MLB Player News

Herrera's (knee) return to Grapefruit League play is considered imminent, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Herrera played in a "B" game Wednesday and has been returning to full workouts as he recovers from inflammation in his knee. The Cardinals could choose to ease him back into games at designated hitter before giving him more reps a catcher, but either way it seems Herrera will be back in the lineup in a day or two. Herrera is 2-for-7 at the plate in limited action so far this spring.

The Cubs optioned Little to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Little was unable to find his footing during spring training with four earned runs allowed over 4.2 frames, so he won't make Chicago's Opening Day bullpen. The 25-year-old made just two big-league appearances last season but had a 3.46 ERA across 26 innings with the Cubs in 2024.

Paris went 2-for-3 with a triple, a walk, two runs, an RBI and three stolen bases Wednesday against the White Sox in a Cactus League win.

Paris didn't start the contest, but he took over at shortstop in the bottom of the first inning after Vaughn Grissom exited due to a hand injury. Paris made the most of the opportunity, swiping three bags and collecting a pair of hits. Paris made the team's Opening Day roster last year and had a red-hot start with a 1.263 OPS, five homers and five thefts over his first 15 games, but he dropped off dramatically thereafter and finished the season in the minors. He's not a favorite to break camp with the big club this season, but if Grissom's injury leads to an IL stint, the door for Paris to make the roster would crack open a little wider. As he demonstrated Wednesday, Paris could make an impact on the basepaths if he does get an opportunity, and he ranked in the 90th percentile leaguewide in sprint speed in 2025.

Jung (groin) remained out of the Rangers' Cactus League lineup Thursday against the Athletics, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung had been targeting Thursday for his return to action after missing the past two weeks with a Grade 1 adductor strain, but he's not quite ready yet. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Thursday of Jung's injury that "it wasn't just progressing like we hoped," but the third baseman could be ready for games in "a couple of days." Schumaker remains "optimistic" about Jung's availability for Opening Day, but the 28-year-old can't afford to be delayed any further.

Adell went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, two total runs and two total RBI in a Cactus League win over the White Sox on Wednesday.

Adell's homer was anything but cheap, as he mashed a ball 468 feet to left-center field in the fourth inning. He added another RBI on an infield single in the sixth and later came around to score. Adell is having a nice spring, slashing .323/.323/.613 with a pair of home runs, three doubles and five RBI over 31 at-bats. However, his plate discipline hasn't been ideal, as he's posted a 0:12 BB:K so far. Adell is penciled in as the Angels' primary right fielder for the upcoming campaign after posting numerous offensive career-best marks last season, including a .778 OPS, 37 homers and 98 RBI.

The Cubs optioned Rolison to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

The left-hander was claimed off waivers by the Cubs in January, but he'll be cut from big-league camp after giving up seven runs over 4.1 innings during spring training. Rolison made his MLB debut with 31 appearances for Colorado last year and finished with a 7.02 ERA. 1.77 WHIP and 25:20 K:BB across 42.1 innings.

The Cubs optioned Dean to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

The 29-year-old outfielder was claimed off waivers by the Cubs in January, but he was unable to earn a spot on the 40-man roster after posting a .480 OPS across 31 plate appearances during spring training. Dean made his MLB debut with the Dodgers during the 2025 regular season, logging just two plate appearances in 18 games while primarily serving as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.

Hoglund (knee) is now dealing with a back injury that will delay his start to the season, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Hoglund first suffered a right knee sprain early on in camp, but now it appears the back issue is the bigger concern. He has yet to make a Cactus League appearance and will not get into a game before camp breaks. It's unclear how long the back injury might shelve Hoglund, but he'll be ticketed for Triple-A Las Vegas once he's healthy.

Herrera (knee) got eight plate appearances in a backfields game in Cardinals camp Wednesday, Brian Walton of TheCardinalNation.com reports.

Herrera -- who homered in his first plate appearance Wednesday -- has been slowed recently by knee inflammation. He had hoped to return to Grapefruit League action by now, but his participation in a "B" game suggests that should be coming soon. Herrera is expected to open the season as the Cardinals' primary designated hitter but will also see action at catcher.

The Cubs have named Boyd their Opening Day starter, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

He'll be tasked with facing the Nationals and Cade Cavalli on March 26. Boyd earned the Opening Day nod following a terrific first season in Chicago which saw him collect a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 154:42 K:BB across 179.2 regular-season innings.