MLB Player News
-
Mike Tauchman CF | NYM
Mets' Mike Tauchman: Needs surgery for torn meniscus
Tauchman was diagnosed Sunday with a torn meniscus in his left knee and will require surgery, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
The Mets haven't announced whether Tauchman will require a trim or a full meniscus repair, but either way, the veteran outfielder will likely miss at least the first month of the season. The 35-year-old appeared to have a strong chance at breaking camp with the big club as a fourth outfielder after posting an .819 OPS over 35 plate appearances in the Grapefruit League. Once he's fully recovered from surgery, Tauchman is expected to head to Triple-A Syracuse, and he could factor into New York's outfield plans this summer if rookie Carson Benge struggles as the team's everyday right fielder.
-
Travis Bazzana 2B | CLE
Guardians' Travis Bazzana: Belts two homers
Bazzana went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Saturday's spring game against the Giants.
Bazzana, who was reassigned to minor-league camp earlier in the week, joined the major-league team for Saturday's contest. In eight Cactus League games, the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft is batting .381 (8-for-21) with three home runs and 11 RBI. He also homered for Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic. Given that injuries limited Bazzana to 84 games in 2025, including just 26 at Triple-A, it's natural the organization wants him to get more seasoning in the minors. He's expected to arrive in the majors at some point in 2026.
-
Lou Trivino RP | BAL
Phillies' Lou Trivino: Dismissed from bullpen competition
The Phillies reassigned Trivino to minor-league camp Sunday.
Between stops with the Giants, Dodgers and Phillies last season, Trivino accrued a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 37:18 K:BB in 47.2 innings. After reaching free agency this winter, he settled for a return to Philadelphia on a minor-league deal. The 34-year-old righty was roughed up for nine runs (eight earned) on 11 hits and six walks over nine innings this spring. Unless he chooses to opt out of his contract, Trivino is poised to begin the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
-
Bryan De La Cruz LF | PHI
Phillies' Bryan De La Cruz: Falls short in bid for roster
The Phillies reassigned De La Cruz to minor-league camp Sunday.
De La Cruz appeared in 16 games for Atlanta to begin 2025 but slashed .191/.240/.213 across 50 plate appearances before being waived in May, spending the rest of the year in the Yankees' organization. The 29-year-old linked up with the Phillies on a minor-league deal over the winter and is expected to open the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
-
Orion Kerkering RP | PHI
Phillies' Orion Kerkering: Opening season on IL
Kerkering (hamstring) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
The right-hander has made just one Grapefruit League appearance this spring while working his way back from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, so he'll get some more time to build up before joining the Phillies. Once healthy, Kerkering is expected to fill a setup role after recording four saves and 19 holds with a 3.30 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 65:27 K:BB across 60 regular-season innings last year.
-
Will Benson RF | CIN
Reds' Will Benson: Set for roster spot
Benson is expected to make the Opening Day roster, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
The Reds announced a slew of roster moves Saturday and Benson survived the cuts, as both JJ Bleday and Rece Hinds were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. The roster doesn't have to be officially set until just before Opening Day, so a late waiver claim could bring a change. Benson, who swatted his fifth spring home run Saturday, is batting .250 (10-for-40) with eight walks, eight RBI and 14 runs scored over 16 Cactus League games.
-
Jeremy Pena SS | HOU
Astros' Jeremy Pena: Still in play for Opening Day
Manager Joe Espada said that Pena (finger) is scheduled to hit again Sunday, and the Astros are still discussing whether he will travel with the team back to Houston in advance of Opening Day, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
The 28-year-old shortstop was cleared to resume swinging a bat Friday as he continues working his way back from a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger. Pena still has a chance of being cleared for Thursday's season opener versus the Angels, but he'll likely need to face live pitching at some point early this week to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season.
-
Andrew Abbott SP | CIN
Reds' Andrew Abbott: Another shaky outing
Abbott allowed five runs (three earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 4.2 innings in Saturday's spring start against the White Sox.
Abbott made his sixth and final Cactus League start before taking the mound Opening Day against the Red Sox. The good news is that the left-hander upped his pitch count to 84 (52 strikes), and he was better than his previous outing when he gave up eight runs on eight hits and three walks over two innings. He finished the spring having allowed home runs in all six of his outings with an 11.72 ERA, eight walks and 28 hits, but 22 strikeouts over 17.2 innings.
-
Esteury Ruiz RF | MIA
Marlins' Esteury Ruiz: Ticketed for extended IL stint
Ruiz was diagnosed Sunday with a high-grade left oblique strain and is expected to require 6-to-8 weeks of recovery time, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Ruiz appeared to be on track to make the Marlins' Opening Day roster as a potential short-side platoon player due to his speed and ability to cover all three outfield spots, but the oblique injury he sustained Friday will end up forcing him to the injured list. His oblique strain is considered more severe than the one recently sustained by fellow outfielder Kyle Stowers, who is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks. The injuries to Ruiz and Stowers likely strengthen Heriberto Hernandez's chances of beginning the season as an everyday player for Miami.