MLB Player News

Rodgers signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Rodgers slashed .267/.314/.407 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI over 539 plate appearances with the Rockies last season. However, his OPS dropped to .571 when he wasn't hitting at Coors Field, which likely factored into Colorado's decision to non-tender him in November. Now in Houston, he figures to have a better chance of making the Opening Day roster with Jose Altuve moving to left field, though Rodgers will still have plenty of competition for the second-base job during spring training from Mauricio Dubon and Shay Whitcomb, among others.

Sweeney said he's made some "minor swing changes" since the end of last season to hit MLB fastballs better, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Sweeney seems focused on timing and working to catch up to fastballs better at the MLB level. He had a .245 average and a 19.8 percent whiff rate against the pitch last year, and all four of his home runs came off of breaking balls. Sweeney could be Detroit's Opening Day shortstop, though veteran Javier Baez (hip) is looming as competition as he gets back to full strength. However, Sweeney could parlay a strong start to the year into some job security.

Torres is expected to play nearly every day at second base and bat in the top half of Detroit's lineup, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Torres seemed set for a key role when he agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal back in December, and early reports out of camp support this notion. He was the only player taking reps at second base Monday and the team expects him to hit high in the order. Torres served as the Yankees' leadoff man for 56 games during the 2024 regular season, though he also regularly batted fifth or lower in New York's stacked lineup. The Tigers may install Torres as their leadoff hitter, but even if he's not hitting first, the 28-year-old appears primed to fill a key run-producing spot most days. He could be poised for a big season with his new club.

White, who missed most of the 2024 season with elbow issues, has been looking good early in camp, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

White logged only 7.1 innings last season across several minor-league levels before getting shut down. The righty then underwent hydrodissection in August for nerve issues. After a lengthy recovery, White is aiming to once again push for a bullpen role with the Tigers. He logged 40.2 innings for Detroit back in 2023 and posted a 5.09 ERA. While getting back to the majors would be a personal victory for White, he's unlikely to be anything more than a low-leverage option.

Solano has yet to report to spring camp due to visa issues, though the team hopes he will arrive by Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The Mariners' Cactus League schedule begins Friday, so Solano should still be available for Seattle's entire slate of exhibition games as long as he arrives by then. The 37-year-old slashed .286/.343/.417 with eight homers and 35 RBI across 309 regular-season plate appearances with the Padres last year, and he's expected to begin 2025 in the short side of a platoon at first base with Luke Raley.

Garcia (forearm) tossed a bullpen session Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Garcia is slightly behind the Rangers' healthy relievers in camp while he contends with forearm nerve irritation, but he doesn't appear at much risk of missing out on a spot in the Opening Day roster, provided he steers clear of setbacks for the remainder of spring training. He likely won't be available for the Rangers' three Cactus League games over the weekend but could be ready to make his spring debut at some point next week.

Thorpe (elbow) sat at 84-to-85 miles per hour with his fastball during a 20-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The reduced velocity was by design as he gradually ramps up while working his way back from September surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. Thorpe will throw bullpen sessions for three weeks before progressing to live batting practice. Given that timeline, Thorpe appears unlikely to be ready in time for Opening Day, though the White Sox have not revealed a concrete timetable for the young right-hander.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said recently that Springs (elbow) had a "full, healthy offseason," and he does not expect the lefty's workload to be limited in 2025, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Springs threw only 16 innings in 2023 before needing Tommy John surgery and totaled 65 frames in 2024 before being shut down late in the year with left elbow fatigue. However, he was able to go through his normal offseason throwing program and will be nearly two full years removed from surgery on Opening Day. While Kotsay probably won't ride Springs too hard early in the season, he expects the southpaw to make "30-plus starts."

Bader is expected to see a "significant amount of playing time" in left field for the Twins this season, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Bader's best asset is his defense in center field, which is where each of his last 651 regular-season appearances have come. However, as long as he's healthy, Byron Buxton is slated to handle the bulk of the playing time in center field. Trevor Larnach is projected to start in left field against right-handers, but he could yield to Bader regularly versus lefties.

Rengifo (wrist) said Tuesday that he began his normal offseason training in late December and is entering spring training without limitations, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Rengifo underwent right wrist surgery last August but appears to be 100 percent recovered at the beginning of camp. The switch hitter should be an everyday player for the Angels in 2025, although it might not necessarily be at one position. Rengifo saw most of his action in 2024 at second and third base, but he's also expected to get a look in the outfield this spring. Manager Ron Washington said he prefers Rengifo at third base over second base, but that he will see time again at both spots.