Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Palencia will open the season as the team's closer, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Palencia had a breakout 2025 campaign for the Cubs, putting up a 2.91 ERA and 61:16 K:BB over 52.2 regular-season innings while notching 22 saves. He missed time in September with a shoulder injury and, after returning, ceded the closer role to Brad Keller. However, after Keller signed with the Phillies this offseason, Palencia is set to return to the ninth inning. There's some risk that Palencia's control will regress in 2026, as he had a 7.4 percent walk rate in 2025 after walking batters at a 13.8 percent clip his first two seasons. However, the 26-year-old has electric stuff and showed last season he can handle the pressure of the ninth inning.

Alvarado (forearm) was seen throwing a bullpen session Wednesday during the Phillies' first workout of spring training, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Alvarado's ability to complete a side session would seem to suggest that he's made a full recovery from the left forearm strain that landed him on the injured list Sept. 12. The southpaw served an 80-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs to begin last season, but he was one of manager Rob Thomson's more trusted bullpen arms when available, logging a 3.81 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB in 26 innings. After having his $9 million club option for 2026 picked up over the winter, Alvarado should slot in as one of the top setup men in front of closer Jhoan Duran.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Wednesday that Selby is expected to begin the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

He's not dealing with any structural damage, but Selby will be sidelined indefinitely as the Orioles allow the inflammation in his shoulder to subside. Selby yielded five runs with a 14:2 K:BB over 14 frames with Baltimore in 2025 and, once healthy, is slated for a middle relief role.

Diaz was added to the Mariners' spring training roster as a non-roster invitee.

Diaz was designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A in January, when the Mariners acquired Cooper Criswell. The left-hander will likely be a depth option for Seattle's bullpen this season, although he isn't guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster. He made just one big-league appearance in 2025.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that De Los Santos has been shut down due to a right knee strain, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear when De Los Santos might be cleared to throw again. The right-hander posted a 4.36 ERA and 62:24 K:BB over 66 innings between Atlanta and Houston in 2025. If healthy, De Los Santos is pegged for a middle relief role in the Astros' bullpen.

Hader will resume a throwing program Wednesday after being shut down since early February with left bicep inflammation, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It seems the left shoulder strain that sidelined Hader for the final seven-plus weeks of last season is behind him, but now he has a new injury to contend with. The veteran reliever will resume throwing Wednesday and ramp up slowly, and his status for Opening Day is up in the air. If Hader needs some time on the injured list, Bryan Abreu would step in as the Astros' closer.

The Tigers announced Wednesday that Darnell (hip) will be sidelined for the start of spring training, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Darnell is still on the mend from left hip labral repair surgery, which he underwent last September. Before being shut down by the injury, the 28-year-old righty made nine appearances out of the Colorado bullpen and logged a 3.86 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 5:7 K:BB across 11.2 innings. After being claimed off waivers by the Tigers in November, Darnell was designated for assignment but then re-signed to a minor-league deal. He's attending camp as a non-roster invitee, but he'll likely need to complete his rehab within the next week or two to have any shot at all of winning a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

Suarez reported to Atlanta's camp Wednesday after being delayed by a visa issue, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Suarez was tardy by just one day, so his preparation will not be affected. The veteran reliever signed a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason and is slated to open the 2026 season as the primary setup man for closer Raisel Iglesias.

Atlanta placed Jimenez (knee) on the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Jimenez missed all of last year after undergoing surgery in November 2024 to address damaged cartilage in his left knee. He underwent another cleanup procedure in November 2025 for the same issue, and he will now officially sit out at least the first 60 days of the new season. His 40-man roster spot will be filled by Brett Wisely, who was acquired in a trade with the Rays on Tuesday.

Lee will make $2.2 million in 2026 after winning his arbitration hearing with Atlanta on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The club had filed for $2 million, but Lee will be awarded an extra $200,000 after posting a 3.29 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 68.1 frames last season. Raisel Iglesias figures to remain the go-to option for saves in Atlanta, but Lee should receive plenty of high-leverage opportunities after posting a 10.0 K/9 in 2025 and tallying a career-high 19 holds.