MLB Player News

Grissom was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the White Sox in the first inning due to a sore left hand, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Grissom presumably sustained the injury on one of his swings in the top of the first, with the at-bat culminating in a strikeout. Kyren Paris came on to replace Grissom at shortstop in the bottom half of the inning. Grissom, who is competing for a utility role with the Angels, can be viewed as day-to-day.

Atlanta reassigned Karinchak to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Karinchak did all he could to earn a spot as a non-roster invitee, striking out nine while yielding just one hit and two walks over four scoreless spring frames, but it wasn't enough. The 30-year-old hasn't seen action at the big-league level since 2023, but he could get a chance with Atlanta this season if he gets off to a good start at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Atlanta optioned Harris to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Harris has had a great spring, allowing just one run with a 12:2 K:BB over five innings, but it wasn't enough to land a spot on the Opening Day roster. The left-handed reliever will begin the year at Gwinnett but should spend plenty of time with the major-league club in 2026.

Grissom was pulled from Wednesday's Cactus League game versus the White Sox in the first inning with an undisclosed injury, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Grissom struck out to lead off the game in the top of the first inning and was then lifted before taking the field in the bottom of the frame. He did not suffer an obvious injury, but the Angels should offer an explanation soon as to why Grissom exited.

Twins manager Derek Shelton said he has no idea who his closer will be this season, but Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports that Sands is still a possibility. "I'm still trying to figure it out. Sometimes, that's the answer where you're trying not to answer it," Shelton said. "I've probably done that before. But right now, I'm trying to figure it out. I don't think we have an idea of what's going to happen."

We wouldn't read too much into this report as Sands is one of a handful of candidates to close or share a committee along with Taylor Rogers, Liam Hendriks, Justin Topa and a series of lefties including Anthony Banda and Andrew Chafin, but he has a chance to finish games. Sands had a breakout season as a reliever in 2024, but he took a step back last season with just a 21.4 percent strikeout rate, down from 29.1 percent. Sands has given up three runs in five innings with a 4:2 K:BB this spring.

Mountcastle is day-to-day after X-rays on his right hand came back negative, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Mountcastle was pulled from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates when he was plunked by a pitch, but he's managed to avoid a fracture. The Orioles are idle Thursday, so he could be back in action as soon as Friday. Mountcastle is facing uncertain playing time this season, as he's down the Orioles' depth chart at both first base and designated hitter.

Festa (shoulder) remains shut down from throwing and is expected to begin the season on the injured list, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Festa was shut down in late February due to a shoulder impingement and received an injection to address the injury. The 26-year-old could begin playing catch next week, but his buildup may take a while given that he's also coming back from thoracic outlet syndrome, which he was diagnosed with in September.

Torkelson was diagnosed with a bruised right forearm after being hit by a pitch in a simulated game Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Torkelson didn't play in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Twins in Grapefruit League play, but the first baseman should check back into the Tigers' spring lineup within a few days once the soreness in his arm subsides.

Merryweather (hamstring) played catch Wednesday and did some running in front of the training staff, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Merryweather suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain Feb. 24 and was expected to need about 3-to-4 weeks to recover. It looks like he's candidate to begin the season on the injured list but has yet to be ruled out for Opening Day.

The Orioles reassigned Noda to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The Orioles are well stocked at first base and the corner outfield at the big-league level, so Noda never stood much of a chance of winning an Opening Day roster spot. The 29-year-old should get the opportunity to play regularly at Triple-A Norfolk this season, but his standing as a player not on the 40-man roster may be a hindrance in him receiving a call-up to the majors at any point.