MLB Player News

Cornelio will be in the mix for a spot on the 26-man roster this spring, either in the bullpen or at the back of the rotation, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The Nationals' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2025 began the campaign at High-A Wilmington and finished the year with eight starts for Triple-A Rochester, posting a 38:13 K:BB in 35.1 innings. Cornelio saw a big spike in his fastball velocity last season, touching 97-98 mph but having difficulty sustaining that heat deeper into games, and his slider has flashed plus. The 25-year-old right-hander got added to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, and he could follow the same path that Brad Lord did in 2025, beginning the season in short relief before getting stretched out for a rotation or swingman role. Given the Nats' muddled closer picture, Cornelio could also work his way into a high-leverage role if his fastball plays up in shorter bursts and his slider becomes more consistent.

Adam (quadriceps) could be ready for his season debut "by mid-April or thereabouts," AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Adam is working his way back from left quadriceps tendon repair surgery, which he had last September. The Padres anticipate the veteran reliever throwing off a mound during spring training, and he could be ready for a rehab assignment around Opening Day. Once healthy, Adam will be a top setup man to closer Mason Miller.

The Padres expect Song to be used in a utility role this season, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Inked to a four-year, $15 million contract in December, Song primarily played third base during his time with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization. However, he also has ample experience at second and first base, and the Padres will try him out in the outfield, as well. Additionally, Song will compete with Miguel Andujar for playing time at designated hitter.

Naughton (elbow) will not have any restrictions at the beginning of spring training, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Naughton missed all of 2025 and most of 2024 due to a pair of elbow surgeries, first to repair a flexor strain and later to fix a torn UCL. He's finally fully healthy and is in camp as a non-roster invitee to compete for a spot in the Cardinals' bullpen. Naughton held a 4.14 ERA and 36:8 K:BB over 37 frames from 2022-2023 with St. Louis.

Eldridge said Tuesday that he's full-go at the start of spring training after surgery in October to remove a bone spur from his left wrist, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Eldridge got a late start to last season after hurting his wrist in spring training, and, after playing with the injury for several months, it was eventually decided an operation was needed. The 21-year-old is tentatively penciled in as the Giants' designated hitter, though he will have to earn that gig with a strong showing during Cactus League play. Eldridge went just 3-for-28 during his brief time with the Giants last season and slashed .260/.333/.510 with 25 homers over 102 games in the minors last year.

Puk (elbow) said Tuesday that he expects to be ready for his season debut before July, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Puk had an internal brace procedure last June rather than a full Tommy John repair of his UCL injury. The less invasive surgery gives him a chance at a quicker return, so a season debut before the All-Star break is possible. The left-hander expects to be cleared to throw off a mound by the end of March, and a clearer picture of his timetable could be available around that time. Puk will have a good shot to assume the closer role in Arizona when he does return, as the Diamondbacks bullpen lacks established options.

Burnes (elbow) expects to throw off a mound by the end of spring training, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Burnes also reiterated his goal of making his season debut around the All-Star break. The veteran right-hander is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he had last June. A midseason return would appear to be a best-case scenario for Burnes, who is entering the second year of a six-year, $210 million contract.

Martinez (elbow) hopes to make his season debut by late August, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had last June, Martinez began a throwing program in mid-January. He will continue with a deliberate pace to his rehab and likely begin a rehab assignment a little after the All-Star break if all goes well. Martinez had been serving as the Diamondbacks' closer before getting hurt, but he could retake his old gig late in the 2026 campaign.

Murphy (hip) is expected to be sidelined until sometime in May, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Murphy had surgery in September to repair a right hip labral tear and is slated to begin running exercises Tuesday. He should stay back at extended spring training while his team his team heads north ahead of Opening Day, with a rehab assignment likely kicking off in April. Once healthy, Murphy is expected to share catching duties with Drake Baldwin.

Atlanta signed Heim to a one-year contract Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Heim was non-tendered by the Rangers earlier in the offseason after slashing only .213/.271/.332 across 433 plate appearances in 2025, and his defensive metrics have also declined the last two years. Heim does have a good shot to break camp as the backup catcher behind Drake Baldwin while Sean Murphy (hip) recovers.