MLB Player News

The 38-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since the beginning of July due to soreness in his right elbow. He should only need a couple of outings in the minor leagues before he’s deemed ready to return to the Red Sox’ bullpen.

The plan is for Sasaki to continue building up his pitch count and stamina out of the Cactus League spotlight after some mixed results in a handful of early-spring outings. The 24-year-old’s velocity has been there but his fastball command remains elusive. With both Blake Snell and Gavin Stone (shoulder) opening the season on the injured list, the Dodgers are going to need Sasaki in their early-season pitching mix. It certainly feels like both Sasaki and dynamic pitching prospect River Ryan, who has looked phenomenal this spring, are going to make Los Angeles’ season-opening roster.

Wallner was hitting sixth today against lefty Steven Matz. In his previous three starts against righties, he hit cleanup twice but also sixth once, with Trevor Larnach hitting cleanup then. One hopes Wallner will be hitting ahead of Larnach against righties in the regular season. Even in a down 2025, Wallner still out OPS+'d Larnach 110 to 99. Wallner has a 129 OPS+ the last three years, compared to 104 for Larnach. Wallner should also have a better chance of remaining in the Twins lineup than Larnach when the team is facing a lefty.

Ryan was making his spring debut after getting scratched due to back tightness just before his original opener on Feb. 21. He fared well today, but he was down 1.5-2.5 mph on his pitches after the layoff. One imagines he’ll get that back in the coming weeks.

Matz averaged 93.5 mph with his fastball, which is down one mph from a 2025 season in which he worked almost exclusively as a reliever. So, really, that’s right about where he should be. In a fine situation in Tampa Bay, he should provide some utility in deeper leagues.

The Rays never got specific about Lux’s upper body issue, but he missed nearly three weeks of spring games, which wouldn’t seem to make for a great first impression. Lux appears to be penciled in as Rays’ second baseman against righties after hitting .269/.350/.374 in more of a utility role for the Reds last year.

Mullins went seven days in between appearances because of a back problem. He’s 3-for-13 with a homer this spring.

Simpson missed six days with hamstring tightness. He’s 5-for-12 this spring as he attempts to secure a spot in the Tampa Bay outfield. For all of his fantasy potential, it’s unclear if he’ll be helpful to the Rays a left fielder against right-handers.

Jung is trending towards getting back into spring contests later this week after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 adductor strain back in late February. The power-hitting third baseman managed to play a career-high 131 games last year, but finished with just 14 homers.

Electrifying Mets rookie Nolan McLean takes the ball as Team USA looks to remain unbeaten in pool play following a thrilling victory over Mexico on Monday night. Judge has served as Team USA’s primary offensive catalyst, hitting .333 (4-for-12) with two homers and five RBI through three contests during the international showcase. Here’s the full lineup: Bobby Witt Jr. (SS), Gunnar Henderson (3B), Judge (RF), Kyle Schwarber (DH), Will Smith (C), Roman Anthony (LF), Paul Goldschmidt (1B), Ernie Clement (2B) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF).

The latest batch of cuts from Cardinals camp pares things down to 43 players with just over two weeks left until Opening Day. Davis was St. Louis’ first-round pick back in 2023 and has yet to reach the majors. Zimmermann was in camp as a non-roster invitee after making one late-season spot start for the Brewers last year.