MLB Player News

Manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Santander has been away from Blue Jays camp while tending to visa issues, but Santander is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Friday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Santander had reported to camp previously but then had to leave to sort some things out. He will go through a full workout Thursday before playing Friday against the Yankees. Santander signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto in January.

Richardson gave up one run over two innings with three strikeouts in Tuesday's spring training start against the Yankees. His reached 93.7 mph with his fastball, MLB.com reports.

Richardson allowed just a solo home run. He's seen as the leading candidate for the fifth starter job in a competition with David Festa and Zebby Matthews (and possibly the fourth starter spot as well if Chris Paddack falters). Richardson's success last season keyed off his improved velocity -- up to 93.1 mph average fastball from 90.6 mph in 2023 -- and it's encouraging to see him throwing almost 94 mph this early in camp.

Acton (elbow) struck out two and gave up one earned run on one hit over an inning of relief Friday in the Rays' 6-4 loss to the Red Sox.

Acton made his big-league debut with the Athletics in 2023, but he was limited to just six appearances before getting sent back to the minors and then suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. He was released soon after sustaining the injury and then caught on with the Rays in December 2023 on a two-year, minor-league deal. After spending all of last season completing his rehab program, Acton doesn't appear to be operating with any limitations in spring training. The 26-year-old right-hander is expected to open the 2025 season at Triple-A Durham.

Langford (oblique) resumed light baseball activities Wednesday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Langford was diagnosed with a mild left oblique strain last week but was able to throw and run the bases Wednesday and said afterward that he's "feeling great." While he could hit in the batting cage by this weekend, the outfielder is still a week or so away from his Cactus League debut, per manager Bruce Bochy. The club is not worried at this juncture that Langford might not be ready for Opening Day, but the young outfielder can't afford any setbacks.

Schmidt (back) threw a "two-up" bullpen session Tuesday and expects to throw a live batting practice session by this weekend, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

As long as Schmidt gets through his live batting practice session without any problems, he should be cleared for game action in short order, perhaps as soon as next week. The right-hander is working his way back from a minor back issue, but at this point there is no real concern about his Opening Day availability.

Cousins (forearm) will resume a throwing program Monday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Cousins reported to camp earlier this month with a right forearm strain but got his arm re-imaged recently and the results were "really good," the pitcher said Wednesday, adding that he's "ready to go." The reliever will have been shut down for nearly five weeks and will not be ready for Opening Day, but the hope is he will not have to miss much time.

Rivas turned his left ankle during infield drills Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Rivas injured his ankle while stepping on second base and had to limp off the practice field. The Mariners are optimistic that he'll need only a few days of rest before returning to workouts. Rivas is competing this spring for a reserve infielder job.

Ynoa (shoulder/elbow) is listed as an available reliever for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After being non-tendered by Atlanta over the winter, Ynoa caught on with the Twins on a minor-league deal. Ynoa missed considerable time in 2024 while tending to elbow inflammation and a shoulder injury, but he finished the past season healthy, as he was able to make six rehab appearances at Triple-A Gwinnett in September, including two of at least two innings. Ynoa has worked as a starter for most of his professional career, but with injuries having limited his availability in recent years, the Twins may be preparing him for a multi-inning relief role at Triple-A St. Paul to begin the season.

Gage, who signed a minor-league contract with the Tigers on Dec. 20, gave up two earned runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one batter in one inning of relief Friday in the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Phillies in Grapefruit League play.

Gage previously saw big-league action in 2022 and 2023 with the Blue Jays and Astros, respectively, but he spent the entire 2024 campaign at the Triple-A level between stops with the Dodgers and Mets organizations, logging a 4.10 ERA and 51:22 K:BB in 41.2 innings. Though he's getting a chance to compete for a spot in the Tigers' Opening Day bullpen during spring training, the 32-year-old southpaw will most likely be headed to Triple-A Toledo to begin the campaign.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that the club is hoping Wong (shoulder) will be ready to make his Grapefruit League debut this weekend, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Wong has been behind schedule due to shoulder soreness, but he will face live pitching Thursday and Friday. If that goes well, Wong will be cleared to play in games. It's not clear whether his initial game action would come as a designated hitter or if he would be allowed to catch right away, but Wong should be ready to serve as Boston's top backstop by the time Opening Day arrives.