MLB Player News

Hoskins is expected to serve as the designated hitter in Friday's spring game against the Cubs, pending final check-ins with the team's medical staff, Joe Noga of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hoskins was signed to a minor-league contract last weekend and is expected to be added to the 40-man roster and be part of the Opening Day roster. He and Kyle Manzardo are expected to share first base during the regular season.

Cantillo allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings in Thursday's spring start against the Mariners.

Cantillo, competing for a spot in the Guardians' rotation, had a second consecutive rough Cactus League outing. He worked his pitch count to 47 (29 strikes) but for the second straight start, the left-hander was pulled early in the first inning so that he could return for the second. Three first-inning doubles results in two runs, then a second-inning fielding error, compounded by a walk and a single, led to two unearned runs. Cantillo has allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits and one walk over 2.2 spring innings.

Rooker went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Rangers.

The 31-year-old slugger went deep for the first time this spring, launching a Cal Quantrill slider over the fence in the second inning after driving in a run with a single in his first at-bat. Rooker has established himself as one of baseball's premier power threats, tallying 30-plus homers in each of the past three seasons while posting an OPS north of .800 in all three campaigns.

Soderstrom went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Rangers.

Soderstrom helped spark an early offensive surge for the Athletics, ripping a 105.8 mph single up the middle to drive in a pair in the second inning. The 24-year-old turned in a strong 2025 campaign, slashing .276/.346/.474 with 34 doubles, 25 homers and 93 RBI across 158 games, which helped earn him a seven-year, $86 million extension in December. He'll enter the 2026 season as the club's primary left fielder and a key fixture in the lineup.

Massey went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's Cactus League loss to the Diamondbacks.

Massey got in on the action during the Royals' high-scoring affair with a pair of hits, highlighted by an RBI double in the fifth inning. The 27-year-old is off to a much-needed strong start this spring as he looks to prove himself heading into the regular season after a disappointing, injury-riddled 2025 campaign during which he slashed .244/.268/.313 with nine doubles, three homers and 20 RBI across 77 games. His versatility is a plus, though that alone won't be enough to guarantee him regular starting opportunities.

Montero allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and no strikeouts across three innings during Thursday's Grapefruit League against the Orioles.

Montero has now made two appearances this spring, and he's allowed five runs on eight hits across five innings of work, while striking out two. The righty delivered a serviceable 4.37 ERA across 90.2 regular-season innings last year, working primarily as a starter. However, with the Tigers adding Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to their rotation in the offseason, Montero will likely have to settle for competing for a long-relief role to begin the year.

Lopez (elbow) has begun throwing live batting practice within the past week, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Lopez has yet to make his debut in the Cactus League this year after ending the 2025 campaign on the injured list with a strained left elbow. The 27-year-old lefty doesn't seem to have suffered any setbacks in his recovery, but the team is still playing it safe and building him up slowly this spring. If all goes according to plan, he'll get his first taste of spring action against the Dodgers on March 8 and figures to open the regular season in the Athletics' rotation.

Hoglund (hip) is scheduled to see a doctor about a knee issue that surfaced toward the beginning of camp, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Hoglund made just six starts with the A's last season before undergoing season-ending hip surgery in June. He opened spring camp with the green light to work off a mound, but his throwing program will presumably be put on hold until the team has more information regarding his newest injury.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that Brieske didn't pitch in Thursday's game versus the Orioles as anticipated due to soreness in his side, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Hinch said that Brieske hurt himself during a pitchers' fielding practice drill. The skipper does not believe the injury is serious, but he did not offer a guess as to when Brieske might be available to pitch in games. The right-hander is projected for a middle-relief role in Detroit this season.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that Basallo's (abdomen) removal from Thursday's game versus the Tigers was precautionary, and the skipper doesn't believe the catcher will require additional testing, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Albernaz added that Basallo could have remained in the game but felt no need to push things this early in spring training. Basallo was diagnosed with right-side abdominal discomfort following a tag play at home plate Thursday, but it appears he has avoided a serious injury and can be considered day-to-day.