MLB Player News

Topa gave up four earned runs on four hits, including a home run, with two strikeouts Sunday to increase his spring ERA to 30.38. He's given up nine earned runs in 2.2 innings.

Topa does have a 5:3 K:BB in 2.2 innings, so he's at least striking out batters. It's still early in the spring and Topa as a veteran may be focusing on some aspects of his arsenal. However, this isn't inspiring for his chances to earn saves in the unsettled Twins closer competition.

The Reds optioned Encarnacion-Strand to minor-league camp Monday.

Encarnacion-Strand entered spring training looking like a long shot to make the team, and coming to camp with a hamstring injury didn't help his chances. He's healthy now but will begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.

Ibanez went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in Sunday's Cactus League win over the Dodgers.

Ibanez was hot at the plate from the start, lacing a 107.2 mph double to lead off the bottom of the first inning in what ultimately turned into a four-hit performance. Including Sunday's standout showing, he's hitting .400/.464/.560 with four doubles, three RBI and three runs scored through nine spring appearances. It was a hectic offseason for the 32-year-old, who was non-tendered by the Tigers in November before signing with the Dodgers in early January, only to be designated for assignment less than a month later and ultimately claimed by the Athletics on Feb. 6. Known for his ability to hit left-handed pitching, Ibanez is in the mix for playing time at third base alongside Max Muncy and Darell Hernaiz.

Butler has yet to appear in Cactus League action as he works his way back from offseason knee surgery.

Butler has been slow-played this spring after undergoing surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee last October and receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection to address tendinitis in his left knee. Updates on his progress have been limited, though Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reported Feb. 23 that the 25-year-old has been regularly taking batting practice, shagging balls in the outfield and participating in light drills, though he had yet to begin running the bases. Manager Mark Kotsay previously suggested that Butler could make his Cactus League debut in "mid-spring," though a definitive timeline remains unclear. The outfielder is coming off a 2025 season in which he slashed .234/.306/.404 across 152 games and will look to bounce back closer to his 2024 production, when he posted an .807 OPS in 125 contests, with improved health in both knees heading into 2026.

Cantillo allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four over 4.2 innings in Sunday's spring start against the Rockies.

Cantillo was at his most efficient in his fourth Cactus League outing, as the young left-hander submitted his best effort in a quest for a spot in the Guardians rotation. Prior to Sunday's appearances, Cantillo had allowed nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits and four walks over 5.2 innings. There's time left for two or three more starts for Cantillo, who is competing with two other lefties, Parker Messick and Logan Allen, and right-hander Slade Cecconi.

Hader (biceps) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Hader will take the mound for the first time since he developed left biceps inflammation prior to reporting to Astros camp. While he hasn't yet been officially ruled out for Opening Day, Hader is unlikely to avoid a stint on the injured list. Bryan Abreu appears to be in line to serve as the Astros' closer at the beginning of the season.

The Red Sox optioned Bennett to minor-league camp Monday.

Bennett had drawn positive buzz during his first spring training with the Red Sox after coming over in a trade with the Nationals over the winter, but the 25-year-old lefty never appeared likely to break camp with the big club. After Bennett turned in a 2.56 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB in 45.2 innings at Double-A Harrisburg upon being promoted following the All-Star break, the Red Sox could have him open the upcoming season in the Triple-A Worcester rotation.

Atlanta hopes to know the results of an MRI on Wentz's right knee Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Wentz sustained an injury to his knee during Grapefruit League play Sunday versus the Rays following a collision near first base. The initial prognosis pointed to him avoiding a serious injury, but more will be known once the imaging results are in. Wentz is competing for a spot in Atlanta's rotation.

Muncy is 6-for-21 with four walks, two doubles, a home run and five RBI through 10 Cactus League games.

Muncy has seen regular playing time at the hot corner this spring and has looked solid at the dish, tallying three extra-base hits while also showing improved plate discipline with four walks thus far. He walked only 4.6 percent of the time during a lackluster rookie campaign last season, when the 23-year-old slashed .214/.259/.379 with seven doubles, nine homers and 23 RBI across 63 games. Continuing to produce strong numbers in Cactus League play should aid Muncy's pursuit of the starting third-base job for the 2026 regular season, though Darell Hernaiz -- who's away from the team competing for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic -- and Andy Ibanez remain in the mix.

Benson went 1-for-4 with a two-run, inside-the-park home run in Sunday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Benson legged out what looked like a garden-variety double down the line in right field, but he was able to touch all the bases when the ball got behind the outfielder. It was the third home run of the spring for Benson, who is locked in a battle with Rece Hinds and JJ Bleday for a depth spot in the outfield. Reds manager Terry Francona may want an extra left-handed bat, which would eliminate Hinds. All three outfielders have minor-league options remaining.