MLB Player News

Monasterio has emerged as the frontrunner for a utility role with Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) placed on the 60-day injured list, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Monasterio served as the designated hitter Thursday and went 1-for-4 in a spring game against the Twins.

Gonzalez's injury -- he underwent surgery Thursday and was placed on the 60-day IL -- has meant ample opportunity for Monasterio, who was a minor piece in the six-player trade with Milwaukee that brought Caleb Durbin to Boston. Over 10 Grapefruit League games, Monasterio has made appearances at third base, shortstop, first base and DH, going 8-for-23 (.348) with four walks, a double, a home run, five RBI and two stolen bases. Additionally, the latest roster projection from Ian Browne of MLB.com has Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa making the 26-man roster in utility roles.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Yamamoto will start Team Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela on Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

After the game, Yamamoto will travel back to Phoenix to rejoin the Dodgers in spring training. With the game Saturday being his final game for Japan in the WBC, the right-hander will then focus on getting ready for the start of the regular season.

Martin went 0-for-3 in Thursday's win over Boston and is hitting just .231 (6-for-21) with three stolen bases this spring. Despite the lackluster spring, he's still seen as making the final roster and getting regular time as a platoon option in left field, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Martin is a right-handed batter in a left-handed heavy outfield, but he could still begin the campaign in more of an everyday role rather than a short-side platoon. The 26-year-old has also had some playing time at second base this spring, so he could get some time there as well. Martin got regular duty the final two months last season and made the most of it by hitting .282 with a 113 wRC+. While he lacks power, he had 11 stolen bases in just 50 games in the majors last season.

Manager Pat Murphy revealed Thursday that Baddoo's left quadriceps injury is worse than initially believed, and the outfielder will miss at least three to four weeks, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Baddoo suffered the quadriceps strain playing in Monday's Cactus League game versus the Mariners while running to first base. The 27-year-old wasn't guaranteed to make Milwaukee's Opening Day roster even if healthy, but he's now poised to miss the start of the season.

Manager Pat Murphy confirmed Thursday that Priester will begin the season on the injured list due to a nerve issue in the thoracic outlet syndrome family that causes pain in his right wrist, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Priester visited a vascular specialist Wednesday in Dallas, where he was diagnosed as having the nerve issue in the TOS family. It is believed he'll be able to treat the injury without going through surgery. Priester threw lightly Thursday and is scheduled for a bullpen March 21. While he will miss the beginning of the season, it's unclear exactly how long he's expected to be sidelined.

Loftin (thumb) is starting in left field and batting third in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Padres.

Loftin has been sidelined the past couple days due to a jammed thumb, but he's ready to rejoin the lineup Thursday. The 27-year-old is expected to open 2026 in a reserve role for Kansas City after posting a .635 OPS in 67 regular-season games last year.

Ferguson will open the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager Terry Francona said that it is a mild oblique injury and that Ferguson will be out "a couple of weeks" and that "he has to heal the way it heals," per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. The southpaw was signed by the Reds in December and is likely to fill a middle-relief role when healthy.

Snell (shoulder) is scheduled for his first bullpen session of the spring Thursday, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Snell will begin the season on the injured list, but the Dodgers hoped he'd be able to throw in bullpen sessions by the end of spring training. With Thursday's session slotted, the southpaw will clear the mark. Snell threw off a mound to a standing catcher earlier this week and will continue ramping up his throwing program as spring training winds down.

Laureano (fatigue) is starting in left field and batting second in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

The veteran outfielder was scratched from the lineup Sunday due to general body fatigue, but he's good to go after getting a few days to rest. Laureano posted an .855 OPS with 24 homers and seven steals in 132 regular-season games between the Orioles and Padres last year, and he's poised to start in the corner outfield for San Diego in 2026.

Volpe (shoulder) went through a high-intensity defensive workout at full speed Thursday and is expected to be about two weeks away from taking live batting practice, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

The 24-year-old shortstop continues to progress in his rehab from surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder, which he underwent in October after playing through the injury for much of last season. Volpe will begin the campaign on the injured list but could be ready to make his 2026 debut before the end of April.