MLB Player News

Horton tossed two scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rockies. He walked one and struck out two.

After Jameson Taillon covered the first two frames of the game, Horton came in for two innings of his own to make his spring training debut. The 24-year-old righty picked up where he left off last year, when he posted a stellar 2.67 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 118 regular-season innings as a rookie. Horton struck out only 97 batters for a middling 7.4 K/9, but if he can miss more bats in his sophomore campaign, he could take the next step as a true fantasy superstar. The youngster figures to slot in near the top of Chicago's rotation once the 2026 season gets underway.

Poche agreed to a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Poche, 32, gave up 13 earned runs in just 9.1 major-league innings last season between the Nationals and Mets. He had signed a deal in January to spend the 2026 campaign in the Mexican League but will now pursue an opportunity to remain stateside. The southpaw owns a career 4.01 ERA in the majors and is just three seasons removed from putting up a 2.23 ERA with the Rays, so he could earn a spot in Detroit's bullpen at some point in 2026 if he returns to his previous form.

Painter will make his spring training debut Sunday against the Yankees, Corey Seidman of SI.com reports.

Painter so far has been working on changing his arm angle to match where it was prior to his Tommy John surgery. This will be his first spring training start since 2023. With Zack Wheeler (thoracic outlet syndrome) out until at least late April, Painter could make the Phillies' rotation to begin the season despite his substandard performance (5.40 ERA in 22 starts) at Triple-A last year.

Kolek felt tightness in his left side while warming up in the bullpen during Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kolek went into the clubhouse to have his left side evaluated by medical staff, and an update on his status should be made within the next couple days. The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired by the Royals from the Padres at the trade deadline in late July and is competing for a spot in Kansas City's rotation. Across five starts with the Royals in 2025, Kolek posted a 1-2 record with a 1.91 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB across 33 innings.

Mayer is expected to make his spring debut Friday on the road against Atlanta, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Mayer's hitting progression was being slow walked at the start of camp due to a July 2025 wrist injury that eventually required surgery and ended his season. "Now, he's just adding to his hitting program. He's doing everything," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "He's just adding the velo machine and the Trajekt." Caleb Durbin has been filling in at third base while Mayer was held back. A better indication of how Mayer and Durbin will eventually fit on the diamond should emerge once Mayer takes the field. Each player has experience at second and third base.

Acuna was pulled from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds due to a laceration above his left eyebrow, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Acuna was injured while stealing second base in the fourth inning. He will be evaluated to determine whether sutures are needed for the wound. Acuna singled in both of his plate appearances Wednesday before exiting. He is projected to be the Opening Day center fielder for the White Sox.

Minter (lat) expects to throw a live batting practice session next week, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It would be his first time facing hitters since last May's left lat surgery. Minter is aiming to pitch in at least one Grapefruit League game before the end of camp, and the Mets hope to get the southpaw back in their bullpen by early May.

Marsh is dealing with hand soreness and is not expected to return to Grapefruit League play until at least next Tuesday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Marsh jammed the hand into the ground during sliding practice. There don't appear to be any plans to send him for imaging, as the Phillies are simply exercising caution early in camp. Marsh is in line to be the Phillies' primary left fielder this season after slashing .280/.342/.443 with 11 home runs over 133 regular-season contests in 2025.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Wednesday that there's no timetable for when Miller (back) will resume swinging a bat, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Miller has been receiving treatment for lower-back soreness and is ramping up his activity level in the weight room. However, with no timeline for when he'll be allowed to hit again, it sounds like it could be a while before we see the top prospect in Grapefruit League action. Miller entered camp as a long shot to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster, and the back injury makes it close to a foregone conclusion that he's ticketed for Triple-A Lehigh Valley to begin the campaign.

Griffin was removed from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game versus Atlanta as a precaution after being hit on the foot by a pitch, Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Griffin did not start the game but was struck on the foot by a Hayden Harris offering in the top of the seventh inning in what turned out to be his lone plate appearance of the day. He initially stayed in to run the bases but did not come out to play shortstop in the bottom of the frame. Griffin told reporters after the game that "I'm good," so it doesn't seem he will miss much, if any, time. The top prospect is competing for the Pirates' starting shortstop job.