The Phillies announced Wednesday that Mercado will be delayed at the start of spring training due to a right shoulder injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The report doesn't provide many details on the injury, but even a minor concern could be enough to close the door on any chance the right-hander had at securing a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Mercado has made eight appearances (two starts) for Philadelphia over the last two seasons, allowing 21 earned runs on 23 hits and 14 walks in just 16 innings.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Kerkering will be delayed at the start of spring training while he recovers from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering will be limited to rehab work in the early stages of camp, but because he's typically deployed as a one-inning reliever, he won't need much ramp-up time once he's cleared to get back on a mound. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn't quite developed into the reliable high-leverage option the Phillies envisioned when he first reached the big leagues in 2023, but he'll be a key part of the bridge to closer Jhoan Duran in 2026.

Williamson (elbow) faced hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

The left-hander has no restrictions to begin camp after he missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Williamson will get the chance to compete for a spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation this spring, but he still has two minor-league options remaining and seems more likely to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.

The Brewers signed Sanchez (knee) to a one-year, $1.75 million contract Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Sanchez spent the 2024 season with the Brewers, slashing .220/.307/.392 with 11 home runs over 89 regular-season contests. He was limited to only 29 contests last season with Baltimore due to a knee injury, and it's unclear whether he will have any limitations in camp with Milwaukee. Sanchez should open 2026 as the backup catcher behind William Contreras (finger). He could also see the occasional start at designated hitter versus left-handed pitching.

Saalfrank (shoulder) said Wednesday that he expects to be sidelined 10-16 months, Arizona Sports reports.

Saalfrank underwent surgery Monday to repair the left labrum in his shoulder and has already been placed on the 60-day injured list. The rehab timeline gives the lefty a chance to be ready for the start of the 2027 season, but it is not a given.

Polanco is a strong candidate to bat cleanup for the Mets this season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Francisco Lindor (hand), Juan Soto and Bo Bichette will occupy the first three spots in the Mets' batting order, so if Polanco does indeed hit cleanup he would be in line for loads of RBI opportunities. Polanco collected a .265/.326/.495 slash line with 26 home runs and 78 RBI over 138 regular-season contests for the Mariners in 2025. He is slated to split time between first base and designated hitter in 2026.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that he's leaning toward batting Bichette third this season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

He'll be preceded by Francisco Lindor (hand) and Juan Soto and likely followed by Jorge Polanco. It's a phenomenal RBI spot for Bichette, who slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI over 139 regular-season games for Toronto in 2025. Bichette will primarily play third base for the Mets this season, although he could be needed at shortstop early in the year if Lindor's recovery from hamate bone surgery lingers past Opening Day.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss acknowledged Wednesday that he's uncertain if Jimenez (knee) will be available to pitch at any point in 2026, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Jimenez won't participate in spring training after he required a cleanup procedure on his left knee in November. The reliever previously had surgery to address cartilage damage in the same knee in November 2024, resulting in him missing the entire 2025 season. Weiss described Jimenez's more recent setback with the knee as a "very complex injury," prompting Atlanta to take a cautious approach with his recovery. After being placed on the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Jimenez won't be available for the first two months of the season, and given Weiss' pessimistic comments, the 31-year-old righty seems likely to be sidelined through at least the All-Star break.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Lindor will undergo right hamate bone surgery Wednesday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

President of baseball operations David Stearns noted Tuesday that surgery for Lindor was a possibility, and it's now confirmed that the shortstop will be going under the knife. Rehab is expected to take six weeks, and while the Mets are optimistic Lindor will be ready for Opening Day, it's hardly a sure thing. If Lindor needs to miss time, the Mets could shift Bo Bichette over to shortstop and install Brett Baty at third base.

The Dodgers designated Rortvedt for assignment Wednesday.

Rortvedt will be removed from the Dodgers' 40-man roster for the second time this offseason after previously being designated for assignment in November. The team will hope to keep him around as catching depth at Triple-A if he clears waivers this time around.