MLB Player News

Henderson allowed one earned run over three innings in Wednesday's spring game against the Cubs. He gave up two hits, struck out a batter and walked none.

Henderson tossed a scoreless inning in a spring game over a week ago, and he upped both the innings and the pitch count Thursday. Henderson made five starts for the Brewers last season and put up a sterling 1.78 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB over 25.1 innings, and that has helped put him in position to break camp with a spot in Milwaukee's rotation for the first time.

The Rangers signed McCutchen to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Entering his age-39 season, McCutchen slashed .239/.333/.367 with 13 home runs across 135 games for the Pirates last season. He collected a solid .267/.353/.389 batting line against left-handed pitching, and the five-time All-Star could carve out a role as a short-side platoon designated hitter and occasional outfielder.

Farmer has a better chance of making Atlanta's 26-man roster in the wake of a season-long suspension to Jurickson Profar, Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The non-roster invitee played double-digit games at all four infield positions for the Rockies last season while slashing .252/.325/.441 against left-handed pitching, a skill set that could fit for Atlanta as the team scrambles to replace Profar. Farmer's ability to handle shortstop would allow Mauricio Dubon to serve as a platoon partner for Mike Yastrzemski in left field, although Jorge Mateo could also fill that role, while Eli White might just settle into that spot in left field himself.

Biggio (elbow) could make his Grapefruit League debut next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Biggio has been slow-played this spring as he works his way back from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. The utility player is in camp as a non-roster invitee and his delayed start this spring seemingly eliminates any chance he had to make the Opening Day roster.

Smith could wind up making Atlanta's 26-man roster in the wake of a season-long suspension to Jurickson Profar, Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Profar was set to serve as Atlanta's primary DH while also serving as a platoon partner for Mike Yastrzemski in left field. Smith can't help on the latter front as a lefty swinger, but he might help fill the void at DH against right-handed pitching. The 30-year-old slashed .284/.333/.417 over 63 games for the Giants in 2025 with five homers while primarily playing first base.

De Los Santos (knee) will make his Grapefruit League debut next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The right-handed reliever has been shelved by a right knee strain since the start of camp, but he will progress to mound work Saturday before being slotted into game action. Barring setbacks, De Los Santos is expected to have enough time to prep for Opening Day.

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

Hader developed left biceps inflammation before reporting to Astros camp and has been limited to flat-ground work since then. He also missed the final seven-plus weeks of last season with a left shoulder strain, so he hasn't pitched in a game setting since early August of last year. Hader is unlikely to have time to ramp up for Opening Day, setting up Bryan Abreu to serve as the Astros' early-season closer.

White appears to be the top internal candidate to replace Jurickson Profar (suspension) as a platoon partner for Mike Yastrzemski in left field, Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

With Profar set to be suspended for the entire 2026 season, pending an appeal, Atlanta is left scrambling to replace his at-bats. White has a .248/.305/.440 slash line over the last three seasons against left-handed pitching and offers a strong defensive profile, so he represents a solid floor option if the club doesn't look outside the organization for reinforcements. Utility player Mauricio Dubon could also push White for that role later in the season, but he'll be needed at shortstop initially with Ha-Seong Kim (finger) likely out until May.

The Astros optioned Ullola to minor-league camp Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Ullola was added to the 40-man roster this offseason, but he was always destined for Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the season. The right-hander should open 2026 in Sugar Land's rotation, but a career 15.6 percent walk rate in the minors could point to an eventual move to the bullpen if he can't harness his control.

The Astros optioned Gordon to minor-league camp Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gordon has yielded just one run in 5.1 innings this spring but has also posted an underwhelming 2:3 K:BB. The left-hander will be part of the Triple-A Sugar Land rotation to begin the 2026 campaign.