MLB Player News

The Orioles aren't going to push Bautista (shoulder) to pitch in 2026, per MLB.com.

The hard-throwing right-hander is progressing well from right shoulder surgery in August of 2025 to repair a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum, but Baltimore has no intentions to rush Bautista back into the fray. His throwing progression will be worth monitoring, but the expectation remains that Bautista won't be much of a fantasy factor in 2026, if at all. Ryan Helsley signed a two-year contract with the O's in November and is all set to start the new season with a big opportunity to bounce back as the club's top closer, after limping to a 7.20 ERA through 20 regular-season innings with the Mets to finish last year.

DeLuca (hamstring/quad) is likely to see regular at-bats against left-handed pitching this season, per John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times.

DeLuca stands out as one of Tampa Bay's few right-handed-hitting outfielders, considering the club's primary options consist of as lefty-hitters Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley. DeLuca ended the 2025 season on the 60-day injured list due to a right quadriceps strain, so he'll need to prove he's healthy during spring training before the Rays trust him to handle this role. The 27-year-old posted a promising .812 OPS with six stolen bases through 59 regular-season plate appearances amidst an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, and it doesn't sound like he'll open the new year in a spot for everyday action.

Narvaez (knee) will serve as Boston's starting catcher again in 2026, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

According to manager Alex Cora, Narvaez's knee was a problem throughout the entire 2025 season. Narvaez was able to avoid the injured list and remained an excellent defensive backstop, but the injury helps explain his offensive downturn in the second half, when he posted a .187/.233/.387 slash line. Following a left knee meniscectomy in October, Narvaez will slot back in as the No. 1 catcher for the Red Sox ahead of Connor Wong.

The Orioles placed Selby on the 60-day injured list Saturday due to right shoulder inflammation, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Selby's move to the 60-day IL will ensure he remains sidelined until at least late May and opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Jackson Kowar, who was acquired in a trade with the Twins on Saturday. Selby isn't reportedly dealing with any structural damage, which increases the likelihood that he could return to the Orioles' bullpen after a minimum-length IL stint.

Hahn signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays on Saturday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training.

Hahn spent most of his time with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate last season, where he logged a 6.40 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 32.1 innings. Barring a significant turnaround during spring training, the 36-year-old is likely to return to Triple-A to begin 2026.

The Twins traded Kowar (shoulder) to the Orioles on Saturday in exchange for cash.

The Twins DFA'd Kowar on Thursday to make room for Anthony Banda, and the former will now find a home on Baltimore's 40-man roster. The 29-year-old righty finished 2025 with a 4.23 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 17 innings with the Mariners and will have to break camp with the O's in order to keep his spot on the 40-man roster. Colin Selby (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Chafin signed a minor-league contract with the Twins on Saturday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Chafin turned in a 2.41 ERA over 33.2 innings with the Nationals and Angels in 2025, though his 1.43 WHIP suggests that a handful of lucky breaks helped to prevent runs from scoring against him. Minnesota's bullpen competition is wide open, so the left-hander could land an Opening Day roster spot with a strong Grapefruit League showing.

Miller has been limited to playing catch thus far during spring training and is ramping up slowly after he underwent labral repair surgery on both of his hips in October, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Though he's present at big-league camp and is soaking up knowledge from veteran pitchers such as Tarik Skubal and Justin Verlander, Miller isn't expected to pitch in any Grapefruit League games while he works his way back from a pair of surgeries. Instead, the 24-year-old prospect is focusing on a throwing program and getting back to full health. Miller showed some promise in 2025 when healthy, posting a 1.80 ERA and striking out 21 batters across 20 total innings between Single-A Lakeland and Double-A Erie. He will likely begin 2026 at Double-A again and could move up to Triple-A Toledo at some point if he continues to impress.

Fry will spend the first part of spring training mainly as a catcher, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Fry, who was limited to DH and pinch-hitting duties in 2025 following his recovery from Tommy John elbow surgery, will ultimately move around the field for the final weeks of camp. In addition to catching, Fry can play both corner spots in the infield and outfield, giving manager Stephen Vogt flexibility when creating a lineup on any given day. Fry was an All Star in 2024, when he slashed .263/.356/.448 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI in 392 plate appearances over 122 games.

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.