MLB Player News

Domínguez finds himself batting sixth during Sunday’s first-half finale with veteran Paul Goldschmidt moving up to the leadoff spot to face formidable Cubs southpaw Shota Imanaga. Ben Rice is on the bench for the second consecutive game against a left-hander. The other notable development here is that red-hot Cody Bellinger is batting second once again to close out the first half.

Robertson went unclaimed after being designated for assignment by the Orioles at the end of December. The 28-year-old outfielder will be organizational depth with Baltimore if he doens’t elect free agency.

The deal is pending a physical. Ibáñez was non-tendered by the Tigers at the end of the 2025 season, but he’s a 32-year-old who can play third and second base while showing a propensity for hitting left-handed pitching. He’ll likely see the overwhelming majority of his playing time at third base when a southpaw is the opposing starter.

Martinez spent 2025 with the Marlins, and he forged a 5.40 ERA in 6 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has had success at the highest level with the Astros, and a good showing in spring training could see him win a low-leverage bullpen job.

Kent was designated for assignment by St. Louis after the Cardnals acquired Justin Bruihl. The 27-year-old reliever should compete for one of the final spots in the Rangers’ bullpen if he doesn’t become victim of a roster crunch before spring training.

The substance that Kepler tested positive for is Epitrenbolone, using which violates Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The 32-year-old free agent outfielder will need to find a team willing to sign him first before he’s able to even begin serving that suspension. After a miserable season with the Phillies, that looks like a tall task at the moment.

The Jays attempted to sneak Schultz through waivers following their addition of Kazuma Okamoto on Saturday, but the Nationals were ready to pounce. The 28-year-old hurler compiled a 4.38 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a solid 28/8 K/BB ratio across 24 2/3 frames for the Blue Jays in 2025. He should have a strong chance of cracking the Nats’ Opening Day bullpen in a middle relief role.

The 33-year-old hurler was designated for assignment last week when the Astros had to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the addition of Tatsuya Imai. The Yankees had a spot available on their 40-man roster, so a corresponding move was not required. Ort posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 49/27 K/BB ratio across 46 innings out of the Astros’ bullpen in 2025. He’ll give the Yankees another option to work in middle relief.

The versatile 31-year-old infielder broke through to the big leagues for the first time in 2025, slashing .196/.302/.457 with four homers and an 8/7 K/BB ratio in 53 plate appearances. He’ll add infield depth for the Dodgers in the upper minors.

Henderson elaborated, “I could never get to the spot that I wanted to get to with my swing... I just wasn’t able to hold the plane and my body was adjusting to it, not feeling great, so that didn’t really set up me in the right spot to leverage the ball like I normally do... Looking forward to being healthy this year and getting back to my normal self.” It’s strange that nothing about the shoulder issue came out at all from the Orioles during the 2025 campaign, but it could help to explain the 24-year-old superstar’s significant falloff at the plate, especially in the power department — falling from 37 long balls to just 17. Assuming full health, look for Henderson to bounce back in a big way in 2026.

Hampson had an absolutely miserable time in limited big league action between the Reds, Cardinals and Diamondbacks in 2025 — slashing .143/.250/.169 with zero homers, one RBI and a 29/11 K/BB ratio over 91 plate appearances. He’ll add depth for the Reds.