MLB Player News

The deal is now official. Pagán returns to shore up the back-end of Cincinnati’s bullpen after converting 32 of 38 save opportunities to accompany a strong 2.88 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 81/22 K/BB ratio across 68 2/3 innings over 70 appearances this past season. The 34-year-old veteran projects as a top-20 range closer for fantasy purposes heading into drafts next spring.

Yelich did his damage during a seven-run uprising in the third inning, crushing a 2-2 changeup from Dane Acker for a 398-foot (102.9 mph EV) three-run shot that increased the Brewers’ lead to 11-1. Yelich struck out in each of his other three plate appearances in the ballgame. He has had a very rough spring overall at the plate, hitting just .130 (3-for-23) with a pair of homers, four RBI and a 13/6 K/BB ratio.

The 33-year-old right-hander struck out four batters on the evening while issuing one walk. The Rangers scratched out a run against him in the third inning, then Woodruff returned for the fourth and allowed solo homers to Ezequiel Duran and Mark Canha before exiting. Overall he got eight swings and misses on 62 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 31 percent. His average fastball velocity was just 91.6 mph (-1.5 mph) in this one, which can be expected after a long layoff. His status for Opening Day remains “up in the air” and there have been rumblings that he could require six days between starts for the duration of the 2026 season.

Canha victimized Brewers’ right-hander Brandon Woodruff for a 391-foot (99.9 mph EV) solo shot in the fourth inning, trimming the Rangers’ early deficit to 11-3. He’s making a strong case for inclusion on the Rangers’ Opening Day roster, hitting .316 (12-for-38) with three homers, six RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

Latz also issued a pair of walks in the ballgame while punching out five opposing hitters. The Brewers scratched out a run against him in the first inning then piled on with three more in the second — including solo home runs from Gary Sanchez and Luis Rengifo. Latz then allowed an additional five runs in the third inning before he was mercifully removed. He has had a brutal spring overall, posting an 8.22 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and a 15/8 K/BB ratio over 15 1/3 innings.

The White Sox had Andrew Benintendi leading off and Meidroth batting sixth tonight. We’re not sure that makes a lot of sense, because really, if the White Sox think Benintendi, with his .298 OBP the last two years, is a better leadoff option than Meidroth, then Meidroth probably shouldn’t be starting in the first place. Still, there’s plenty of time to sort these things out once the season gets going. Meidroth’s future as a long-term regular is still in question, but the White Sox seem committed to him at second base right now.

That was easier than facing Team USA. Soroka, who pitched twice for Team Canada in the WBC, has a 4.15 ERA in his three official spring starts. He’s set to open up in the Arizona rotation, though the team will have six starters once Merrill Kelly returns from what’s expected to be a short stay on the IL.

Moreno missed a week due to elbow inflammation. No word yet on whether he’ll do any catching this weekend or just continue to DH for now, but he’s expected to be good to go for the start of the season.

Contreras led off the second inning with a single off of Mick Abel, but he never advanced past first base. He then started a rally in the fourth by working Abel for a two-out walk and scored the Red Sox’ first run on a two-run single by Ceddanne Rafaela. The 33-year-old then delivered an RBI double in the sixth inning that extended the Red Sox’ lead to 3-0. He has been sizzling at the dish in Grapefruit League play, hitting .533 (8-for-15) with a pair of homers and seven RBI.

Bello scattered three hits on the night and didn’t walk a batter. The 26-year-old hurler was in complete command in this one, generating 13 swings and misses on 69 pitches and posting a strong CSW of 36 percent. We have seen both the good and the bad sides of Bello this spring as he has compiled an inconsistent 5.65 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and a 17/2 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings in four Grapefruit League starts. When he’s going right though — as he was on Thursday — he can dominate any lineup.

Clemens led off the game with a single off of Brayan Bello and swiped second base, but he was then doubled off on a line drive. He then smacked a two-out triple in the eighth inning before being lifted for a pinch runner. The 29-year-old utilityman has had a solid spring, hitting .290 (9-for-31) with zero homers, five RBI and a pair of stolen bases.