MLB Player News

Alcantara struck out four over three perfect innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Houston.

The right-hander fired 31 of 43 pitches for strikes in an impressive performance against an Astros lineup that featured most of the team's likely Opening Day lineup, including Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez. Alcantara has a 5:1 K:BB through his first four spring innings as he looks to rebound from a disappointing 5.36 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 174.2 frames in 2025.

Strider topped out at 96.7 mph with his fastball during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The right-hander didn't get the best results, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk over 2.1 innings after taking over for Chris Sale to begin the fourth inning, but Strider struck out four batters and the uptick in velocity was an encouraging sign after he was in the 92-94 mph range in his last spring start. Atlanta needs Strider to return to form after he stumbled to a 4.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 131:51 K:BB over 125.1 innings last season in his return from April 2024 elbow surgery.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Friday that Melton (elbow) remains limited to plyometric exercises, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Melton is in the second week of a projected 1-2 week shutdown period after he was diagnosed with a right elbow strain. The young hurler did not appear in any games before getting hurt, so he will need some time to be built back up after he's cleared to throw. Melton has already been ruled out for the beginning of the season, but there's no word yet on a specific timeline for his return.

Baez (back) is expected back in the Tigers' Grapefruit League lineup Saturday versus the Pirates, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Baez hasn't played since being scratched from Tuesday's lineup with lower-back tightness. However, he'll go through a full workout Friday and, if all goes well, will be back in action this weekend.

Brieske (rib cage) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Brieske had to be pulled from Monday's Grapefruit League appearance versus Atlanta due to right ribcage tightness. If the reliever gets through Saturday's mound session with no concerns, he should be cleared to return to game action next week.

The Tigers optioned Miller (hip) to minor-league camp Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Miller is still recovering from surgery on both hips and did not make any Grapefruit League appearances. He will get a late start to the minor-league season, as well, and should eventually land at Double-A Erie.

The Tigers optioned Sommers to minor-league camp Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Sommers managed to yield no hits in three Grapefruit League innings, but he walked four, hit two batters with a pitch and also threw a wild pitch en route to two runs allowed. The southpaw will operate out of the Triple-A Toledo bullpen to begin 2026.

Gasser allowed three earned runs over 2.2 innings in Thursday's spring game against the Rockies. He gave up three hits, struck out two batters and walked three.

Gasser was not particularly sharp Thursday, but he did up his pitch count to 53 after tossing 11 pitches in his spring debut over a week ago. An elbow injury limited Gasser to just two regular-season appearances in 2025, but he finished the season healthy. He is in the mix with a host of other pitchers competing for spots in Milwaukee's starting rotation.

The Reds optioned Balcazar to minor-league camp Friday.

Balcazar was added to the Reds' 40-man roster this winter, but he wasn't under real consideration for an Opening Day roster spot. The 21-year-old had a .677 OPS across 51 games with Double-A Chattanooga last season and will head back there to begin the 2026 campaign.

Bauers is 6-for-11 (.545) with a home run, a double, two RBI, two steals and a 1:3 BB:K through four games this spring.

Bauers has tallied at least one hit in all four contests he has appeared in and has made a couple marks in both the power and speed departments. Bauers can cover both first base and a corner outfield spot, and he is slated to open the season in a reserve role for the Brewers.