MLB Player News
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Carlos Estevez RP | KC
Royals' Carlos Estevez: Velocity still down
Estevez allowed no hits and three walks with no strikeouts across a scoreless inning in Wednesday's Cactus League loss to the Rangers.
Estevez made his return to Cactus League play after tossing an inning for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and didn't allow a run, though the outing was far from sharp. The right-hander entered in the sixth inning and promptly walked the first two batters he faced on nine pitches, eventually loading the bases via free passes before inducing a weak groundout from Jake Burger to escape the frame unscathed. As was the case in his earlier spring appearances, Estevez's velocity remained significantly down, with his fastball averaging 89.0 mph after sitting at 95.9 mph last season, while his offspeed offerings were also down several ticks. The veteran is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he recorded a career-high and league-best 42 saves with a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 54:22 K:BB across 67 outings and is in line to handle closing duties for the Royals again in 2026, though his diminished velocity is a key factor to monitor moving forward.
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Rece Hinds RF | MIA
Reds' Rece Hinds: Bids for roster spot
Hinds started at designated hitter and went 2-for-2 with a walk, a double and a solo home run in Wednesday's spring game against the Angels.
Hinds has delivered a monster spring, going 15-for-38 (.395) with four doubles, one triple, five home runs, 11 RBI and nine runs scored. In any other year, he might be a no-brainer to claim a roster spot, but the Reds have several productive outfielders this spring. At this point, beyond the projected starters, there appear to be two outfield spots available. Hinds, Will Benson (1,038 OPS, four HR), JJ Bleday (1.072, four HR) and Dane Myers (1.180 OPS) are still in the mix.
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Corbin Carroll RF | ARI
Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll: Still at DH
Carroll started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a stolen base and two additional runs scored in Wednesday's spring game against the Cubs.
Carroll is still getting his timing down after missing the first two-and-a-half weeks of Cactus League games. The home run was a positive sign in that regard. He's gone 2-for-13 over four contests, all while serving as the DH, but a report earlier this week indicated a plan to have him return to the outfield later this week.
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Merrill Kelly SP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly: Makes second spring start
Kelly (back) allowed two runs on five hits over 2.2 innings in Wednesday's spring start against the Cubs.
Kelly made his second spring start and threw 36 pitches, the same number he delivered in his Cactus League debut last Friday. He indicated over the weekend that he expects to open the season on the injured list and judging by his pitch count, Kelly appears headed for some sort of delay, whether that be on the IL or being skipped in the first turn of the rotation.
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Carlos Santana 1B | ARI
Diamondbacks' Carlos Santana: Returns to Cactus League
Santana started at first base and went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's spring game against the Cubs.
Santana played in his first Cactus League game since returning from the World Baseball Classic, in which he played for Team Dominican Republic. For the Diamondbacks, Santana is expected to share first base with Pavin Smith (forearm) and get regular turns as a designated hitter.
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Masataka Yoshida DH | BOS
Red Sox's Masataka Yoshida: Has no obvious role
Yoshida remains with no obvious role entering the final week of spring training, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.
Yoshida made some noise for Team Japan during the World Baseball Classic, but he returned to Fort Myers in the same position as when he departed for the WBC. The Red Sox have five outfielders for four positions, including DH. Boston manager Alex Cora feels it's a luxury as opposed to a problem and will figure out how the pieces can fit. At this point, it's hard to see where Yoshida fits on a regular basis.
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Danny Coulombe RP | BOS
Red Sox's Danny Coulombe: Has contract reworked
Coulombe's contract was restructured after the Red Sox discovered issues in the pitcher's physical examination, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
The overall value of the deal remains the same, but the guaranteed portion was reduced to $1 million. Coulombe can achieve another $2 million in performance and active roster bonuses throughout the season. Both parties in the contract renegotiation -- Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and Coulombe's agent -- declined comment when asked about the situation. There have been no signs of limitation thus far. Coulombe threw a live batting practice Monday and is scheduled for his Grapefruit League debut Thursday.
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Cody Bradford RP | TEX
Rangers' Cody Bradford: Facing hitters
Bradford (elbow) began facing live hitters in batting practice and should be ready for a rehab assignment when the 2026 regular season begins, MLB.com reports.
Bradford had worked his way up to facing live batters, per Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. The lefty was throwing 50- and 55-pitch bullpen sessions before facing hitters. His projection still calls for a return at some point in May.
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Andrew McCutchen DH | TEX
Rangers' Andrew McCutchen: Doing damage since signing
McCutchen started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's spring game against the Royals.
McCutchen, who was signed in the middle of spring training, has hit safely in all six games in which he's appeared. The 39-year-old is 8-for-15 with three doubles, a home run, seven RBI and five runs scored. He's making the most of a brief opportunity to earn a roster spot, likely as a DH.
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Josh Jung 3B | TEX
Rangers' Josh Jung: Productive since return
Jung went 3-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in Wednesday's spring game against Kansas City.
Jung has wielded a potent bat since his return Monday after missing a little more than two weeks with an adductor strain. After a triple and run scored Monday, the third baseman added three more hits and belted his first Cactus League home run (417 feet). Texas manager Skip Schumaker believes there's still enough runway left for Jung to be ready for Opening Day, per Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News.