MLB Player News

Bello is re-introducing a curveball to his arsenal this spring, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

With assistance from new teammate Ranger Suarez, Bello is expanding a repertoire that already includes a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, sweeper/slider and changeup. Bello, who came to the majors as a 23-year-old in 2022, threw a curve earlier in his career but couldn't find the right shape or proper arm slot for it. Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey believes that Bello, through his experience at the MLB level, has developed to a point where he understands the benefits of horizontal and vertical breaks against hitters from either side of the plate. Adding back the curveball gives him another weapon to serve that goal. Bello is projected to slot fourth in Boston's rotation.

Steer said Thursday that he cleaned up his sprinting mechanics to prevent re-injuring his quadriceps, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Steer got off to a slow start in 2025 because of a shoulder injury, but he admitted there was also a right quadriceps issue that bothered him for most of the season. "I think that had to do with my sprinting mechanics, and I cleaned that stuff up," he said. That was likely the reason he stole just seven bases after reaching double-digit swipes in each of the previous two seasons. Steer, who was a Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, will move around the diamond this season. His primary spot will be left field but depending on matchups, injuries and game situations, he could also see time in right field, and at first, second or third base.

Gurriel (knee) arrived at camp Thursday and was optimistic he'd be able to beat the timeline for his return, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in September 2025 and is currently expected to miss the first two months of the season, but he told manager Torey Lovullo that he's shooting for Opening Day. Lovullo stressed that Gurriel's return "is not gonna be Opening Day," but the outfielder has already graduated to hitting and running. That suggests he could beat the June 1 estimated timeline. The Diamondbacks will explore internal options to replace Gurriel in left field, including 40-man roster options Jorge Barrosa, Jordan Lawlar and Tim Tawa, but prospect Ryan Waldschmidt might be the top candidate.

Carroll was back at camp Thursday one day after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Carroll's return to camp wasn't just for show. He sported a cast over his right hand, but the left-handed outfielder was seen doing plyometric throwing drills. He can also run and execute leg work in the weight room. Carroll and the Diamondbacks are hoping he can return around Opening Day.

Del Castillo is dealing with a left calf issue, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

He's been working off to the side since reporting to camp earlier this week. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Del Castillo will be brought along slowly this spring, but it's unclear how long that period might last. The 26-year-old's bat is seen as an asset and more developed than his defense, and while there are no plans to move Del Castillo out from behind the plate, he's third on the depth chart and likely to see more time at DH than catcher in 2026.

Taylor signed a contract with the Angels on Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

No details of the deal are currently known, but presumably it's a short-term contract that gives Taylor a good chance of starting the campaign on the big-league roster. He ended the 2025 season with the Angels and hit .179 with two homers and 10 RBI across only 90 plate appearances with the club. Taylor will likely be in a reserve role, but he could get several starts per week due to his ability to play all three outfield spots as well as the infield.

Simpson was designated for assignment Thursday.

Simpson made his big-league debut in 2025, posting a 7.34 ERA and 1.83 WHIP across 30.2 innings with the Marlins. He walked 22 during that time while also serving up 1.5 HR/9. Those numbers make it little surprise that Simpson lost his roster spot, which is a move that created room for John King to officially be added to the roster.

Montero signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Thursday, which includes an invitation to spring training, Hector Gomez of Z101Digital.com reports.

Montero bounced between three teams in 2025 but still covered 60.1 innings in the majors. His primary problem was control, as he walked 37 batters while striking out 58. If Montero earns a roster spot, he'd likely begin the season in a low-leverage role.

Gonzales was spotted fielding grounders at third base Thursday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Gonzales was Pittsburgh's primary second baseman when healthy in 2025, though the addition of Brandon Lowe will force him into a new role in 2026. The assumption was that Gonzales would fill in at shortstop until Konnor Griffin makes his big-league debut, though Jared Triolo was instead at shortstop Thursday. This alignment could be fluid throughout spring, as the Pirates have also been rumored to be trying to add a third baseman via trade. However, this could be positive news for Gonzales' long-term outlook if he proves capable of handling the hot corner defensively, given the lack of long-term solutions currently on the roster.

Schmidt (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Schmidt underwent an internal brace surgery July 11 and will be out until at least the middle of the 2026 season. This move doesn't come as a surprise and is procedural to create a roster spot for the signing of Paul Goldschmidt.