MLB Player News

X-rays came back negative on Thomas' right knee following Saturday's spring game against the Rangers, Jessica Kleinschmidt of TheComeback.com reports.

Jones was removed in the sixth inning of Saturday's game after taking a hard liner from Brent Rooker while standing on third base. Jones appears to have avoided a serious injury, but he'll undergo further tests over the next couple of days to determine the severity of the issue. Jones finished the 2024 regular season in Triple-A and could see some time in the majors in 2025.

Stewart left Saturday's spring training outing against Atlanta after two batters due to an apparent injury. He was unable to continue pitching after retiring a batter and walked off with a trainer under his own power.

The specific injury wasn't immediately clear, but it's an ominous development given his lengthy injury history. Stewart finished the 2024 season on the injured list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last August, but he was on track to be ready for Opening Day before this setback.

Rojas left in the fourth inning of Saturday's spring game against Colorado due to soreness in his right big toe.

Rojas went 0-for-2 before being replaced by Jordan Sprinkle at third base. An update on Rojas' injury should be made once he undergoes further testing. Rojas had gone 10-for-30 with two walks, two RBI and six runs scored in spring training heading into Saturday's game.

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.

Thomas left in the sixth inning of Saturday's spring game against the Rangers due to a knee injury, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Thomas took a hard liner to the right knee from Brent Rooker while standing on third base. Thomas exited the game with the help of a trainer, and the club should provide an update on the 24-year-old once he's undergone further testing. Thomas spent the second half of the 2024 season with Triple-A Las Vegas and finished with a slash line of .272/.344/.559 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI across 314 plate appearances.

Leiter didn't pitch as scheduled Thursday against the Tigers due to a back injury, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Leiter's injury doesn't seem to be anything too serious, but the Yankees are choosing to be cautious with the righty. He's slated to face hitters in a live batting practice session Sunday, and if all goes well he could return to playing in the Grapefruit League soon.

Haniger has been out since March 8 due to discomfort in his left shoulder, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

It's unclear how severe Haniger's injury is or when he might return to the Mariners' lineup, though the fact he's gone a week without playing is discouraging. Before his injury, the 34-year-old had gone 3-for-18 with a home run and three strikeouts over seven spring games.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that Bradford (elbow) will be shut down from throwing for four weeks, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Bochy's comments confirm that Bradford is not looking at a minimum-length stay on the injured list, as the left-hander will likely need significant time to build back up once his no-throw period is over. With Jon Gray (wrist) also slated to miss the beginning of the season, Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are both likely to join the Rangers' Opening Day rotation.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that Gray (wrist) will miss "extended time," Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Early estimates have Gray sitting out roughly six weeks with a fractured right wrist, though nothing is set in stone at this point. While he's out, Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter should both have a decent shot at making the Rangers' Opening Day rotation.

The Guardians optioned Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Nikhazy wasn't very effective this spring, giving up seven earned runs on five hits and six walks, though he impressively struck out 12 batters in 8.2 innings. He'll look to get back on track with Columbus, and he could be a candidate to debut at some point this year after posting a 2.87 ERA in Triple-A last season.