MLB Player News

Ortiz allowed six runs on six hits and one walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers.

Ortiz gave up three runs in the first and second innings before departing after 37 pitches (20 strikes). He had trouble finding the plate and paid for it. One silver lining was Ortiz's fastball velocity, which topped out at 97.6 mph. Another is that spring games don't count. The right-hander's career took a leap in 2024, when he posted a 3.32 ERA as a swingman for the Pirates, and Ortiz is expected to win a job as a full-time starter in Cleveland.

Ragans gave up two hits and a walk while collecting two strikeouts over two scoreless innings during his Cactus League debut against the Athletics on Monday.

In his first appearance since signing a contract extension to remain with the Royals through 2027, Ragans looked as sharp as ever Monday. He threw 25 of his 34 pitches for strikes and averaged 96.9 mph on his fastball (compared to 95.5 mph during the 2024 regular season). The 27-year-old southpaw figures to be one of the leading candidates to start Opening Day against the Guardians on March 27, though the Royals haven't made an official announcement yet.

Bazzana walked twice and hit a three-run home run in Tuesday's Cactus League game against Milwaukee.

Bazzana entered in the sixth inning to play second base. The 22-year-old's notoriously discerning eye was on display in his first two plate appearances when he worked walks. He then jumped on the first pitch he saw in the bottom the ninth inning, going deep over the wall in right field. He's not expected to win the Guardians' open job at second base to start the season, but Bazzana and his 70 hit tool could reach the majors in 2025.

Freeman started at second base and went 1-for-2 with two RBI in Tuesday's Cactus League game against Milwaukee.

Freeman was the fourth different player to start at second base for the Guardians. The competition will continue to rage through the Cactus League. Thus far, Gabriel Arias, Juan Brito, Angel Martinez and now Freeman have gotten looks. Daniel Schneemann is expected to get a turn as well. The eventual winner will be keeping the spot warm for Travis Bazzana, last year's No. 1 overall pick who homered and walked twice as the backup to Freeman on Tuesday.

Aleman had an appointment Tuesday to evaluate what may be an inguinal hernia.

Aleman hasn't yet received an official diagnosis, but a hernia and the ensuing procedure to address it would sideline him for an extended period of time and all but eliminate his chances at making the Guardians' Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old righty posted a 1.99 ERA and 1.08 WHIP at Triple-A Columbus last season, but he was limited to just 24 appearances after a lat injury kept him out for three months. He's likely to spend more time in the minors once healthy, though he's a candidate to be called up at some point this summer.

Jobe allowed two runs on a hit and a walk across two innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. He struck out one.

Making his spring debut, Jobe allowed a two-run home run to Heston Kjerstad but otherwise managed to navigate a tough Baltimore lineup playing plenty of regulars. The 22-year-old righty made his brief MLB debut toward the end of the 2024 regular season and is now hoping to make Detroit's 2025 rotation right out of camp. Jobe stands a good chance to do just that if he has a productive spring, which makes the top prospect a popular breakout candidate heading into the season.

Greene went 2-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

Making his first appearance of the spring, Greene wasted no time in delivering his first home run as well. The 24-year-old outfielder set career highs across the board last season and seems primed for another step forward in 2025. Greene should be a dependable fantasy asset with a fairly stable floor, and he offers plenty of upside as well, making him an attractive target in drafts.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Tuesday that Loperfido (neck/back) is not experiencing any concussion symptoms, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Loperfido was involved in a scary situation during Tuesday's game versus the Cardinals when he stumbled and crashed head-first into the outfield wall while chasing down a flyball. However, he appears to have avoided a serious injury, escaping with merely some neck and upper-back discomfort. Loperfido will be re-evaluated Wednesday but "hopefully doesn't miss much time," per Schneider.

Effross will likely undergo testing after exiting a Grapefruit League appearance Tuesday against the Twins with a hamstring injury, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Effross lasted only one pitch before grabbing at his hamstring and walking off the field with the trainer. The reliever missed all of the 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and made just 32 appearances between the majors and minors in 2024 while coming back from back surgery.

Effross was removed from Tuesday's Grapefruit League appearance versus the Twins with an apparent leg injury, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Effross threw just one pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning before grabbing his hamstring area and walking off the mound with the trainer. The Yankees should have more on the reliever's condition soon.