MLB Player News

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.

Soto (elbow) is expected to be sidelined until late April or early May, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Soto underwent surgery to remove a partially detached bone spur in August, so it's not surprising he'll be eased into action this spring. The No. 34 overall pick of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft has thrown three bullpen sessions in spring training, so he's making significant progress in his rehab program.

The Orioles reassigned Robertson to minor-league camp Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Robertson logged 75 plate appearances in the big leagues last season between stops with the Blue Jays and White Sox, but after being claimed off waivers by the Orioles over the winter and later outrighted off the 40-man roster, he never appeared to be a strong candidate to break camp with Baltimore. He's slated to serve as organizational outfield depth at Triple-A Norfolk in 2026.

The Orioles reassigned Walker to minor-league camp Wednesday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

After being outrighted off the Orioles' 40-man roster in January, Walker always appeared to be a long shot to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. He's expected to begin the season at Triple-A Norfolk and will likely need to deliver impressive results before potentially resurfacing in the big leagues.

The Rays optioned Rock to minor-league camp Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rock has allowed just one run and struck out nine over five innings this spring, but he's also issued six walks. The 25-year-old should get a chance in the Rays' bullpen this season, but he'll begin the year at Triple-A Durham.

The Rays optioned Scholtens to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Scholtens' bid for a spot in the Rays' Opening Day bullpen has come to an end after he surrendered four earned runs on four hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in Grapefruit League play. The 31-year-old righty has previously made 28 appearances (11 starts) with the White Sox between the 2023 and 2025 seasons, but it's unclear whether the Rays plan to use him in the rotation or out of the bullpen at Triple-A Durham to begin the upcoming campaign.

White Sox manager Will Venable said Wednesday that Baldwin is day-to-day with right elbow soreness, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Baldwin hasn't seen any Cactus League action since last week, as he felt soreness while throwing to bases recently. It doesn't appear at this point to be an injury that threatens his Opening Day availability. Baldwin is expected to open the season in a reserve role with Chicago.