MLB Player News

Holmes (elbow) said Wednesday that he's 100 percent healthy as spring training gets underway, Reggie Chatman of 11 Alive News Atlanta reports.

Holmes didn't pitch after July 26 last season due to a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, but he was able to avoid surgery and treated the injury with rest and rehab. He was cleared to begin a throwing program in early September, and he evidently experienced no complications while building up over the offseason. A healthy Holmes will have a secure spot in the Atlanta rotation with Spencer Schwellenbach beginning the season on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury that could require arthroscopic surgery.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Wednesday that Priester will be brought along slowly at the start of camp, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Priester is recovered from the wrist injury he dealt with late last season, but Murphy said that the right-hander has "had a couple things that have kept him from progressing." The manager added that Priester hasn't been shut down and has thrown bullpen sessions, so the Brewers are seemingly just being extra cautious with him. Priester went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA and 132:50 K:BB over 157.1 frames with Milwaukee during the regular season.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Robert will be delayed at the start of spring training due to a cardiovascular issue, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Robert finished 2025 on the 60-day injured list due to a left forearm strain, but it's an unrelated issue that will put him behind Philadelphia's other pitchers. Robert was non-tendered in November before being brought back on a minor-league deal earlier this month, so he was already considered unlikely to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Mercado will be delayed at the start of spring training due to a right shoulder injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The report doesn't provide many details on the injury, but even a minor concern could be enough to close the door on any chance the right-hander had at securing a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Mercado has made eight appearances (two starts) for Philadelphia over the last two seasons, allowing 21 earned runs on 23 hits and 14 walks in just 16 innings.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Kerkering will be delayed at the start of spring training while he recovers from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering will be limited to rehab work in the early stages of camp, but because he's typically deployed as a one-inning reliever, he won't need much ramp-up time once he's cleared to get back on a mound. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn't quite developed into the reliable high-leverage option the Phillies envisioned when he first reached the big leagues in 2023, but he'll be a key part of the bridge to closer Jhoan Duran in 2026.

Williamson (elbow) faced hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

The left-hander has no restrictions to begin camp after he missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Williamson will get the chance to compete for a spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation this spring, but he still has two minor-league options remaining and seems more likely to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.

The Brewers signed Sanchez (knee) to a one-year, $1.75 million contract Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Sanchez spent the 2024 season with the Brewers, slashing .220/.307/.392 with 11 home runs over 89 regular-season contests. He was limited to only 29 contests last season with Baltimore due to a knee injury, and it's unclear whether he will have any limitations in camp with Milwaukee. Sanchez should open 2026 as the backup catcher behind William Contreras (finger). He could also see the occasional start at designated hitter versus left-handed pitching.

Saalfrank (shoulder) said Wednesday that he expects to be sidelined 10-16 months, Arizona Sports reports.

Saalfrank underwent surgery Monday to repair the left labrum in his shoulder and has already been placed on the 60-day injured list. The rehab timeline gives the lefty a chance to be ready for the start of the 2027 season, but it is not a given.

Polanco is a strong candidate to bat cleanup for the Mets this season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Francisco Lindor (hand), Juan Soto and Bo Bichette will occupy the first three spots in the Mets' batting order, so if Polanco does indeed hit cleanup he would be in line for loads of RBI opportunities. Polanco collected a .265/.326/.495 slash line with 26 home runs and 78 RBI over 138 regular-season contests for the Mariners in 2025. He is slated to split time between first base and designated hitter in 2026.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that he's leaning toward batting Bichette third this season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

He'll be preceded by Francisco Lindor (hand) and Juan Soto and likely followed by Jorge Polanco. It's a phenomenal RBI spot for Bichette, who slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI over 139 regular-season games for Toronto in 2025. Bichette will primarily play third base for the Mets this season, although he could be needed at shortstop early in the year if Lindor's recovery from hamate bone surgery lingers past Opening Day.