MLB Player News

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.

Tauchman could wind up being the Mets' Opening Day right fielder, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

New York would prefer to see top prospect Carson Benge win the job, but if he needs some more time in the minors, Tauchman appears to be Plan B. The veteran outfielder has had a strong spring since signing as a NRI with the Mets in mid-February, batting .308 (4-for-13) through seven games with three doubles, a homer and a 3:3 BB:K. Benge, for his part, is batting .391 (9-for-23) with a triple, a steal and a 1:4 BB:K. Brett Baty and Tyrone Taylor are also available to cover right field, but they may be ticketed for the bench.

Thomas (elbow) is starting in left field and batting fifth in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Rangers.

The 25-year-old has been dealing with elbow inflammation, so he's been limited to serving as a designated hitter in spring games the past couple weeks. Thomas is now fully healthy and cleared to play the outfield. He's yet to get on track at the plate this spring and has a .431 OPS through 11 Cactus League games.

Meyer struck out six over three scoreless innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, allowing one hit and one walk.

The right-hander fired 30 of 48 pitches for strikes as he continues to get built up ahead of the regular season, and he topped out at 97.1 mph on a first-inning four-seamer to Jose Altuve. Meyer has yet to allow a run over seven spring innings with a 12:1 K:BB and he's flashed ace-level upside before, but after throwing only 64.2 innings in 2025, simply staying on the mound and taking a regular turn in the Marlins' rotation would be an accomplishment.

Muncy went 3-for-3 with a solo homer, a double, an additional RBI, three additional runs scored and a walk in Wednesday's Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

Muncy reached base in each plate appearance, highlighted by a 429-foot solo blast off Ryne Nelson in the fourth inning. The infielder has mashed in Cactus League play, slashing .393/.514/.750 with two homers, four doubles and seven RBI across 13 appearances. Defense at the hot corner remains a work in progress, as the 23-year-old committed his third error of the spring Wednesday, though a strong showing at the plate bodes well as Muncy vies for regular reps at third base during the regular season.

Ibanez started at second base and went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and an additional RBI in Wednesday's Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

Ibanez opened the scoring for the Athletics, driving his first homer of the Cactus League in the second inning off Ryne Nelson. The veteran has put forth strong numbers this spring, slashing .387/.441/.613 with a homer, four doubles and six RBI across 11 appearances. Max Muncy entered spring training as the presumed favorite for the third-base job, but Ibanez's impressive spring showing, coupled with his defensive versatility and track record of hitting left-handed pitching, gives him a compelling case to make the 26-man roster and see regular-season opportunities for the Athletics.

Lauer allowed four runs on four hits and a walk over 3.1 innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out three.

The big blow off the southpaw was a three-run shot by Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning. Lauer built up to 60 pitches (39 strikes), and while he's still expected to begin the season as a long reliever, his path to a spot in the rotation is beginning to look a little clearer. Shane Bieber (forearm) will begin the year on the IL, and Jose Berrios is dealing with elbow inflammation. That could leave Max Scherzer and Lauer in line to be the No. 5 and, if needed, No. 6 starters for the first weeks of the season.

Lindor (hand) is close to being cleared to take full batting practice on the field, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lindor took two-handed swings in the batting cage Tuesday and will play defense in a minor-league game for the second straight day Thursday. He still has boxes to check as he ramps back up following right hamate bone surgery, but Lindor is on track to be ready to go Opening Day against the Pirates.