MLB Player News

Chandler struck out eight batters over five innings of one-run ball Thursday against Atlanta. He allowed one hit and one walk.

Chandler struggled mightily at the beginning of spring training, but he rounded into form and then some in Thursday's exhibition. He threw his four-seam fastball 74 percent of the time, averaging 98.2 mph and generating whiffs at a 34 percent clip with the pitch. Chandler also got plenty of whiffs on his changeup (three on four pitches) and slider (two of five), but he was clearly focused on dominating with his fastball in this one. He still has a 22.4 percent walk rate and 1.45 WHIP in 11 innings this spring, however.

Bubic allowed two hits and a walk over three scoreless innings in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Padres. He struck out four.

Bubic delivered another solid spring effort, keeping the opposition off the scoreboard for a second straight appearance. Through three outings and eight innings in Cactus League play, the southpaw has allowed one run on nine hits and three walks. After posting a 2.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 20 starts and 116.1 innings last season before a left rotator cuff strain ended his campaign prematurely, Bubic will look to maintain his health and deliver strong results out of the Royals' rotation in 2026.

Cabrera (ankle) is starting in right field and batting sixth in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Cabrera made his spring debut last week, which was his first game action since undergoing surgery to repair a fracture and ligament damage to his left ankle last May. He's gone 0-for-4 with a walk in his three Grapefruit League games thus far. Cabrera is competing for a bench role on the Yankees' Opening Day roster.

Palacios (back) will start at third base and bat eighth in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Palacios is ready to roll after missing a week-plus of action with back tightness. The 28-year-old is 2-for-15 at the dish so far this spring and is projected for a utility role this season in Tampa Bay.

Diaz (hand) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff in Friday's Grapefruit League tilt versus the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz missed more than a week of action while nursing a sore left hand, but he upped his workouts in recent days to clear the way for his return to action. The 34-year-old is slated to serve as the Rays' primary DH this season and will also see some playing time at first base.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that Lawlar will get some looks in the corner outfield before spring training is over, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Lawlar has seen time in center field during Cactus League action, but with Alek Thomas set to return from the World Baseball Classic after Team Mexico was eliminated, that path to playing time will dwindle. Lourdes Gurriel (knee) will be out until at least mid-April, so Lawlar could get opportunities in both center and left field when the regular season opens. He's hit well this spring, posting a .323/.432/.742 slash line with four home runs and six walks over 10 games, and he could add a speed-power dynamic to the bottom third of the order.

Mountcastle said Friday that his right hand is "all good" and that he should return to the Grapefruit League lineup Saturday against the Pirates, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The veteran first baseman departed Wednesday's contest after being hit by a pitch on the hand, but X-rays came back negative and seems set to rejoin the lineup after a couple days off. Mountcastle was limited to 89 games last season due to a hamstring strain and struggled to a .653 OPS when available. He's looking like the odd man out of Baltimore's lineup in 2026 after the club signed Pete Alonso to take over at first base.

Gurriel (knee) could return to game action by mid-April, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel is pushing to be ready by Opening Day, and an appearance in a Cactus League game as a designated hitter is still on the table, per Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. While Gurriel may be hoping to play Opening Day, comments made earlier this spring by manager Torey Lovullo suggest the team will take a more cautious approach with his recovery from September knee surgery.

Gaddis (forearm) threw off a mound Thursday, MLB.com reports.

The session was a low-intensity mound workout that emphasized mechanics over velocity. It's typically an intermediary step between flat-ground throwing and a full bullpen, helping a pitcher transition back toward facing live hitters. As yet, Gaddis' availability for Opening Day remains uncertain.

Smith did not allow a hit or walk while striking out two over a scoreless inning in Thursday's spring game against Milwaukee.

Smith made quick work of the Brewers in his third Cactus League appearance, needing just seven pitches to retire the side in order in the fifth inning. The Guardians' closer hasn't allowed a run, hit or walk while striking out four over three innings this spring.