MLB Player News

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo listed Sewald, Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson as candidates to emerge as the team's closer, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.

"I mean it's probably simple arithmetic for you guys to figure out," Lovullo said. "I'm just going to go kind of blind here, but Sewald, Ginkel, Thompson, all those guys that have had that experience in big moments... they're all wanting to do it." Lovullo prefers to establish a defined closer, though it's unclear whether he intends to name one prior to Opening Day. A.J. Puk (elbow) and Justin Martinez (elbow) should also be in the closer mix when they return. Sewald was the Diamondbacks' closer when they won the National League pennant in 2023 and opened the 2024 season in the role before eventually losing it. The veteran righty held a 4.58 ERA and 20:6 K:BB between the Guardians and Tigers during an injury-shortened 2025 season.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo mentioned Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald when asked who could fill the team's closer job, Alex D'Agostino of SI.com reports.

"I mean it's probably simple arithmetic for you guys to figure out," Lovullo said. "I'm just going to go kind of blind here, but Sewald, Ginkel, Thompson, all those guys that have had that experience in big moments... they're all wanting to do it." D'Agostino writes that while Sewald, Ginkel and Thompson are the "likely frontrunners" for the gig, Lovullo was "emphatic that no roles will be handed to anyone." A.J. Puk (elbow) should also be in the mix to close when he returns around midseason, and Justin Martinez (elbow) will be a candidate if he makes it back late in the year. Lovullo noted that he prefers to have a defined closer, though it's unclear whether he plans to name one before Opening Day. Thompson has notched a total of four saves in his two-and-a-half regular seasons in Arizona, collecting a 3.21 ERA and 97:29 K:BB over 120.2 innings.

Reynolds will be Pittsburgh's primary left fielder in 2026, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

Reynold has played primarily in left or center field for most of his career, though he was moved to right field in 2025 after his defense declined. He experienced better defensive metrics after starting to utilize a tennis hop prior to pitches, which helped him improve his reaction time. Reynolds was a positive defender in left field as recently as 2023, so it's possible that he rebounds in 2026.

The Pirates plan to play O'Hearn primarily in right field in 2026, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

O'Hearn was originally projected to play at either first base or serve as DH, but the addition of Marcell Ozuna will take away many of those at-bats. O'Hearn will seemingly be Pittsburgh's primary right fielder as a result, a position he played 149.0 innings at in 2025. He registered negative-4 runs saved in that span, though left field is the far more difficult corner to cover at PNC Park.

Suarez (forearm) said Monday that he's fully healthy this spring, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

A mild forearm flexor strain brought Suarez's 2025 campaign to an early end, but the 36-year-old right-hander believes he's "100 percent" and "good to go" ahead of spring training. Suarez is with the Orioles on a minor-league contract leading into Grapefruit League action, and he'd likely be left with a bullpen role as a long reliever if he winds up claiming an Opening Day roster spot.

Buehler signed a minor-league contract with San Diego on Monday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Buehler is expected to join the competition in camp for San Diego's final rotation spot, per Acee. He'll be up against the likes of Matt Waldron, Triston McKenzie, German Marquez, JP Sears and Marco Gonzales. Buehler bounced between the Red Sox and Phillies a season ago, posting a 4.93 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with a 92:61 K:BB across 126.0 innings.

Manager Dave Roberts stated Monday that Snell has yet to take part in any mound work, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Snell has reportedly been cleared to play catch and begin a throwing program, but the Dodgers won't have an accurate idea on if he'll begin the year on the injured list until he steps onto the bump. The southpaw has stated publicly that he was exhausted following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, which included a heavy workload in the playoffs, so it would be wise to expect the team to continue to bring him along slowly, knowing there's plenty of pitching depth at the ready if Snell isn't available for the start of the 2026 season.

Gelof could get looks in center field in addition to reps at second base, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Gelof was spotted trotting out to center field during batting practice Monday, and skipper Mark Kotsay elaborated further on Gelof's potential utility role in spring training and heading into the 2026 season. "I do think Zack can play the outfield," said Kotsay. "We've seen Zack be a plus defender. There could be a role that exists on this club where Zack is on the roster." Gallegos notes that Jeff McNeil is in line to see everyday opportunities at second base, which will make the path for playing time more difficult for Gelof, who struggled in 2024 and couldn't stay healthy in 2025. However, the 26-year-old has always been a strong defender with plus speed, which will undoubtedly help as he learns the outfield. "With how the last two years have gone, I definitely want to lean into my athleticism," said Gelof. "Be the best baserunner on the team. Defensively, bring that aspect. I know I can hit, but the bare minimum is being a winning player. That's what I bring. I need to bring that to this team, so that's what I'm going to do."

Brito (hamstring) is expected to see opportunities at first base, second base, third base and in right field during spring training, Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland reports.

Brito underwent hamstring surgery at the end of last season, so it's unclear whether he's entering camp at full strength. However, once he's cleared to play, he's expected to get chances in a variety of different roles, and it sounds as though he'll have a legitimate chance to win an Opening Day roster spot. Brito spent 24 games at Triple-A Columbus a season ago, slashing .256/.357/.463 with three home runs, 15 RBI, four stolen bases and 15 runs scored.

Brito (forearm) was placed on the 60-day injured list Monday.

This is a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster for German Marquez, who signed a one-year deal with San Diego earlier in the day. Brito underwent a UCL internal brace procedure and a repair of his flexor tendon in April of 2025, and the team has yet to provide a timetable for his return.