MLB Player News

Gallo announced Sunday via social media that he plans to make a full-time transition to pitching.

Gallo requested, and was granted, his release from the White Sox on Sunday after going 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts in nine games during spring training. The 32-year-old primarily played first base during his time with the Nationals last season, but he showcased elite arm strength when he played more of the outfield earlier in his career. Chicago wasn't willing to hold onto him as he transitioned to pitching, so Gallo will have to hope he can show enough potential on the mound to latch on somewhere else.

The White Sox released Gallo on Sunday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Gallo linked up with the White Sox on a minor-league deal in mid-February after the Nationals declined his $8 million mutual option for the 2025 season. He struggled in nine spring outings, going 2-for-20 with one walk and one RBI while striking out 11 times. Gallo is now a free agent after being granted his unconditional release by the White Sox, and the 31-year-old could struggle to catch on with another club ahead of Opening Day.

Torkelson is set to see some time in right field to wrap up spring training, starting with Monday's contest against the Pirates, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Detroit's outfield has been ravaged by injuries, with Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) both set to miss Opening Day. Wenceel Perez also recently dealt with back tightness, though he managed to return Saturday after missing a few days of action. Even with Perez back in the fold, the Tigers could use some more outfield depth, which is why they're giving Torkelson a try. He has only ever played first base or served as the DH in the majors, though the former Arizona State star did see some time in the outfield during his college days. Any additional positional versatility would help Torkelson's chances of making the Opening Day roster and could give him a bit more fantasy value this season.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Sunday that Walker (oblique) is scheduled to return to spring games next weekend and should be ready for Opening Day, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Walker has been rehabbing from a sore left oblique that developed in early March and has progressed to hitting in a batting cage. Walker signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Astros in December after spending the last eight seasons with the Diamondbacks.

Manzardo went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's spring game against the Royals.

Manzardo launched his third Cactus League home run and is batting .412 (14-for-34) with five extra-base hits and seven RBI through 13 games. The 24-year-old should be a lineup regular in 2025 for the Guardians, either at designated hitter or first base.

Mancini went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Saturday's spring game against the White Sox.

The veteran signed an NRI deal with the Diamondbacks just prior to camp and has hit well, going 9-for-21 with two doubles, a home run and three RBI over 13 Cactus League games. Most of Mancini's appearances have come off the bench against lesser-quality pitching, signaling that's he's not likely to win an Opening Day roster spot. He told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that he does not intend to opt out of his minor-league contract if doesn't make the team's initial 26-man roster.

Kurtz, who was hit by a pitch on his right hand during Saturday's game against the Rangers, underwent X-rays that came back negative, Jessica Kleinschmidt of TheComeback.com reports.

Kurtz took a fastball off his hand in the seventh inning and was taken out of the game immediately. Initial imaging didn't reveal any fractures, but he'll continue to undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury.

Kurtz was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rangers after getting hit on the hand by a pitch, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kurtz took a 94-mph fastball off his hand in the seventh inning of Saturday's contest and was immediately replaced on the basepaths. The 22-year-old prospect will presumably undergo imaging to make sure he avoided serious damage, and the team should offer an update on his status in the near future.

Eldridge won't play in Saturday's Spring Breakout game due to minor left hand soreness, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

While Eldridge's hand issue will be enough to keep him from playing Saturday, it doesn't sound like it's going to keep him from playing in any Triple-A games once the minor-league season begins. The 20-year-old first baseman breezed through San Francisco's farm system last season but slowed down considerably once he reached Triple-A. He'll likely spend most of the season with Sacramento, though a debut in 2025 is certainly on the table.

The Rays exercised Diaz's $12 million option for 2026 and added a vesting option for 2027 on Friday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Diaz's option for 2027 would vest if he reaches certain performance thresholds in 2026. The 33-year-old's performance in 2024 fell off a bit compared to his 2023 and 2022 seasons, but he still slashed .281/.341/.414 with 14 home runs in 2024 and boasts a career .373 on-base percentage. Diaz is slated to serve as the Rays' primary first baseman again in 2025, and he should also see ample starts at designated hitter.