MLB Player News

Padlo was recently released by the Dodgers after hitting .216/.340/.380 in 47 games in Triple-A. The 27-year-old has hit .111/.158/.167 in 57 major league plate appearances for five teams since debuting in 2021.

The Yankees had said all along that regardless of how he performed during the spring, it was likely that the Martian would be starting the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and that’s where he’ll head despite slashing .325/.378/.600 with three homers, 10 RBI and three stolen bases in 45 plate appearances during Grapefruit League play. He has all of the skills to be an impact fantasy contributor, but it’ll take an injury for him to get enough playing time with the Bombers to bring that to fruition.

Gaddis is dealing with tightness in his forearm and while he has shown improvement, it’s going to take him longer than a couple of weeks to build back up before he’s able to help out the Guardians’ bullpen. Valera has been battling a mild left calf strain and isn’t expected to be shelved for long, but being ready for Opening Day looks unlikely at this stage.

Jones was out of minor league options and has the right to refuse the outright assignment and hit the open market if he chooses to do so. The 27-year-old former top prospect hit a putrid .152 (5-for-33) with one homer, six RBI, one stolen base and a 14/3 K/BB ratio during Cactus League play.

The 23-year-old outfielder entered camp as a longshot to make the Opening Day roster, so him getting trimmed on Friday didn’t come as a shock. He’ll start the year in a regular role at Triple-A Columbus and should get an opportunity with the Guardians once injury or ineffectiveness eventually strike.

That had been a foregone conclusion for a while now, but is now official. The bigger question will be whether he or Taijuan Walker gets bumped once Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is ready to return. Cristopher Sanchez will work on Opening Day for the Phillies and will be followed by Aaron Nola. Jesus Luzardo, Walker and Painter in that order.

Dodd has the most big league experience of the bunch and should get an opportunity at some point during the 2026 season, but he’s not the biggest surprise in this group. That honor goes to JR Ritchie, who posted a stellar 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio over 12 innings during Grapefruit League action. Given the injuries in the Braves’ rotation, it’s mildly shocking that he didn’t head north with the big league club.

Warren had a strong showing during Grapefruit League action, compiling a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 5/2 K/BB ratio across five innings in his five appearances. He’ll almost assuredly get a chance to work out of the Mets’ bullpen at some point during the 2026 season.

Junk beat out Braxton Garrett for the final spot and will pitch the fifth game of the season on Tuesday, March 31 against the White Sox. Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Max Meyer and Chris Paddack will pitch in the first four games for the Marlins.

Brandon Woodruff would have likely received the honor if he were fully healthy, but his status for the start of the season is still in question. Misiorowski, 23, has registered a 3.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and a 12/3 K/BB ratio across 7 1/3 innings during Cactus League play this spring.

Roberts, 28, did everything in his power to earn a spot in the Cubs’ bullpen this spring, posting a 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and a 4/2 K/BB ratio over six innings in six Cactus League appearances. He was simply facing an uphill battle against a crowded bullpen mix. He should be one of the first options at Triple-A Iowa that gets a shot with the big league club.