MLB Player News

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Kerkering will be delayed at the start of spring training while he recovers from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering will be limited to rehab work in the early stages of camp, but because he's typically deployed as a one-inning reliever, he won't need much ramp-up time once he's cleared to get back on a mound. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn't quite developed into the reliable high-leverage option the Phillies envisioned when he first reached the big leagues in 2023, but he'll be a key part of the bridge to closer Jhoan Duran in 2026.

Gore (ankle) was seen throwing a bullpen session Wednesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Gore wasn't expected to be entering spring training with any restrictions after a minor right ankle impingement kept him out of action for the final week of the 2025 season, but his ability to throw a side session on the second day of camp confirms he's healthy. Acquired in a January deal that sent five prospects to Washington, Gore is likely penciled in as the Rangers' No. 3 starter behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi (core).

Teodo will be about 2-to-3 weeks behind schedule in spring training after dealing with a back injury last season, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Teodo missed more than two months of action during the middle of the 2025 minor-league season because of a back problem. He finished the season healthy, but the Rangers don't want to push him early on in camp. Teodo made a full-time move to a relief role in 2025, posting a 9.00 ERA and 23:17 K:BB over 18 innings during his time with Triple-A Round Rock.

Rodriguez (elbow) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and doesn't appear to be facing any restrictions to begin spring training, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

Per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Angels manager Kurt Suzuki noted Tuesday that Rodriguez will have to prove he's healthy during spring training to secure his spot in the Opening Day rotation, but the 26-year-old righty is off to a good start. Health was a major concern for Rodriguez through three seasons with Baltimore, but he displayed plenty of promise when available, pitching to a 4.11 ERA (3.98 xERA) and 18.0 K%-BB% over 238.2 innings. However, after he had his entire 2025 campaign wiped out due to lat and elbow injuries, including a debridement procedure in August to remove a bone spur, expect Rodriguez's workload to be monitored carefully in his first season with Anaheim.

Williamson (elbow) faced hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

The left-hander has no restrictions to begin camp after he missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Williamson will get the chance to compete for a spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation this spring, but he still has two minor-league options remaining and seems more likely to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.

Cole will compete to be the Astros' starting left fielder in spring training, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Cole made a good impression in a 15-game stint with Houston late last season, posting an .880 OPS with four home runs and three stolen bases. With Jake Meyers slated to man center field and Jesus Sanchez in right, the Astros' final outfield spot should come down to either Cole or Cam Smith, with the loser likely to open the year in Triple-A.

The Brewers signed Sanchez (knee) to a one-year, $1.75 million contract Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Sanchez spent the 2024 season with the Brewers, slashing .220/.307/.392 with 11 home runs over 89 regular-season contests. He was limited to only 29 contests last season with Baltimore due to a knee injury, and it's unclear whether he will have any limitations in camp with Milwaukee. Sanchez should open 2026 as the backup catcher behind William Contreras (finger). He could also see the occasional start at designated hitter versus left-handed pitching.

Kikuchi (forearm) faced live hitters Wednesday in his first throwing session of spring training, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Kikuchi exited his final start of 2025 on Sept. 24 due to what the Angels called a left forearm cramp. The veteran southpaw looks to have had a normal offseason and appears to be ahead of most of the rest of the pitching staff, as Kikuchi is set to leave the team in the coming days to join Team Japan ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Per Bollinger, first-year manager Kurt Suzuki said Tuesday that Kikuchi is one of three pitchers locked into rotation spots, and the 34-year-old could get the nod for Opening Day versus the Astros.

Maile is not in Royals camp due to a personal issue, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Maile was re-signed last week to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, but he has not reported and is no longer listed on the roster. The Royals are open to Maile rejoining the team if and when he is ready, but his status for now is in flux.

Saalfrank (shoulder) said Wednesday that he expects to be sidelined 10-16 months, Arizona Sports reports.

Saalfrank underwent surgery Monday to repair the left labrum in his shoulder and has already been placed on the 60-day injured list. The rehab timeline gives the lefty a chance to be ready for the start of the 2027 season, but it is not a given.