MLB Player News

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.

Pena (finger) will visit a hand specialist Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena took a grounder off his right ring finger during Wednesday's World Baseball Classic exhibition game against the Tigers and underwent X-rays, which will be examined by the specialist Thursday. The shortstop also suffered an injury to his fingernail as a result of the incident, though Astros manager Joe Espada said that Pena was unconcerned and wanted to remain in the game. Houston is expected to provide more details on Pena's condition later Thursday.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday that Lux (upper body) has "had three really good days" and is on track for his Grapefruit League debut early next week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lux has been battling through an upper-body issue that the Rays have described previously as general soreness. He is making strides in his recovery and will get into game action in a few days if things continue to move in a positive direction. Projected to be the Rays' primary second baseman, Lux will have about two weeks' worth of games to prep for Opening Day, which isn't ideal but should be enough.

Palacios is currently sidelined with lower-back tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Palacios last played Tuesday. Rays manager Kevin Cash said that the utility player will receive "a couple days of treatment and see where we go from there." Palacios is 2-for-15 with one stolen base so far during Grapefruit League action.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday that Mullins (back) is feeling better but is "probably not going to play for a little bit," Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Mullins had to be scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League lineup with lower-back tightness. The veteran outfielder's Opening Day availability does not seem to be in danger at this point, but the Rays will be cautious. Mullins is slated to be Tampa Bay's primary center fielder against right-handed pitching this season.

Freeman (back) is starting in right field and batting second in Thursday's Cactus League tilt against the Brewers.

Freeman came to Rockies camp with a lower-back strain and is finally ready for game action after ramping up his activities. The 26-year-old is in line to fill a utility role in Colorado this season after slashing .281/.354/.361 with two home runs and 18 stolen bases in 2025.

Nimmo started in right field and batted leadoff, going 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's spring exhibition against Team Brazil.

Nimmo made his spring debut as part of a plan to gradually build up the veteran outfielder. He's expected to be the primary leadoff hitter for the Rangers in 2026.