Mets, Michael Conforto Open To Extension Talks

New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen both said they were open to discussing a long-term contract extension on Friday, although there haven't been talks between the two sides. "I would love to explore it," Conforto said. "I’m all ears to anything. I really enjoy playing here, so I’m all […]

Aaron Hicks Still Has Lower Back Pain

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team will keep outfielder Aaron Hicks (back) out through the March 11 off day, as the outfielder is still experiencing lower back pain. The Yankees are being cautious, but it's another reminder that Hicks is a big injury risk despite all of the things that make him […]

Justin Verlander Named Opening Day Starter

Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch named starting pitcher Justin Verlander as the team's Opening Day starter for March 28 against the Rays. Gerrit Cole will go in Game 2. Verlander, 36, has been rejuvenated in Houston and went 16-9 with a 2.52 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 290 K's in 214 innings (34 starts) in 2018. […]

Daniel Palka Slowly Getting Back To Action

Chicago White Sox outfielder Daniel Palka (hamstring) struck out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning against the Brewers on Thursday, and manager Rick Renteria plans to use him at designated hitter gradually after he left early with a tight left hamstring on Feb. 24 against the Padres. Palka hit just .240 in 124 games […]

Luis Robert Improving From Jammed Thumb

Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Luis Robert is improving from the jammed left thumb he suffered in an intrasquad game last Saturday. He took regular batting practice on Thursday and is hoping to return to action on Friday. Robert will wear protective gear under his glove in the field and on the basepaths. The Cuban […]

Michael Kopech Progressing In Throwing Program

Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Michael Kopech (elbow) is throwing Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is making around 35 throws at 60 feet. His next step will be 75 feet and then to 90 and 120 feet. The team's No. 4 prospect and No. 18 overall per MLB Pipeline is recovering from Tommy John surgery […]

Jose Altuve Says He's Fine

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve said he's fine after being scratched from the lineup on Thursday with general side soreness. The Astros were likely just being extra cautious with their star second baseman. The 28-year-old dealt with knee issues last year and hit .316 with 13 home runs, 61 RBI and 17 stolen bases. […]

Jaguars Release Carlos Hyde, Malik Jackson

The Jacksonville Jaguars released running back Carlos Hyde and defensive tackle Malik Jackson on Friday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Jags traded for Hyde last year as depth for Leonard Fournette, and he ran for 411 yards and five touchdowns on 120 touches. Hyde won't count against the salary cap and the team […]

Jimmy Nelson To Make Spring Debut Monday

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson (shoulder) will make his Cactus League debut by throwing an inning against the White Sox on Monday. Nelson came out of his simulated game without any issues on Thursday. The right-hander was excellent for Milwaukee in 2017 before suffering the shoulder injury that kept him out all of last […]

Fernando Tatis Jr. Having Wisdom Teeth Removed

San Diego Padres shortstop prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. will miss a couple days in spring training after having his wisdom teeth removed. Tatis is MLB Pipeline's No. 2 overall prospect entering the 2019 season, and he has lived up to the expectations so far in spring training. If he continues to impress, the Padres will […]

Shohei Ohtani Throwing On Friday

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is throwing on Friday, according to manager Brad Ausmus. Ohtani will be brought along slowly after having Tommy John surgery last October and won't pitch at all in 2019. The Angels are hoping he can still be their primary DH, though, beginning sometime in May. He […]

Mark Trumbo Doing Some Running Friday

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Mark Trumbo (knee) is doing some running in camp on Friday. Trumbo played in just 90 games last year before having knee surgery. The 33-year-old hit .261/.313/.452 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI in his 330 at-bats for the O's. It's been all downhill since he slugged a career-high 47 round-trippers […]

Chris Davis Undergoes MRI

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis underwent an MRI on his hip on Friday. It remains to be seen if this is a serious injury that could keep Davis out for the start of the season. The left-handed slugger still has plenty of power to spare, but he hit an embarrassing .168 with only 16 […]

Carlos Martinez 5-7 Days From Throwing

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (shoulder) is still five to seven days away from throwing, and his chances of being ready for Opening Day are shrinking. Martinez dealt with arm issues last year that caused him to be moved to the bullpen late in the season. With St. Louis having plenty of rotation […]

Jorge Alfaro Dealing With Knee Inflammation

Miami Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro was told by a doctor to rest his knee after being diagnosed with inflammation in his knee. Alfaro's injury doesn't sound too serious, so he shouldn't be in danger of missing Opening Day. In his first full season in the majors with the Phillies he hit .262 with 10 long […]

Yadier Molina Making Spring Debut Friday

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (knee) is making his Grapefruit League debut as the designated hitter on Friday. Molina should be ready to go for Opening Day despite having knee surgery last year. He hit .261 with 20 home runs and 74 RBI in just 123 games. Molina will turn 37 in July and […]

Browns Acquire Olivier Vernon From Giants

The Cleveland Browns acquired defensive end Olivier Vernon and the No. 132 overall pick (fourth round) from the New York Giants on Friday in exchange for offensive guard Kevin Zeitler and the No. 155 overall pick (fifth round), according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. Zeitler has been one of the better guards […]

Bills Out On Antonio Brown Trade

The Buffalo Bills are now saying they are out on trade talks for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown after they were in intense talks for the star wideout on Thursday night, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team has moved on from Brown and is focused on […]

Maurkice Pouncey Becomes Highest-Paid Center

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed center Maurkice Pouncey to an extension through the 2021 season on Thursday for an average of $11 million per year, making him the highest-paid center in the league. The 29-year-old has been a foundation on the team's offensive line since he was the 18th overall pick in the 2010 draft. Pouncey […]

Redskins To Acquire Case Keenum From Broncos

The Washington Redskins agreed to terms to acquire quarterback Case Keenum from the Denver Broncos on Thursday, sources informed of the situation told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Broncos will receive a sixth-round pick and the 'Skins will get a seventh-rounder. Keenum, who had a very mediocre season in his lone year with Denver in […]

Bills Closing In On Trade For Antonio Brown

The Buffalo Bills are closing in on a trade to acquire Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, a source close to the situation told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The two sides aren't ready to disclose the compensation, however. Pittsburgh has said they won't give Brown, one of the best receivers in the game, away for […]

Jimmy Nelson Throws Simulated Game

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson (shoulder) threw 31 pitches in a two-inning simulated game on Thursday in camp, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out one and walking one with his fastball sitting in the low-90s. Nelson didn't have any issues with his arm and said he felt good. The right-hander who […]

Cesar Hernandez Close To A Return

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez, who is dealing with a hip flexor injury, took batting practice on Thursday and is close to a return in spring training. Hernandez's injury isn't very minor and he should be ready for the start of the regular season. The 28-year-old switch-hitter batted only .253 but had a career-high […]

Mitch Haniger Works In Intrasquad Game

Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger (back) took part in an intrasquad game in camp on Thursday and expects to be back in the lineup by this weekend after missing Cactus League action with a strained lower back. He went 2-for-4 with a double on Thursday, which is a great sign. Haniger broke out in 2018, […]

Astros Make Offers To Dallas Keuchel

The Houston Astros have made one- and two-year offers to free-agent starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, according to sources. However, the offers are not in the range that Keuchel is seeking. Staying in Houston would probably be the best thing for Keuchel's fantasy value. The southpaw won the American League Cy Young in 2015 but hasn't […]

Alex Wood Hoping To Pitch Saturday

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Alex Wood, who has been sidelined with a tight back, is hoping to pitch on Saturday against the Padres. The 28-year-old left-hander should be fine for the start of the regular season with his new team. Wood went 9-7 with a 3.68 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 135 strikeouts in 151 2/3 […]

Bryce Harper Expected To Make Phillies Debut Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper is on schedule to make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Blue Jays. The superstar outfielder hit a home run and doubled in 12 plate appearances in a simulated game against five minor league pitchers in camp on Thursday. The Phillies are just making sure Harper gets his […]

Danny Salazar Throwing Up To 120 Feet

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar, who is making progress from a right shoulder injury that cost him all of 2018, has been playing catch up to 120 feet this spring. The right-hander was an All-Star in 2016, going 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 10.6 K% in 25 starts. He has a […]

Bradley Zimmer Doing Well In Rehab

Cleveland Indians outfielder Bradley Zimmer (shoulder) is doing well in his recovery from right shoulder surgery last July. Manager Terry Francona said Zimmer will throw to the bases in camp this weekend. Leonys Martin is in line to be the Opening Day center fielder, but Zimmer could see significant playing time around the middle of […]

Francisco Lindor Taking Groundballs

Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) took ground balls and batting practice on Wednesday. Manager Terry Francona said that Lindor is still not moving laterally as he recovers from a strained right calf. There's a good chance that Lindor might not be ready for Opening Day, but he's not expected to miss much time if […]