MLB Player News

Baty went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

Getting the start in right field and batting fourth, Baty drove a Miles Mikolas first-pitch fastball the other way for his first homer of the spring. The 26-year-old is likely ticketed for a utility job to begin the season, but if the Mets decide that Carson Benge needs more minor-league seasoning, it could open the door for Baty to start, or at least be on the strong side of a platoon, in right field.

Alcantara struck out four over three perfect innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Houston.

The right-hander fired 31 of 43 pitches for strikes in an impressive performance against an Astros lineup that featured most of the team's likely Opening Day lineup, including Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez. Alcantara has a 5:1 K:BB through his first four spring innings as he looks to rebound from a disappointing 5.36 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 174.2 frames in 2025.

Strider topped out at 96.7 mph with his fastball during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

The right-hander didn't get the best results, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk over 2.1 innings after taking over for Chris Sale to begin the fourth inning, but Strider struck out four batters and the uptick in velocity was an encouraging sign after he was in the 92-94 mph range in his last spring start. Atlanta needs Strider to return to form after he stumbled to a 4.45 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 131:51 K:BB over 125.1 innings last season in his return from April 2024 elbow surgery.

Gasser allowed three earned runs over 2.2 innings in Thursday's spring game against the Rockies. He gave up three hits, struck out two batters and walked three.

Gasser was not particularly sharp Thursday, but he did up his pitch count to 53 after tossing 11 pitches in his spring debut over a week ago. An elbow injury limited Gasser to just two regular-season appearances in 2025, but he finished the season healthy. He is in the mix with a host of other pitchers competing for spots in Milwaukee's starting rotation.

The Reds optioned Balcazar to minor-league camp Friday.

Balcazar was added to the Reds' 40-man roster this winter, but he wasn't under real consideration for an Opening Day roster spot. The 21-year-old had a .677 OPS across 51 games with Double-A Chattanooga last season and will head back there to begin the 2026 campaign.

Bauers is 6-for-11 (.545) with a home run, a double, two RBI, two steals and a 1:3 BB:K through four games this spring.

Bauers has tallied at least one hit in all four contests he has appeared in and has made a couple marks in both the power and speed departments. Bauers can cover both first base and a corner outfield spot, and he is slated to open the season in a reserve role for the Brewers.

The Reds optioned Rodriguez to minor-league camp Friday.

Rodriguez went 2-for-13 with one stolen base across nine Cactus League contests. The outfielder will turn just 22 next week but could play a role with the Reds at some point later this season.

The Reds optioned Franco to minor-league camp Friday.

After getting a spot on the 40-man roster earlier this offseason, Franco impressed in Cactus League play with an 8:1 K:BB over 4.2 innings. He should open the 2026 campaign in the rotation at Triple-A Louisville and could debut in the big leagues later on this summer.

The Reds optioned Arroyo to minor-league camp Friday.

Arroyo netted a spot on the Reds' 40-man roster this offseason, but he wasn't under real consideration to crack the Opening Day roster. The 22-year-old will get his first taste of Triple-A Louisville this season.

Mitchell went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, four RBI and a walk in Thursday's spring game against the Rockies.

Mitchell had recorded only five plate appearances all spring prior to Thursday, but he showed no signs of rust, opening the contest with a homer and reaching twice afterward. Health has always been the biggest question for Mitchell, who did not take the field after April last year due to a shoulder injury that ultimately required surgery. He is healthy now, and if he remains so he is slated to open the season as the primary option in center field for the Brewers.