MLB Player News

Lodolo allowed two hits and struck out four over two scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring start against the White Sox.

Lodolo struck out the side in the first inning before working out of a one-out, two-on jam in the second. He threw a total of 40 pitches (30 strikes) in what was a promising Cactus League debut. The left-hander is coming off his best statistical season with a career-high 28 starts and career-low 3.33 ERA in 2025.

Tawa went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's spring game against the Dodgers.

Tawa has hit safely in all three Cactus League contests thus far, going 4-for-8 with two walks. He's slotted in at second base (twice) and designated hitter (once). Tawa is line for a roster spot as a utility infielder that also has outfield experience.

Gallen allowed one hit and struck out two over one scoreless inning in Wednesday's spring start against the Dodgers.

Gallen made his Cactus League debut, throwing 23 pitches (14 strikes) against a lineup of backups. He allowed a single to the first batter faced then retired the next three. Gallen, a late free-agent signing, is slightly behind other starters but should be ready in time for the regular season. With news that Merrill Kelly (back) will not start Opening Day, Gallen is an option to make a fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the Diamondbacks. His first spring outing last year was a one-inning affair on Feb. 24, and Gallen was ready to take the ball on Opening Day in 2025.

Scherzer agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

The Blue Jays and Scherzer had mutual interest in a reunion throughout the offseason, and the two sides have now finally agreed on a deal that includes up to $10 million in incentives. The veteran righty took a step back in 2025, as he finished the regular season with a career-worst 5.19 ERA and gave up 19 home runs in 85 innings (17 starts). That being said, he still maintained a strong 82:23 K:BB in the regular season, then posted a 3.77 ERA in three starts during Toronto's postseason run. With Shane Bieber (forearm) due to open the season on the injured list, Scherzer has a path to being included in the Blue Jays' Opening Day rotation, though he likely won't be guaranteed a job when the team's starters are all fully healthy.

Keller threw a clean first inning in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against Detroit. He struck out one.

Keller needed only 11 pitches to retire the side in his spring debut, with his sinker topping out at 97.3 mph. The 30-year-old signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Phillies over the winter, and Keller is preparing to serve as the primary right-handed setup man for closer Jhoan Duran in 2026, per Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Grichuk signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Wednesday and was invited to spring training, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Grichuk turned in one of the worst seasons of his career last year, slashing .228/.273/.401 with 27 RBI and 35 runs scored across 293 plate appearances between Arizona and Kansas City. The Yankees have been searching for a right-handed bat to play in the outfield, though the 34-year-old will first need to earn a spot on the 40-man roster.

Pallette has yet to make his Cactus League debut due to right shoulder fatigue, SI.com reports.

Pallette is scheduled to throw live batting practice in the near future, and the Guardians are hopeful that he'll begin pitching in spring games sometime next week. The 24-year-old righty joined the Guardians in December through the Rule 5 Draft and will have to remain on the major-league roster all season. Otherwise, he'll be offered back to the White Sox.

Manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Volpe (shoulder) has begun hitting off a tee, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Volpe began taking dry swings last week and has since been cleared to take the next step in his hitting progression, though Boone noted that the 24-year-old infielder is still several weeks away from being able to dive on his surgically repaired left shoulder. He's slated to begin the regular season on the injured list, leaving Jose Caballero to work as New York's primary shortstop for the time being.

With top prospect Max Clark potentially set to reach Triple-A this year, Meadows may get pushed out of his starting role in center field unless he produces more at the plate, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Meadows is considered a strong defensive center fielder, but he's never been able to produce consistent offense at the MLB level. He slashed just .215/.291/.330 in 58 regular-season games last year while missing significant time due to a nerve issue in his throwing arm along with a quad strain. Clark is not yet on Detroit's 40-man roster, which gives Meadows a bit more wiggle room for now, though the former could push the issue if he gets off to a hot start in the minors. For now, Meadows looks like Detroit's top option in center, but his fantasy value will remain depressed unless he starts to perform better at the plate.

Happ said the Cubs front office has yet to approach him about a potential contract extension this spring, but he's open to the possibility if it arises, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Happ is entering the final year of a three-year, $61 million contract extension he signed back in 2023. The veteran outfielder said he's open to discussing another extension, but the team has yet to approach him. Happ, who will turn 32 in August, has been a steady performer for the Cubs in recent years. He's recorded at least 20 home runs and 75 RBI in each of the last three seasons, and while he's only a career .247 hitter, Happ has been able to offset that with a strong on-base percentage. Chicago may not be in a hurry to commit to a player who has plenty of wear on the tires, though Happ has not shown any real signs of slowing down yet.