MLB Player News

Valdez allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits across four innings of work in Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Rays. He struck out six.

Valdez has now made two spring training appearances with his new team, and he's allowed just the one earned run across seven innings of work with nine strikeouts. The lefty gives the Tigers a dynamic 1-2 punch with ace Tarik Skubal, and Valdez seems like he's ready for the regular season. Expect him to start Detroit's second game of the year against the Padres on March 27 and once again have a strong fantasy campaign if he can stay healthy, which Valdez has mostly been able to do the last four seasons.

McGonigle went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

McGonigle unofficially took Luis Severino deep in an exhibition game against Team Dominican Republic last week, but now the top prospect has his first official spring training home run. The young infielder has looked good in Grapefruit League play with a .350/.458/.700 slash line across 20 at-bats in 10 contests. McGonigle is not currently on the 40-man roster and still seems likely to start the year in the minors, though he's certainly knocking loudly on the door to the majors, and he seems ready to be a fantasy contributor as soon as he makes his MLB debut.

Clark was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday.

This was the expected outcome for the top prospect, who has yet to appear above the Double-A level and is still only 21 years old. While Clark went just 2-for-18 with five strikeouts in Grapefruit League play, he still managed to impress manager A.J. Hinch with his preparation and attention to detail, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Clark will likely see time at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season, and he could force himself up to the majors if he plays well in the minors, though he'll need to be added to the 40-man roster first.

Fried allowed one run on two hits while striking out six over four innings during Monday's exhibition against the Pirates. Manager Aaron Boone stated after the game that Fried will start on Opening Day, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

This is an unsurprising development for Fried, who turned in yet another solid spring appearance Monday evening. He didn't disappoint in his first season in the Bronx one year ago, as he posted a 2.86 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with a 189:51 K:BB across 195.1 regular-season innings. It's also worth noting that the southpaw was able to remain healthy in 2025, resulting in career highs in starts, innings pitched, wins and strikeouts during the regular season.

Volpe (shoulder) has been cleared to hit overhand tosses and is taking part in baserunning and defensive drills, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees' last update noted that Volpe had progressed to hitting off a tee, so this is another step in the right direction. It's also promising that he's been participating in fielding drills, though the club remains firm that the 24-year-old will not be permitted to dive on his left shoulder until April. Volpe remains in line to begin the regular season on the injured list, and a more exact timetable for his return should come into focus as he nears the final hurdles in his rehab.

The Yankees optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Rodriguez made two Grapefruit League starts this spring, allowing two runs with a 5:1 K:BB over six frames. The 22-year-old grabbed a spot on the Yankees' 40-man roster this offseason, and he figures to be needed in their rotation at some point this summer.

The Yankees optioned Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Jones has had a big spring, going 6-for-18 with three home runs, three stolen bases and a 4:6 BB:K. There's no room for him in the Yankees outfield, however, and the 24-year-old also needs to continue working on making more contact after striking out at a 36.6 percent rate with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2025.

Skubal said Monday that he will return to Tigers camp rather than make another start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Skubal permitted one run over three innings against Team Great Britain on Saturday. He was mulling whether to remain with Team USA to make another start, but Skubal will instead rejoin the Tigers after the lone WBC outing, which was his original intention. Skubal threw 41 pitches in his start for Team USA and will continue to build his stamina with the Tigers before taking the ball for them Opening Day on March 26 versus the Padres.

The Twins optioned Gonzalez to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

Gonzalez was one of nine players sent out of big-league camp in the Twins' latest round of roster cuts. Minnesota added the 22-year-old outfielder to the 40-man roster this offseason after he slashed .329/.395/.513 with 15 home runs and eight steals across stops with High-A Cedar Rapids, Double-A Wichita and St. Paul. Gonzalez is likely on track to make his MLB debut at some point in 2026, and his bat will be the key to him gaining a long-term foothold in the Minnesota lineup. He's a below-average defender who was moved off center field early in his minor-league career and is limited to a corner spot or designated hitter.

The Twins optioned Klein to Triple-A St. Paul on Monday.

Klein was one of nine players sent out of big-league camp in the Twins' latest round of roster cuts. Minnesota added the 23-year-old righty to the 40-man roster this offseason after he accrued a 3.98 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 128:37 K:BB across 106.1 innings between St. Paul and Double-A Wichita in 2025. Klein made 15 of his 31 appearances out of the bullpen last season, but he's been building up as a starter during spring training and is expected to handle a full-time role in the St. Paul rotation in 2026.