MLB Player News

Horton was tagged for six runs on six hits and two walks across 3.2 innings in Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Rangers. He struck out two.

Horton served up three home runs in a rough spring training outing facing many Texas regulars. He was much better in his spring debut when he tossed two scoreless innings, but that also came nearly two weeks ago, so perhaps there was some rust for the young righty. Horton will look to get back on track and finish Cactus League play on a better note, though his rotation spot should be secure after a stellar rookie campaign in which he recorded a 2.67 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 97 strikeouts across 118 regular-season innings. Another step forward for Horton in 2026 could make the 24-year-old a fantasy ace.

Shaw went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Rangers.

The home run was the first of the spring for Shaw, who is batting .310 with an .812 OPS across 11 Cactus League contests. Also notable Tuesday was seeing the youngster start in center field. With Alex Bregman now in the fold to play third base, Shaw is getting comfortable in the outfield, and the Cubs plan to start him regularly in right field against left-handed pitchers. Shaw struggled with consistency during his 2025 rookie campaign, though he still managed 13 home runs and 17 stolen bases. It remains to be seen how much the 24-year-old will play in 2026, but he could take a step forward from a fantasy perspective if he sees the field often enough from a utility role.

Madden allowed a run on two hits across 3.2 innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League contest against the Red Sox. He walked three and struck out two.

The three walks were a bit worrisome, but Madden otherwise held his own against a Boston lineup featuring a number of regular starters. The righty has allowed just the one run across 5.2 innings this spring. Madden, who missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from a right rotator cuff strain, has already been optioned to Triple-A Toledo, and the team will likely want to see him get some innings under his belt there to shake off rust. However, Madden could be an option for an MLB promotion at some point down the road if he looks good in the minors.

Across 10 Grapefruit League games, Julks has gone 7-for-16 with three walks, a double, a triple and three home runs.

Julks was a non-roster invitee to Detroit's camp, but he's making a decent case for himself so far. The veteran outfielder spent most of last season playing for Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox organization, and he's just a career .234/.288/.337 hitter at the MLB level, so offensive regression could be coming soon. However, Julks will at the very least give the Tigers some organizational depth, and he could get a shot at the majors at some point down the road if a need arises.

Greene went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League contest against the Red Sox.

Greene connected for his first home run of the exhibition slate in the second inning against veteran Boston starter Sonny Gray. The talented young outfielder is working on some small mechanical tweaks to his swing in camp, and he's yet to fully hit his stride with a .222 batting average across eight Grapefruit League games, though he is sporting a decent .777 OPS. Spring results shouldn't matter too much for Greene, who's coming off a 2025 regular season in which he tallied a career-high 36 home runs and 111 RBI to lead Detroit's offensive attack.

Manager Matt Quatraro said Loftin was scratched Tuesday due to "general soreness," Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

There was nothing else disclosed in relation to Loftin's status, but more information will be known Wednesday. The outfielder has been having a good spring with a .318/.423/.682 slash line in 26 plate appearances.

Lindor (hand) played four innings at shortstop during a minor-league spring game Tuesday, though he did not hit in the contest, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 32-year-old clearly still has some limitations in his rehab program, but returning to game action, even in a limited capacity, is significant progress in his return from right hamate bone surgery. Lindor said that he's "100 percent optimistic" that he will be available for Opening Day, which is less than three weeks away.

Jung (groin) ran the bases Tuesday and is hoping to return to Cactus League play Thursday versus the Athletics, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung has been shelved since late February after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 adductor strain. When coming back from a leg injury, running the bases is typically the final hurdle one needs to clear, so Jung appears to be in a good spot to return to action and avoid a stint on the injured list. If healthy, Jung is expected to open the season as the Rangers' primary third baseman.

Anthony suffered a fractured toe after fouling a ball off his foot during Monday's Grapefruit League game versus the Red Sox, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Anthony is expected to undergo surgery later this week to repair the damage, and a timetable for his return could be revealed following the operation. Once healthy, Anthony is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Tuesday that Lazar is dealing with a "mild" oblique injury and is returning to big-league camp to be evaluated, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander suffered the injury during the World Baseball Classic, and his availability for the start of the regular season is now in question. Lazar made 36 regular-season appearances for the Phillies last year and had a 4.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB over 41.1 innings.