MLB Player News

Civale’s velocity was down 2-3 mph from last year’s norms, as he topped out at 90.4 mph today. He’s virtually assured of a spot in the Athletics’ rotation after signing for $6 million last month, but he figures to have a tough time this season as a flyball pitcher in a very hitter friendly ballpark.

Warren’s only run allowed came on a sac fly by the Nats that occurred shortly after an error by George Lombard Jr. The 26-year-old has been excellent this spring; allowing just oen earned run in his three outings. Warren appears to have a spot in the starting rotation to begin the year, but his spot will be tenuous with arms like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón set to join the staff this summer.

Gray surrendered a hit and a walk with two strikeouts. It’s his second spring start of the season for the 28-year-old, and was in the low 90s with his four-seam heater. Gray seems like to be a part of the rotation for the Nationals to open 2026, but there’s not enough upside to suggest he’s worthy of rostering to start the campaign.

There’s no do or die on March 7, but Encarnacion needed this after entering the day 4-for-23 with no extra-base hits or walks. Both Encarnacion and Luis Matos are out of options, and it doesn’t seem like the Giants necessarily need both, as Bryce Eldridge is the only lefty they’re likely to platoon. Encarnacion is probably the more useful player now, but he’s had a hard time staying healthy, and Matos, at age 24, still has the potential to grow into a regular. Encarnacion would be the more likely of the two to clear waivers if the team tries to send him down.

All five strikeouts came on his changeup. Whisenhunt’s velocity was very good once again; his 94.8 mph average on his fastball was up 2.2 mph from last year. He has a 14.29 ERA in three outings this spring and probably won’t earn a spot on the Giants, but that extra velocity still makes him more of a midseason sleeper than he was coming into the spring.

Even though his velocity is down a bit, Walker has yet to allow a run in three innings. The Giants did surprisingly little to address their pen in the offseason, so Walker seems like the obvious favorite to remain their closer.

Both runners he left on base in the fourth came around to score, hurting his ERA. Kumar Rocker hasn’t been very impressive, so Latz should have the edge for the fifth spot in the Texas rotation, at least initially. Cody Bradford might be a factor come May.

Hoskins struck out on 13 pitches in his first at-bat against Michael King and then lined a 337-foot homer on the second. He was thrown out at second on his second hit, but that was fine. Hoskins figures to make the Guardians as at least a starter against left-handers, and it’d be no surprise if he winds up playing regularly. He’s probably not going to be a mixed-league guy in a tough ballpark for right-handed power in Cleveland.

He struck out three and walked one. Cecconi should be locked into the Guardians’ rotation after going 7-7 with a 4.30 ERA in his 23 starts last year. He has a 3.12 ERA and an 8/2 K/BB in 8 2/3 innings this spring.

Espino averaged 96.7 mph with the eight fastballs he threw today. Shoulder issues cost Espino almost the entirely of the last four years, but his stuff remains impressive. If he can stay healthy, he should make his major league debut at some point in 2026.

He gave up three hits, walked two and struck out two. King has an 8.31 ERA after three spring starts, but his velocity isn’t far off. The homer he gave up today was hit just 337 feet off the bat of Rhys Hoskins.