MLB Player News

Carlson is having a solid spring with a 1.071 OPS across 20 Cactus League at-bats, and he stands a decent chance at earning an Opening Day bench spot with the Cubs, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The Cubs signed Carlson to a minor-league contract in January, and the veteran outfielder is making the most out of the opportunity. The loss of Tyler Austin (knee) for at least a few months gives Chicago at least one extra bench spot to fill, with Carlson and fellow veteran outfielder Michael Conforto both making pushes to be on the Opening Day roster. Carlson didn't do much offensively last year in Baltimore, as he slashed just .203/.278/.336 across 83 games, so his fantasy value remains limited, particularly in a reserve role. However, he could have greater appeal if he's forced into more regular playing time at some point.

Conforto has a good shot at earning an Opening Day bench spot with the Cubs, particularly with Tyler Austin (knee) out of the mix for several months, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Conforto was signed to a minor-league deal last month, but he's seemingly doing enough to make a good impression, and the Cubs have at least one reserve outfield spot to fill with Austin undergoing surgery on his right knee. Conforto would give Chicago a reliable veteran presence, and while he might not make a huge fantasy impact right away as a bench piece, he could see his value climb quickly if he ever found himself in an everyday role. The 33-year-old batted just .199 with a .638 OPS and 12 home runs last season across 138 regular-season games for the Dodgers, though he was a bit better in 2024 with the Giants, posting a .237 average, .759 OPS and 20 long balls in 130 contests.

Perez is now the favorite to open the regular season as Atlanta's sixth starter or as a potential swingman, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Perez's chances of cracking the Opening Day roster appeared slim to none just a few weeks prior, but the injury bug continues to bite Atlanta's starting rotation. Joey Wentz (knee) is the latest casualty, as he was diagnosed with a torn right ACL on Monday. This will undoubtedly improve Perez's chances of making the big-league roster, especially when considering that Atlanta opens the campaign with 13 games in 13 day, making it all the more likely the club elects to carry six starting pitchers, per Bowman. "I love the fact that Martin's in our camp, the guy can still really pitch," said skipper Walt Weiss. Perez has surrendered one run while striking out three over five innings so far this spring.

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.

The Phillies signed Luzardo to a five-year, $135 million contract extension Monday, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Per Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the deal also includes a $32.5 million club option for 2032. Luzardo had been set to reach free agency after the upcoming season, but he's now locked in with the Phillies at least through the end of the 2031 campaign. The left-hander finished seventh in the National League Cy Young voting in his first season in Philadelphia after posting a 3.92 ERA and 216:57 K:BB over 183.2 innings covering 32 starts.

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.