MLB Player News

Garcia went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

Garcia was making his return after an eight-day absence due to a left oblique strain. The 32-year-old slugger brought his boom stick with him, recording three batted balls in play that were classified as hard hit: a 96.6 mph double, a 105.9 mph lineout and a 110.0 mph flyout. According to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, Garcia's average exit velocity over his first eight spring contests was 86.7 mph, a drop from his career average of 91.5 mph. He served as the designated hitter Wednesday and is expected to play right field Thursday.

Smith will start in right field and bat cleanup in Thursday's split-squad game against the Cardinals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

After acclimating himself to the position on the back fields, Smith will play right for the first time in a Grapefruit League game while running with the rest of Houston's "A" lineup. Acquired from the Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade, Smith is widely considered his new organization's top prospect, and he appears to have a real chance to make the Opening Day roster despite limited experience in the minors. The 22-year-old is 9-for-20 with a pair of homers and seven RBI so far this spring.

Raleigh went 0-for-3 with a walk in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Royals and is now batting just .129 (4-for-31) with one home run and five RBI this spring.

Raleigh got off to fast start during spring training in 2024, belting four homers in 44 plate appearances, but it's been a sluggish beginning at the dish thus far this year. Even so, the Mariners are still set to rely on Raleigh as a key cog in their lineup in 2025. Although Raleigh hasn't finished with a batting average higher than .232 in any of his four MLB seasons, the switch-hitting slugger has smashed at least 27 long balls in each campaign since 2022.

Bido gave up two runs over five innings with four strikeouts and no walks in Wednesday's spring loss to Arizona. Despite a 9.24 ERA this spring, he still looks set to win the A's fourth starter job, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Bido made a strong impression with a 3.41 ERA and 24.3 percent strikeout rate last season, and A's management entered spring training pretty convinced he'd be part of the rotation. His improvement in Wednesday's start should help alleviate any concerns following the early spring struggles.

Drury has a chance to earn a roster spot with the White Sox to begin the regular season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Drury had a poor 2024 season, but he had previously posted consecutive campaigns with at least an .800 OPS. He has hit well this spring by collecting nine hits across 30 at-bats, including one home run and five doubles. Drury is likely to be a bench bat even if he makes the roster, though he's an option to keep an eye on with so many unproven options in the White Sox's lineup.

Lynch has put himself in contention for the fifth starter role with a strong spring, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. He has a 1.80 ERA with nine strikeouts and no walks in 10 Cactus League innings.

Kris Bubic was seen as the leading candidate for the fifth starter role but has struggled a bit this spring with a 5.59 ERA, although that comes with an 8:2 K:BB across 9.2 innings. It's more likely Lynch begins the season in the bullpen, but he could join the rotation if there's an opening -- and Alec Marsh is currently dealing with a shoulder injury.

Soriano tossed three innings in a Cactus League contest against the White Sox on Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out five batters.

While Soriano allowed frequent traffic on the basepaths, only one of the batters he put on base came around to score. This was the second straight spring appearance during which Soriano issued three walks in three innings, and he's handed out eight free passes over nine frames through four starts this spring. On the plus side, he's also struck out 13 batters after posting a modest 7.7 K/9 in the majors last season. Soriano is locked into a spot in the middle of the Angels' rotation for the coming campaign.

Topa (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Topa left last Wednesday's game due to right shoulder tightness. He said the move was largely precautionary, and he did not require an MRI. Topa expects to throw again Friday. While he's making progress in his recovery, it's not clear if he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Eeles will begin the season on the Triple-A injured list after undergoing offseason surgery to address a cartilage issue, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Eeles signed with the Twins for $500 out of an independent league last year and then rose quickly from Low-A to Triple-A during the season. He hit .307/.435/.497 with 12 home runs and 41 stolen bases between three levels and hit .299 with a .919 OPS at Triple-A. It was the first season in the minors for the Cedarville University graduate, so he could be a late bloomer at age 25 if healthy.

Culpepper was scratched from Saturday's prospect showcase roster because of a hamstring injury, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

He is expected to be ready for the start of the minor-league regular season, however. Culpepper hit .242/.330/.394 with three home runs between Low-A and High-A last season in just 26 games after signing with the Twins. The 21st overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft has a strong hit tool, but he lacks impactful power or speed.