MLB Player News

Weaver gave up a run on three walks in one-third of an inning during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

His one out was a strikeout, but Weaver threw only nine of 23 pitches for strikes in what could end up as his final spring appearance. The veteran right-hander has been having a strong camp prior to Sunday, and through 4.1 innings he sports a 2.08 ERA and 5:4 K:BB. Weaver will be one of the Mets' top setup men this season in front of new closer Devin Williams, and over the last two seasons for the Yankees he delivered a 3.21 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 with 11 wins, 12 saves and 44 holds in 126 appearances.

Soto went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

The fourth-inning single off Sandy Alcantara was Soto's first hit in three games since returning from the WBC. The 27-year-old superstar is batting just .150 (3-for-20) in eight Grapefruit League contests with a double for his only extra-base hit, but Soto was far more productive for Team Dominican Republic, going 6-for-23 (.261) with two homers and a 5:5 BB:K. After a strong first season with the Mets in which he slashed .263/.396/.525 over 160 games with a career-high 43 home runs and a stunning 38 stolen bases -- he had 40 total steals in the five prior seasons combined -- Soto shouldn't be derailed at the plate in 2026 by a defensive switch to left field.

Edwards is batting .194 (7-for-36) in 14 games this spring with a 4:5 BB:K and three stolen bases in four attempts.

While his Grapefruit League numbers aren't overly impressive, Edwards appears to be locking in ahead of Opening Day, as four of his seven hits have come in his last five games, a stretch in which he's gone 4-for-13 (.308) with a couple doubles. The 26-year-old switch hitter doesn't offer any power, but since making his big-league debut in 2023 he's been a strong leadoff option, batting .298 for the Marlins with a .358 OBP and 63 steals in 239 contests.

Pirates manager Don Kelly indicated Monday that Soto is in the mix to see save opportunities this season, Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Dennis Santana will enter the season as the favorite to see most of the save chances for Pittsburgh. However, Kelly noted that he could use Santana in leverage spots earlier in games at times, and the skipper also pointed out Soto's closing experience. The left-handed Soto has held lefty bats to a .211/.306/.294 batting line in his career, making him a candidate to see some save chances when the opposition has lefties due up in the ninth inning.

Marsee has gone 0-for-7 in Grapefruit League play after returning from the World Baseball Classic.

The 24-year-old batted .174 (4-for-23) over six games for Italy during the WBC, and Marsee hasn't found a groove since rejoining the Marlins. He's locked into the starting center field job, and big things are expected from the former Padres farmhand after he slashed .292/.363/.478 over 55 games in his big-league debut last season with five homers and 14 steals.

Alcantara gave up three runs on five hits over 4.2 innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets. He struck out six without walking a batter.

The right-hander tossed 56 of 86 pitches for strikes in his final spring tuneup. Alcantara wraps up camp with a 5.68 ERA over 12.2 innings, but he gave up only one home run and sported a 16:2 K:BB, much more encouraging signs. The 30-year-old is set to take the mound Opening Day at home against the Rockies as he looks to rebound after a disappointing return from Tommy John surgery in 2025.

Pirates manager Don Kelly indicated Monday that Santana will not be the only reliever he uses for save opportunities, Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Santana notched 16 saves for Pittsburgh last season, with 10 of those coming in the final two months after David Bednar was traded. The 29-year-old is the heavy favorite to lead the Pirates in saves in 2026, but Kelly noted that he could use Santana earlier in games at times if the situation calls for it. Gregory Soto looks to be next in the pecking order and could be used to close when the opposition has lefty bats due up.

Wheeler (shoulder) threw 29 pitches over two simulated innings on the back fields of Phillies camp Monday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The 35-year-old righty is still slated to open the season on the 10-day injured list while he builds back up from venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, which he underwent Sept. 23. While facing off Monday against some of the Phillies' lower-level farmhands, Wheeler reportedly looked sharp and ramped up his velocity in the second inning. Wheeler is expected to continue increasing the volume and intensity of his sim games over the next week or two before potentially kicking off a rehab assignment shortly after the minor-league season gets underway. Though he's currently without a firm target date for making his 2026 Phillies debut, Wheeler appears likely to return from the IL at some point in April.

Hamilton is a "leading candidate" to share playing time at third base with Luis Rengifo, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo is widely expected to serve as the Brewers' primary third baseman, though McCalvy notes that it's possible the left-handed-hitting Hamilton draws the start at the hot corner Opening Day against righty Shane Smith of the White Sox. Hamilton has slashed just .222/.283/.359 in the majors but has had a great spring, hitting .298/.365/.468 with one home run, five stolen bases and a 5:8 BB:K. The 28-year-old is most known for his speed, and he is likely to be an asset in the stolen-base department if the at-bats are there.

Rengifo is likely to share playing time at third base with David Hamilton, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

McCalvy lists Rengifo as the Brewers' expected primary third baseman, but he also notes that it's possible the left-handed-hitting Hamilton starts Opening Day versus White Sox righty Shane Smith. Rengifo is a switch hitter but has historically been much better against lefties (.749 OPS) than righties (.665 OPS). A strict platoon is unlikely, as manager Pat Murphy figures to be fluid in how he doles out playing time at the hot corner. Prospects Jett Williams and/or Cooper Pratt could also push their way into the third-base mix at some point this season.