MLB Player News

Karros entered camp weighing 230 pounds, 20 pounds heavier than he was at the close of the 2025 season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Karros made his big-league debut at the close of the 2025 season and managed only a .585 OPS with a 26.3 percent strikeout rate across 156 plate appearances. Manager Warren Schaeffer dismissed that sample due to Karros being down about 10 pounds from his typical playing weight, forcing him to play at less than full strength. Karros is among the top candidates to claim the starting third-base job in Colorado to begin the season, and he's collected three hits in his first five plate appearances in Cactus League action.

Kay developed a sinker while pitching with the Yokohama Bay Stars, Kade Heather of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kay struggled to establish himself in the majors in partial seasons from 2019 through 2023, and he spent the last two seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball League. He developed the sinker because his high fastball was less effective overseas, given that Japanese players typically have a flatter swing. Kay is now readjusting his approach in his return to MLB, where he previously relied primarily on his fastball, slider and changeup. He is set to make his first Cactus League start Tuesday, though it's unclear how much of his pitch mix he will show.

Jansen went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels.

Jansen pieced together a few strong at-bats during Monday's exhibition. He struck for a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to get his squad on the board, and he later drew a six-pitch walk in the top of the fourth. Jansen hit second in the batting order Monday after being slotted in as the No. 3 hitter in his spring debut Saturday, though this is likely a strategy to get him as many at-bats as possible early in spring training games.

Povich allowed one hit and one walk in two scoreless innings during Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta. He struck out one.

The Orioles have a quartet of arms battling for a roster spot this spring either as a sixth starter or bulk reliever, and Povich did his part Monday to keep himself under consideration. Zach Eflin (back) is expected to be a full participant at camp, though it remains to be seen when he'll make his spring debut. For now, Povich has Dean Kremer, Tyler Wells and Brandon Young as his primary competition.

Rasmussen allowed one hit in two scoreless innings during Monday's Grapefruit League game against Boston. He struck out three.

Rasmussen was very sharp in his first appearance of the spring, tossing 16 of his 23 pitches for strikes. Tampa Bay has already announced that Rasmussen is tabbed to start Opening Day, and the hope this season is that the Rays won't scale back his workload the way they did during the second half of last year. The right-hander should also benefit from the team moving back to pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field in 2026.

Mervis went 1-for-1 with a walk, a double, two RBI and one stolen base during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Mervis wasn't penciled into the starting lineup Monday, but that didn't prevent him from making an impact. He walked in his first at-bat and later swiped a bag, and he smacked a two-run ground-rule double in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game. Mervis isn't expected to open the 2026 campaign on the big-league squad, but more performances like this could help him throw his hat in the ring for a roster spot.

Smith appears to be the favorite to win the starting job at second base, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

While the team hasn't openly announced that Smith is ahead of the competition, Corey Seager provided a hint when talking with media earlier in camp. When asked about working with someone new at the keystone, he specifically mentioned Smith, stating "I've played some games with him already so you kind of know how he operates. I'm really excited for him just to get this opportunity." Nothing is set in stone this early in camp, but Smith has now drawn two starts at second base in spring training and continues to work drills exclusively at second base outside of exhibitions, per McFarland.

Lockridge went 2-for-4 with a solo home run during Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres.

Lockridge picked up a single in the top half of the first inning and slugged a solo home run in the top of the seventh in his final at-bat of the exhibition. He's now left the yard twice so far in two spring games after failing to hit a home run last season across 67 regular-season games. Lockridge looks to face an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster, but he'd make the decision more difficult for Milwaukee if he continues to mash at the plate.

Hernaiz started at shortstop and went 2-for-3 with a double in Monday's Cactus League loss to the Giants.

Hernaiz turned in a solid showing at the plate, reaching on an infield single in the first inning before lacing a 101.4 mph double to right field in the third inning. The 24-year-old slashed a modest .231/.292/.306 with eight extra-base hits and 16 RBI across 51 games with the Athletics last season and is competing this spring for a spot on the MLB roster in 2026. His ability to handle multiple infield positions works in his favor, and performances like Monday's are encouraging as Hernaiz prepares to depart to represent Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Ginn allowed no hits or walks across two scoreless innings in Monday's Cactus League loss to the Giants.

Ginn came out sharp in his spring debut, striking out the side in the first inning and ultimately retiring all six batters he faced across two scoreless frames. He averaged 96.9 mph with his sinker and touched 98 mph after averaging 93.4 mph with the pitch in 2025. The right-hander struggled to a 5.08 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 23 appearances (16 starts) spanning 90.1 innings with the Athletics last season, but this uptick in velocity could portend a strong sophomore campaign. Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales likely have the inside track on the final two rotation spots, but strong spring showings like Monday's will bolster Ginn's case for a role, whether in the starting staff or out of the bullpen.