Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that Mayer will have to earn his way onto the Opening Day roster, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Mayer remains a likely bet to be in Boston's lineup on Opening Day in Cincinnati, but a job will not be handed to him, with Cora noting the young infielder must improve his offense after posting a 80 wRC+ in the majors last season. What position Mayer is likely to fill hasn't been determined yet. The Red Sox had previously indicated a desire to put him at third base, but early on in camp Mayer has mostly played second base, with Caleb Durbin handling the hot corner.

The Royals signed Diaz to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Diaz is expected to report to Royals camp next week. The 35-year-old appeared in 106 regular-season contests for the Padres last season, slashing .204/.270/.337 with nine long balls. Unless the Royals carry three catchers on their Opening Day roster, Diaz is likely ticketed for Triple-A Omaha.

Cole (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

It will be Cole's first time facing hitters since last March's Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. The veteran hurler's rehab has gone swimmingly to this point, and he will continue to check off boxes as he eyes a season debut in late May or early June.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Thursday mentioned Romero as one of the players that has stood out in camp thus far, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. Most notable to the manager was that Romero used the offseason to bulk up, per Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.

"You see the physicality of Romero," Cora said. "He's strong, stronger than last year. From me, I want to see him at second base and see how it plays out. He did an amazing job (adding strength) in the offseason." Romero had a fully healthy season in 2025, his first since being selected 24th overall in 2022. The 22-year-old infielder posted a .751 OPS with 17 home runs -- third most in the system -- over 111 games between stops at Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester while seeing time at second base, shortstop and third base. Second base was an unsettled spot for Boston last season, but either Marcelo Mayer or Caleb Durbin should handle those chores in 2026, with the other at third base. Romero, who currently does not have a spot on the 40-man roster, might put himself in contention for a call-up should the Red Sox have a need for an infielder.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that coaches are working with Oviedo to be more explosive with his delivery, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "Just a big dude that we gotta get moving," Cora said of the 6-foot-6, 275-pound right-hander. "Not work faster as far as like tempo, but move faster. And I think we accomplished that today."

Oviedo threw a two-inning live batting practice Thursday, and the manager said he's getting closer to what coaches are looking for. Cora also raved about the right-hander's extension, but strike-throwing remains key for the hurler, whose first spring start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Twins. Oviedo appears to be the frontrunner for a spot at the back end of the rotation. One candidate, Kutter Crawford (wrist), could open the season on the injured list, and two others, Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, may begin the year at Triple-A Worcester. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval is also in the mix, but he missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury.

Cannon is competing for a rotation spot during spring training, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Cannon began the 2025 season in the White Sox's rotation but was demoted to the bullpen and also had a stint in the minors in the second half of the campaign. Merkin suggests the White Sox have as many as 10 pitchers competing for rotation spots, and Cannon's chances of securing a role to begin the season may not be very strong after Chicago added Anthony Kay, Erick Fedde and Sean Newcomb this offseason. Nevertheless, Cannon will get his first chance to improve his chances in Friday's Cactus League debut against the Cubs.

Rumfield will have a chance to win a roster spot at first base this spring, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

The Rockies acquired Rumfield in an unheralded trade in late January, but he'll have the chance to immediately contribute for his new club. Colorado has competition across most of its infield this spring, and manager Warren Schaeffer said that the starting role at first base is "wide open." Rumfield was previously blocked in the Yankees organization, but he posted a 121 wRC+ across 587 plate appearances at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2025. He also won a Gold Glove with Double-A Somerset in 2023, so his glove could also help his case for a roster spot.

Keller will make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday against the Rays, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Keller has turned into a consistent starter for the Pirates, though he endured a tough second half of 2025 by posting a 5.56 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 57.1 innings. He's looking to be more consistent in 2026, but he's posted an ERA in the low 4.00s with a WHIP in the mid 1.20s in each of the last three seasons. Keller will remain a stalwart in the rotation in 2026 and could serve as the No. 2 starter behind Paul Skenes.

Dotel will start Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Dotel was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and will start Pittsburgh's first spring training contest. He started 27 games with Double-A Altoona in 2025, posting a solid 131:43 K:BB across 125.2 frames. Dotel will likely begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, but he could be promoted to the majors during the summer months if injuries occur in the Pirates' rotation.

Triolo is expected to start at third base for the Pirates to begin the 2026 season, Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Triolo is an elite defender at both second and third base, and he is also capable of filling in at shortstop. The Pirates value that versatility, but the team has failed to land any of their targets at third base this offseason. That leaves Triolo as the favorite to start at the hot corner, though his productivity as a hitter could dictate his ability to remain an everyday player. Triolo has a career 87 wRC+ across 1,031 plate appearances, though he posted a 117 wRC+ across 216 plate appearances in the second half of 2025.