MLB Player News

Williams went 2-for-3 in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers and is now 7-for-19 with an RBI this spring.

Williams, one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, closed out last season in the major leagues and is now trying to break Rays camp with an Opening Day roster spot. The 22-year-old infielder has hit safely in six of his eight Grapefruit League appearances so far, picking up a pair of doubles as well. He's competing primarily with the switch-hitting Taylor Walls, who has gone 5-for-12 with a home run and three RBI in four spring outings, for regular reps at shortstop, and Williams could still open the new year with Triple-A Durham if Gavin Lux (upper body) and Richie Palacios (back) are healthy.

Mayo went 1-for-3 with a single in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals and is now 9-for-22 with five RBI this spring.

Mayo is raking during spring training, hitting safely in six of his nine Grapefruit League outings to go with a trio of doubles and multi-hit games overall. Jordan Westburg (elbow) isn't expected to make his season debut until May at the earliest, leaving the door open for Mayo to begin the year as Baltimore's top third baseman. Mayo, a former top prospect, is looking to find some footing in the major leagues in 2026 after slashing .201/.285/.349 with 11 homers, 12 doubles and 28 RBI over his first 340 career plate appearances.

Candelario was spotted taking grounders at second base Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It remains to be seen whether the Angels will give Candelario a chance at second base during an exhibition, but Bollinger notes that his work at the keystone is an effort to improve his versatility. The Angels are presumably enjoying what they've seen so far this spring out of the 32-year-old, who is 8-for-24 with one home run, four RBI and five runs scored.

Valdez allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits across four innings of work in Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Rays. He struck out six.

Valdez has now made two spring training appearances with his new team, and he's allowed just the one earned run across seven innings of work with nine strikeouts. The lefty gives the Tigers a dynamic 1-2 punch with ace Tarik Skubal, and Valdez seems like he's ready for the regular season. Expect him to start Detroit's second game of the year against the Padres on March 27 and once again have a strong fantasy campaign if he can stay healthy, which Valdez has mostly been able to do the last four seasons.

McGonigle went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

McGonigle unofficially took Luis Severino deep in an exhibition game against Team Dominican Republic last week, but now the top prospect has his first official spring training home run. The young infielder has looked good in Grapefruit League play with a .350/.458/.700 slash line across 20 at-bats in 10 contests. McGonigle is not currently on the 40-man roster and still seems likely to start the year in the minors, though he's certainly knocking loudly on the door to the majors, and he seems ready to be a fantasy contributor as soon as he makes his MLB debut.

Clark was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday.

This was the expected outcome for the top prospect, who has yet to appear above the Double-A level and is still only 21 years old. While Clark went just 2-for-18 with five strikeouts in Grapefruit League play, he still managed to impress manager A.J. Hinch with his preparation and attention to detail, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Clark will likely see time at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season, and he could force himself up to the majors if he plays well in the minors, though he'll need to be added to the 40-man roster first.

Fried allowed one run on two hits while striking out six over four innings during Monday's exhibition against the Pirates. Manager Aaron Boone stated after the game that Fried will start on Opening Day, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

This is an unsurprising development for Fried, who turned in yet another solid spring appearance Monday evening. He didn't disappoint in his first season in the Bronx one year ago, as he posted a 2.86 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with a 189:51 K:BB across 195.1 regular-season innings. It's also worth noting that the southpaw was able to remain healthy in 2025, resulting in career highs in starts, innings pitched, wins and strikeouts during the regular season.

Volpe (shoulder) has been cleared to hit overhand tosses and is taking part in baserunning and defensive drills, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees' last update noted that Volpe had progressed to hitting off a tee, so this is another step in the right direction. It's also promising that he's been participating in fielding drills, though the club remains firm that the 24-year-old will not be permitted to dive on his left shoulder until April. Volpe remains in line to begin the regular season on the injured list, and a more exact timetable for his return should come into focus as he nears the final hurdles in his rehab.

The Yankees optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Rodriguez made two Grapefruit League starts this spring, allowing two runs with a 5:1 K:BB over six frames. The 22-year-old grabbed a spot on the Yankees' 40-man roster this offseason, and he figures to be needed in their rotation at some point this summer.

The Yankees optioned Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Jones has had a big spring, going 6-for-18 with three home runs, three stolen bases and a 4:6 BB:K. There's no room for him in the Yankees outfield, however, and the 24-year-old also needs to continue working on making more contact after striking out at a 36.6 percent rate with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2025.