MLB Player News

Carter batted leadoff and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's spring game against San Francisco.

Carter is a spring project, not just because of the back injury that limited him to 162 plate appearances in 2024, but also due to struggles against lefties. His one opportunity Saturday ended with a strikeout; it was a three-pitch at-bat during which the hitter with a reputation for discipline swung at pitches off the plate. Carter is 3-for-37 against MLB southpaws the last two seasons. If he does manage to be a competent hitter, Carter could see time as a leadoff hitter. Texas manager Bruce Bochy has offered conflicting statements about Marcus Semien being the default leadoff batter in 2025, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

Manning allowed three runs on three hits and four walks across 1.1 innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Manning followed starter Kenta Maeda, who tossed two scoreless innings, with a rough relief appearance to begin his spring schedule. Of particular concern is the four walks, as the righty struggled with command last season in the majors, posting a career-worst 3.9 BB/9 across 27.2 regular-season innings. The 27-year-old is vying for a roster spot during spring training, but continued struggles could relegate Manning to Triple-A Toledo, which is where he spent most of 2024.

Mahle allowed two runs on four hits and struck out two over two innings in Saturday's spring start against the the Giants.

Mahle gave up some loud contact during his Cactus League debut, including a two-run home run to former Ranger Sam Huff. After a couple of seasons marred by Tommy John elbow surgery and a shoulder injury, Mahle is expected to win a job in the Rangers' rotation.

Young has been limited so far in spring training due to a sore right arm, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Young appeared as a pinch hitter during Seattle's spring opener and remained in the game as the DH. He didn't play in the team's second Cactus League contest, though that wouldn't be unusual regardless of the arm issue. Given his ability to swing the bat, Young's injury doesn't appear to be a serious concern, though it wouldn't be surprising if the Mariners take a cautious approach with the young infielder. Young racked up 551 plate appearances at the Double-A level last season and could make his MLB debut sometime during the upcoming campaign.

Arias started at second base and went 1-for-2 in Saturday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Second base is one position battle playing out during the Guardians' spring training. Arias was given the first start of the Cactus League -- he lined a slider to center field for a single in his first at-bat -- and he'll be followed by others. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt told Steve Stockmar of MLB.com on Saturday that "four or five guys" are in the mix. The most anticipated of the bunch may be prospect Juan Brito, who slashed .256/.365/.443 with 21 homers and 13 steals in 2024 at Triple-A Columbus. Over the coming weeks, expect to see Brito along with Tyler Freeman, Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann at the keystone.

Maeda tossed two scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. He didn't allow a hit or a walk and struck out four.

Making his first spring training appearance, Maeda looked comfortable in a starting role, as he breezed through the first two innings of the game. The veteran righty has displayed increased velocity in camp, and that translated into four strikeouts among the six batters he retired. Maeda struggled mightily in 2024, posting a career-worst 6.09 ERA across 112.1 regular-season innings, but a bounceback campaign is possible in 2025. With Alex Cobb (hip) unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, Maeda may have a path to some starts in the early going.

Murphy (elbow) has thrown two bullpen sessions early this spring, Christopher Smith of MassLive reports.

Murphy has thrown a 10-pitch and a 15-pitch bullpen this spring as he works his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last April. The southpaw missed all of last season due to the procedure after throwing 47.2 innings over 20 appearances out of the bullpen for the Red Sox as a rookie in 2023. Smith said Sunday that he's currently aiming to throw to live hitters April 10 and that there's a possibility he could be ready for game action during the first half of the campaign. He added that he's unsure what his role will be upon making it back to the big club, though Smith indicated a desire to be used in a multi-inning role, saying, "I feel like that's something that's going on in baseball now -- guys that can go two innings, guys that can go three innings. So have some utility."

Astros manager Joe Espada said Sunday that Trammell's right calf strain is "pretty significant," Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury while running the bases Friday and remains without an official recovery timeline, though it appears his availability for the start of the regular season could be in jeopardy. Trammell already faced long odds to crack Houston's Opening Day roster, and a multi-week absence during spring training will only dampen his outlook.

The Rangers signed Pillar (thumb) to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training Sunday.

Pillar said last summer that he was leaning toward retirement, but he later changed his mind and stated in December that he hopes to play in 2025. The veteran outfielder will have a chance to battle for a roster spot during spring training with the Rangers, who would represent the 10th team he's played for over a seven-year span if he's able to make the club. Pillar underwent left thumb surgery during the offseason, but the issue isn't expected to hold him back from taking part in games during the exhibition slate.

Bello (shoulder) has extended his throwing program to 90 feet and will undergo a strength test Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The right-hander was shut down briefly at the start of camp due to shoulder soreness, and he's still building up his arm strength before progressing to bullpen sessions. Bello's availability for the beginning of the regular season remains up in the air, and he may need to return to mound work soon to avoid a delayed start to the campaign.