MLB Player News

Manzardo started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against Milwaukee.

Manzardo has appeared in two Cactus League games, one at first base and one at DH. He was expected to be the primary first baseman this season, but plans changed when the Guardians signed Rhys Hoskins to a minor-league deal. The "minor league" is a technicality, as Hoskins is expected to be added to the 40-man roster and will likely split time with Manzardo at first base and DH. The crowd at first base also includes CJ Kayfus, who in theory could be the left-handed complement at first base with Hoskins, which would leave Manzardo as the strong side of a DH platoon. Manzardo's exact role should be made clearer over the course of spring training.

Hader (biceps) could begin the season on the injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The Astros have not ruled Hader out for Opening Day as he works his way back from left biceps inflammation. However, the closer is not included in the team's roster projection by Rome, who writes that it's "difficult to envision" the Astros rushing Hader back for the opener. Hader is currently limited to playing light catch on flat ground and it's unclear when he'll be allowed to throw off a mound again. If Hader does need to miss time, Bryan Abreu would assume the closer role for the Astros.

The Marlins announced Monday that Pauley underwent imaging after experiencing forearm tightness, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Pauley has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game because of the issue and hasn't improved as hoped, so the Marlins sent him for tests. Results of the imaging should be available within a day or two, but he'll at least temporarily be shut down from baseball activities. If the issue jeopardizes Pauley's availability for Opening Day, Connor Norby would be the favorite to start at third base for the Marlins.

Barrosa started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's spring game against the Angels.

Barrosa is part of the mix to receive starts in the outfield with both Lourdes Gurriel (knee) and Corbin Carroll (hand) unavailable. The timelines of the two injured outfielders vary, with Carroll expected back around Opening Day and Gurriel ahead of an originally estimated June return. Barrosa is joined by Jordan Lawlar, Tim Tawa and prospect Ryan Waldschmidt in the competition for playing time.

Waldschmidt started in center field and went 1-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Angels.

Waldschmidt made his second Cactus League appearance after starting in left field in Friday's spring opener. The team's top prospect is a long-shot candidate to earn a roster spot, and those chances grew dimmer with recent news that Lourdes Gurriel (knee) is ahead of schedule in his rehab and Corbin Carroll (hand) is expected back for or near Opening Day.

Fulmer agreed to a minor-league contract with the Pirates on Monday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, which will give Fulmer the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Pirates' Opening Day bullpen. The 32-year-old righty didn't pitch after Aug. 23 last season after sustaining a right elbow strain, but with the offseason to recover, he should be at or near full health. Fulmer made 13 appearances out of the Angels bullpen prior to being shut down with the injury, turning in a 5.83 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 29.1 innings.

Durbin started at third base and went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's spring game against the Blue Jays.

Durbin made his Grapefruit League debut and was stationed at third base, where he and Marcelo Mayer are expected to see playing time this coming season. Each player will also get reps at second base. Mayer has not yet appeared in a spring game.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that he likes the idea of Story batting second, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "What he did last year, the last three months, he was one of the best hitters in the big leagues," Cora said, indicating why he likes Story batting second.

Story made his spring debut Sunday, hitting out of the two-hole, and went hitless in three plate appearances. It's the same place in the order where he landed in his final 10 games of the regular season and all three postseason contests in 2025. The righty-hitter was tucked in between two lefties -- Roman Anthony at leadoff and Jarren Duran third.

Estrada signed a minor-league contract with the Orioles on Monday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Baltimore already acquired Blaze Alexander to help offset the injuries to Jordan Westburg (elbow) and Jackson Holliday (hand), and now Estrada will enter the fray as well. Estrada, 30, hit .253/.385/.370 with three home runs in 39 games with the Rockies last year. His 2025 season ended in August due to a hamstring strain.

Conforto agreed to a one-year contract with the Cubs on Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com, Conforto will be joining the Cubs on a minor-league deal, which means he won't have any assurances of being part of the Opening Day roster. However, if Conforto is able to impress during spring training and breaks camp with the big club, he could play right field against some right-handed pitchers while Seiya Suzuki slides to designated hitter. Conforto, who turns 33 in March, is coming off the worst season of his career in 2025, when he slashed .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs in 486 plate appearances with the Dodgers.