MLB Player News

Susac is viewed as the favorite to win the Giants' backup catcher job, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Eric Haase and Jesus Rodriguez are also in the mix to back up Patrick Bailey, though Susac appears likely to earn that role. The 24-year-old catcher was selected by the Athletics with the 19th overall pick in 2022 and has yet to make his big-league debut. He was left unprotected ahead of the Rule 5 Draft in December, and he was selected fourth overall by the Twins before being sent to San Francisco. Through eight Cactus League games with the Giants, Susac has slashed .350/.381/.450 with two runs scored, two doubles and one RBI across 21 plate appearances. He recorded a 26.8 percent strikeout rate with Triple-A Las Vegas last season, so improving his plate discipline and reducing strikeouts will continue to be a point of emphasis.

The Cardinals could shift Rajcic to a full-time relief role after the hurler has shown an uptick in velocity out of the bullpen this spring, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Rajcic and the player development staff corrected a flaw in the pitcher's delivery at a minor-league camp after last season, as his plant foot had been leaking and not allowing him to quickly rotate his hips. The righty worked on the change over the offseason and has seen his velocity go from the low 90s to the mid-90s and peak at 97 mph. All but one of Rajcic's appearances in the minors have come as a starting pitcher, but he really struggled after being promoted to Triple-A Memphis in 2025, posting a 6.40 ERA and 28:27 K:BB over 45 innings. A move to a relief role could give Rajcic a better chance to reach the big leagues.

Romero is expected to be among the relievers in the mix to close games for the Cardinals this season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Manager Oliver Marmol appears willing to let the team's closer situation "solve itself" rather than naming a go-to ninth-inning man before the season. Romero shared the closer job with Riley O'Brien down the stretch last season after Ryan Helsley was traded, and he finished with a 2.07 ERA and 55:29 K:BB over 61 innings. Goold writes of Romero that the Cardinals "still could trade the lefty for the right return," but the chances of a trade are significantly lower now than they were earlier in the offseason. In addition to Romero and O'Brien, Matt Svanson and Ryne Stanek are expected to receive consideration for closing duties.

Svanson is expected to be in the mix to close games for the Cardinals this season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Manager Oliver Marmol has indicated that he doesn't plan to name a closer heading into the season but expects the situation to "solve itself." Svanson did not record a save during his excellent rookie season, but he was particularly dominant in the second half with a 1.05 ERA and 44:12 K:BB over 34.1 innings. Riley O'Brien, JoJo Romero and Ryne Stanek are also among the candidates to see save opportunities in St. Louis.

Estes (back) is scheduled to make his spring debut during Tuesday's Cactus League game against the White Sox, Jason Burke of SI.com reports.

The right-hander finished last season on the injured list due to a herniated disc in his lower back, and he ramped up slowly early on in spring training. Estes made just three appearances for the A's last season and spent most of the campaign at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he struggled to a 5.51 ERA across 80 innings.

The Cardinals could use Stanek as part of a closer-by-committee strategy, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Manager Oliver Marmol said of the Cardinals' closer job that "I don't think we need to name a guy," and he expects the situation to eventually "solve itself." Riley O'Brien, JoJo Romero and Matt Svanson are also in the mix for saves along with Stanek. The 34-year-old Stanek is the elder statesman of the group but is probably better suited for a setup role. Stanek collected a 5.30 ERA and 58:32 K:BB over 56 innings for the Mets in 2025.

Liranzo was diagnosed with an oblique strain and will miss the start of Double-A Erie's season, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The 22-year-old was optioned to Erie on Monday, but he won't be available for the start of the minor-league season due to the injury. Liranzo is one of Detroit's top prospects but struggled in his first taste of the Double-A level last year with a .655 OPS and 31.9 percent strikeout rate in 88 games.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with a solo home run Monday in a Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates.

Stanton opened the scoring with a 424-foot cannon to left-center field in the second inning. The veteran slugger didn't make his spring debut until March 3, as the Yankees decided to ease him into action. Stanton has gone 2-for-8 with three strikeouts so far during the exhibition slate. He's probably going to spend most of his time at DH this year, but by playing 20 games in the outfield in 2025, he's eligible at that position in most fantasy leagues.

Torkelson was removed from a simulated game Tuesday after being hit on the right forearm by a pitch, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Torkelson received treatment from the trainer, but it's unclear whether he will need to be sent for testing. It's possible Torkelson's removal from the simulated game was purely precautionary, but the Tigers should offer more on the first baseman's status soon.

Snell (shoulder) threw off the mound to a standing catcher Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

It's the next step in a deliberate rehab process for Snell, who has been slow-played this spring due to lingering shoulder issues from last season. Snell will begin the season on the injured list, and the calendar seems to be against him making any Cactus League appearances before camp breaks. The Dodgers have not revealed a timeline for Snell's season debut.