MLB Player News
-
Cody Laweryson RP | MIN
Twins' Cody Laweryson: Signs with Twins
Laweryson signed a minor-league contract with Minnesota on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Laweryson was claimed off waivers by the Angels from the Twins in November, but he was later released. The right-handed reliever posted a 7:0 K:BB while yielding two runs (one earned) over 7.2 innings with the Twins in 2025. Although on a minor-league contract, he may have a shot to win a spot in the bullpen in a wide open competition.
-
Nabil Crismatt RP | TEX
Rangers' Nabil Crismatt: Undergoing UCL surgery
Crismatt will undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
It had been previously reported that Crismatt needed elbow surgery, and now it's been revealed that it will be a season-ending UCL repair. Whether he requires a full Tommy John surgery or something less invasive won't be known until the operation. Crismatt had been in Rangers camp on a minor-league contract.
-
Nate Pearson RP | HOU
Astros' Nate Pearson: Had offseason cleanup on elbow
Pearson underwent a cleanup procedure on his right elbow during the offseason but will throw a bullpen session Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
The right-hander joined the Astros on a one-year, $1.35 million contract during the offseason, and it appears he's opening camp in good shape despite the procedure. Pearson surrendered 15 earned runs over 11 relief outings for the Cubs last season but was dominant at the Triple-A level with a 2.22 ERA across 44.2 innings. He's primarily worked as a reliever since 2021, but Houston is expected to give him a chance to stretch out as a starter during spring training.
-
Rafael Montero RP | NYY
Yankees' Rafael Montero: Joins Yankees
Montero signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Thursday, which includes an invitation to spring training, Hector Gomez of Z101Digital.com reports.
Montero bounced between three teams in 2025 but still covered 60.1 innings in the majors. His primary problem was control, as he walked 37 batters while striking out 58. If Montero earns a roster spot, he'd likely begin the season in a low-leverage role.
-
A.J. Causey RP | ATH
Athletics' A.J. Causey: Shipped to Sacramento
The Royals traded Causey to the Athletics on Thursday in exchange for Mitch Spence.
Causey spent time with the Royals' High-A and Double-A affiliates in 2025, posting a 1.72 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 73.1 innings across the two levels. The 23-year-old righty will likely begin his tenure with the Athletics in Double-A and aim to reach Triple-A Las Vegas at some point this summer.
-
Alec Marsh RP | KC
Royals' Alec Marsh: Officially placed on IL
The Royals placed Marsh (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.
Marsh missed all of 2025 due to shoulder problems, and after undergoing surgery in November to address the issue, he's expected to miss the entire 2026 campaign as well. His move to the 60-day IL clears space on the 40-man roster for Mitch Spence, whom the Royals acquired in a trade with the Athletics on Thursday.
-
Jackson Kowar RP | BAL
Twins' Jackson Kowar: DFA'd by Twins
The Twins designated Kowar (shoulder) for assignment Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
The transaction clears a 40-man roster spot for Anthony Banda, who was acquired via trade Thursday. Kowar was a waiver claim of the Twins earlier this month and could now be on the move again. He ended last season on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, and it's unclear what Kowar's current health status is.
-
Anthony Banda RP | MIN
Twins' Anthony Banda: Traded to Minnesota
The Twins acquired Banda from the Dodgers on Thursday in exchange for international bonus pool money, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
Banda had been designated for assignment last week and is now on his way to a new organization. The lefty collected a 3.14 ERA and 111:52 K:BB over 114.2 regular-season innings during his time with the Dodgers and should fill a high-leverage relief role as part of an unsettled Twins bullpen.
-
Nabil Crismatt RP | TEX
Rangers' Nabil Crismatt: Requires elbow surgery
Crismatt needs right elbow surgery and will be sidelined indefinitely, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.
It's unclear what specific procedure Crismatt requires, but even a minor one will likely sidelined him for a least a few months. The right-hander is in Rangers camp as a non-roster invitee. If Crismatt is able to make it back later this season, he'll likely pitch at Triple-A Round Rock.
-
Liam Hendriks RP | MIN
Twins' Liam Hendriks: Finds work in Minnesota
Hendriks (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Wednesday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Hip and elbow injuries limited Hendriks to just 14 regular-season appearances in 2025, during which he accumulated a 6.59 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 13.2 frames. An unstable bullpen situation in Minnesota may allow the 37-year-old righty to win a spot on the Twins' Opening Day roster, but he will first need to prove he can still be effective in the Grapefruit League.