MLB Player News

The Athletics traded Spence to the Royals on Thursday in exchange for A.J. Causey.

After being DFA'd by the A's on Tuesday, Spence will recapture a 40-man roster spot by moving to Kansas City. The 27-year-old reliever turned in a 5.10 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 84.2 innings last season and will be in the running for a spot in the Royals' Opening Day bullpen. He has two minor-league options remaining, however, so there is a chance he opens the year at Triple-A Omaha instead. Alec Marsh (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Lugo (back) threw a bullpen session in Royals camp Thursday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Lugo was sidelined for the final month of last season with a nagging back injury, but he does not appear to have any restrictions at the start of spring training. The veteran right-hander collected a 2.67 ERA in the first half in 2025 but posted a 7.51 ERA in his final nine starts before getting hurt. Lugo could very well bounce back in 2026 now that he's healthy, but he's 36 and has a 21.1 percent strikeout rate since 2024, so there is risk.

The Twins designated Kowar (shoulder) for assignment Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The transaction clears a 40-man roster spot for Anthony Banda, who was acquired via trade Thursday. Kowar was a waiver claim of the Twins earlier this month and could now be on the move again. He ended last season on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, and it's unclear what Kowar's current health status is.

The Twins acquired Banda from the Dodgers on Thursday in exchange for international bonus pool money, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Banda had been designated for assignment last week and is now on his way to a new organization. The lefty collected a 3.14 ERA and 111:52 K:BB over 114.2 regular-season innings during his time with the Dodgers and should fill a high-leverage relief role as part of an unsettled Twins bullpen.

Bliss (knee/biceps) went through a full infield workout and was scheduled to hit Thursday in Mariners camp, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Bliss missed virtually all of the 2025 season, first due to April biceps surgery and later a September meniscus tear. However, it would seem he has been cleared to participate fully at the beginning of spring training. The 26-year-old is theoretically in the mix for the second-base job, but it's likely he will begin the season at Triple-A Tacoma as he knocks off some rust.

Crismatt needs right elbow surgery and will be sidelined indefinitely, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

It's unclear what specific procedure Crismatt requires, but even a minor one will likely sidelined him for a least a few months. The right-hander is in Rangers camp as a non-roster invitee. If Crismatt is able to make it back later this season, he'll likely pitch at Triple-A Round Rock.

Thorpe has been slowed by tendinitis in his surgically repaired right elbow, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Thorpe missed all of the 2025 season after having Tommy John surgery last March, and he's hit a speed bump in his recovery. The right-hander is not currently shut down, as he's scheduled for three flat-ground throwing sessions this week and is hopeful he's cleared to throw off a mound within the next three weeks. Thorpe still have a chance to contribute for the White Sox during the first half, but he can't afford any more setbacks.

The Guardians re-signed Lively (elbow) to a two-year minor-league contract Thursday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Lively will be in camp with Cleveland as he continues his rehab from a UCL reconstruction and flexor tendon repair that he had last May. He's currently throwing out to 75 feet, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The right-hander has a chance to make some appearances late in the 2026 season, but this is more of a depth addition for 2027 by the Guardians. Lively has posted a 3.68 ERA and 147:64 K:BB over 195.2 innings covering 38 starts during his two seasons in Cleveland.

Walcott will undergo UCL surgery on his right elbow and will miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

The hope is that Walcott needs internal brace surgery rather than a full Tommy John repair, but the Rangers won't know until he has the procedure in a few days. The former would give him a slight chance to return late in the season. Slated to turn 20 in March, Walcott is one of the game's elite prospects and could have pushed for a major-league debut this season. He slashed .255/.355/.386 with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases over 124 games in 2025 at Double-A Frisco as a 19-year-old.

Cease has been working on changing the shape of his four-seam fastball and adding a changeup to his arsenal, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander has always had premium raw stuff in his high-90s fastball, which averaged a career-high 98.1 mph in 2025, and plus slider, but his actual results have rarely matched the scouting reports. Adding a change or splitter could help improve his numbers against left-handed hitters -- last season with the Padres, Cease had a 4.00 K/BB and 31.4 percent strikeout rate against RHP, but just a 2.36 K/BB and 28.0 percent K rate against LHP. Until he begins using any new pitches in game action, however, there's no reason to expect something radically different than the pitch mix that saw him use his four-seamer and slider 83.1 percent of the time last year.