism about being ready for Opening Day, and his return to game action suggests he’s absolutely trending in that direction. He’s a late-round option for fantasy purposes given his checkered injury history.

Uceta won’t be ready for Tampa Bay’s season opener later this month but he’s trending towards being ready to return at some point in early-to-mid April following a brief rehab assignment. The 28-year-old high-leverage specialist has been brought along slowly this spring after receiving a cortisone shot to alleviate shoulder inflammation earlier in camp. His absence opens the door for Griffin Jax to handle the ninth-inning role at the start of the regular season.