MLB Player News

Mayer is expected to open the regular season as the primary second baseman, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

While Boston manager Alex Cora hasn't said Mayer will be part of the Opening Day roster, all signs point to that being the case. On Thursday, the manager named Caleb Durbin the starter at third base, and the club optioned Nick Sogard to Triple-A Worcester, which clears a path to second base for Mayer. All that's left is for Cora, who has lauded Mayer's play during Grapefruit League games, to tell the player face-to-face before announcing it to the public.

Gaddis (forearm) is highly likely to begin the regular season on the injured list, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Gaddis has been making steady progress since reporting forearm tightness at the beginning of March and was even cleared to throw live BP earlier this week. However, he'll likely start the new campaign on the sidelines, which would create opportunities for players like Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski or Matt Festa to see high-leverage work.

Valera (calf) is highly likely to start the regular season on the injured list, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Valera has been dealing with a strained left calf since early March, and it looks like the issue will put him on the sidelines to start the regular season. The 25-year-old had been competing with the likes of Chase DeLauter and CJ Kayfus for a starting spot in the Cleveland outfield.

The Guardians optioned Halpin to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Halpin was in contention for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but it looks like the 23-year-old will start the new season in the minor leagues. Halpin has gone 8-for-30 (.267) with two home runs, two doubles, eight runs scored and five RBI during spring training. He could factor into the Guardians' 2026 plans as the season progresses.

The Guardians outrighted Jones to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Jones has the choice to reject the outright assignment and become a free agent. The 27-year-old outfielder has been trending toward missing the Opening Day roster, as he slashed just .211/.296/.304 across 403 regular-season plate appearances for Cleveland last season and went 5-for-33 (.152) with 14 strikeouts this spring.

Atlanta assigned Williams to minor-league camp Friday.

Williams, a 29-year-old utility player, was a long shot to make the big-league roster, and Friday's move confirms he'll open 2026 in the minor leagues. Williams went 6-for-30 (.200) with one homer, one double and a 4:10 BB:K during spring training.

Atlanta reassigned Gamel to minor-league camp Friday.

Gamel hit four home runs during Grapefruit League play, but the veteran outfielder went just 7-for-34 (.206 average) with a 1:12 BB:K. He was unable to win a bench role with Atlanta and is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Ballesteros was informed Friday that he will be on the Cubs' Opening Day roster, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Ballesteros impressed in his MLB debut last season, slashing .298/.394/.474 across 66 plate appearances. The 22-year-old hasn't skipped a beat this spring, going 11-for-31 (.355) with two home runs, two doubles and eight RBI. Ballesteros has the inside track to begin the season as the Cubs' DH, but with fellow catchers Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya on the team, opportunities behind the plate will likely be limited.

Yastrzemski is dealing with pink eye but is expected to be back in the lineup in the next couple of days, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Yastrzemski will be temporarily sidelined while he deals with pink eye. The issue is expected to be resolved in time for Opening Day. Yastrzemski is slated to serve on the strong side of a platoon in left field for Atlanta.

Atlanta assigned Ritchie to minor-league camp Friday.

Ritchie has made waves this spring, posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB across 12 innings. However, he'll open the season in the minors, which was the initial expectation. If he keeps rolling at Triple-A, Ritchie could make his MLB debut sooner rather than later.