MLB Player News

Trout (knee) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Monday versus the Giants, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Angels manager Ron Washington didn't reveal whether Trout would make his first start of the spring at designated hitter or if he'll be used in right field, the position that he's expected to play on a regular basis in 2025 after he had exclusively played in center field over the past decade. The Angels' decision to shift Trout to a corner spot is borne out of an effort to preserve his health, after he played 82 games or fewer in three of the past four seasons. Trout was limited to a career-low 29 games in 2024 after he required a pair of surgeries to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, with the most recent procedure taking place Aug. 7. While the 33-year-old now appears to be fully healthy, his poor medical record over the past few seasons means that fantasy managers will have to be willing to accept a high level of risk in investing in the three-time American League MVP. Additionally, Trout's move to the corner outfield could hint that he'll be less aggressive on the basepaths to guard against a potential injury.

Angels manager Ron Washington named Kikuchi the team's Opening Day starter for their March 27 matchup against the White Sox, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The skipper referred to the decision as "obvious" after Kikuchi was handed a three-year, $63 million contract over the offseason. With the lowly White Sox on the docket for the opener, Kikuchi will have a great chance to make a positive first impression with his new club.

The Rangers paused Drake's throwing program Thursday while he manages a stiff back, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The injury seems to be of the day-to-day variety, but Drake's prognosis could change if he fails to respond well to rest in the coming days. The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign in which he posted a 2.29 ERA and 148:31 K:BB across 106 innings covering three levels. If healthy, Drake will likely begin the 2025 season either at Double-A Frisco or Triple-A Round Rock.

Morton wasn't present for Thursday's full-squad workout due to an illness, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Provided the ailment isn't anything too severe, Morton should resume working out with the Orioles within the next few days. After signing a one-year, $15 million deal with Baltimore over the winter, Morton is expected to open his age-41 season as the Orioles' No. 3 starter behind Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin.

Giolito (elbow) is scheduled to throw his first live batting practice session of the spring in the coming days, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Giolito is a few days behind the Red Sox' other starting pitchers as he comes back from an internal brace procedure, but he has already thrown several bullpen sessions. The expectation is that the right-hander will be ready to go for Opening Day, and he should open the season in Boston's rotation, particularly if the club elects to go with a six-man setup.

Garcia (knee) reworked his swing during the offseason, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The outfielder is coming off a 2024 season during which he posted career lows in average (.224) and OPS (.684). As such, Garcia worked to remove a loop at the top of swing and generally tighten it up. Texas manager Bruce Bochy described the swing as "quieter" and said Garcia is being more direct to the ball. Bochy also noted the slugger's gait and spring while running the bases, which indicates the patella injury sustained late in 2024 will not be an issue when the Rangers begin Cactus League games.

Schmidt (back) will throw a bullpen session Friday and is unconcerned about his availability for Opening Day, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Schmidt has been slowed a bit early on in camp by a minor back issue, but he'll resume mound work Friday and expects to be ready to pitch in Grapefruit League games soon. Barring a setback, the right-hander should be ready to roll come Opening Day.

DeLauter's offseason preparation focused more on mobility than strictly strength, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

DeLauter's bat and plate discipline gets a lot of attention, deservedly so, but he's dealt with foot injuries each year since being a first-round draft pick in 2022. Hence, the prospect's desire to stay healthy and compete for a potential role on the big-league roster. "As Chase continues to develop, it's about understanding what it takes for that body to be able to play every day," Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. "He's around some really good people and really good resources to start to understand what his body is telling him." DeLauter had just 168 plate appearances in 2024, including 27 at Triple-A Columbus, suggesting he's not expected to win a job outright in camp. He can play all three outfield spots and could eventually be the answer in right field, which is one of the position battles going on in spring training.

Owens is looking sharp so far in spring training and could push for an MLB bullpen role this season, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Owens, who was acquired last summer in the trade that sent Carson Kelly to Texas, is just 5-foot-10, but he has a unique delivery and can reach the upper 90s with his fastball. The 24-year-old pitched well following the trade, recording a 2.80 ERA and 35 strikeouts across 35.1 innings with Double-A Erie, and he figures to make the jump to Triple-A this year. Owens is also already on the 40-man roster, so if he continues to pitch well in the minors, his MLB debut might not be too far off as a member of Detroit's bullpen.

Stripling agreed to a minor-league contract with the Royals on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Stripling has been a successful swingman at times throughout his career but had to settle for a minor-league deal after posting a 6.01 ERA across 85.1 innings with the Athletics last season. While the veteran right-hander will compete for a place on the Opening Day roster, he should be considered more likely to begin the campaign at Triple-A Omaha.