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Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval (elbow) threw a live bullpen session on Saturday, according to a video posted by Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Sandoval is heading into the second year of a two-year deal with the Red Sox that allowed him to rehab from Tommy John surgery with the organization. He hasn't pitched since 2024 with the Angels, but he's competing for the fifth spot in the Red Sox' rotation as camp gets underway. Across 16 starts in 2024, he went 2-8 with a 3.87 FIP, 9.15 K/9, 3.95 BB/9, and a 45% ground ball rate. Sandoval is on the 40-man roster, but the same can be said about other pitchers competing for rotation spots, including Johan Oviedo and Connelly Early.

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Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo (left calf) "has been off to the side" and is absent from several catching drills as spring training gets underway, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. The 26-year-old is dealing with a left calf issue and will be delayed in his return to drills. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Del Castillo will resume catching once he's healthy, as the team isn't considering a position switch for the young backstop. He spent 28 games at designated hitter and five at catcher last year, posting 0.2 FRM and 1 FRV behind the dish at the big league level in 2025. Holding the bat in his hands, he slashed .242/.290/.392 with four home runs, a 6.1% walk rate, a 35.9% strikeout rate, and 87 wRC+. Del Castillo is not a lock to make the 26-man roster, since the Snakes already have Gabriel Moreno and James McCann atop their depth chart.

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Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello has been throwing a curveball as spring training gets underway, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Bello threw five curveballs back in 2022, but he hasn't used the pitch since then. Now, it's back in his arsenal, adding a sixth pitch to his deep mix. Teammate Sonny Gray said Bello's arsenal is "gross," and manager Alex Cora credited the young pitcher for consistently developing ever since his debut season in 2022. The 26-year-old posted a career-best 3.35 ERA last year, but his FIP was a bit higher at 4.19. He continued to induce weak contact with a 49.8% ground ball rate and 0.86 HR/9. Bello projects as Boston's No. 4 starter behind Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, and Gray.

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Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that right-hander Grant Holmes (elbow) will be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Holmes dealt with a partially torn UCL in his right elbow late last season and missed the final two months, but he was able to avoid surgery and is now ready to rock for the start of the 2026 campaign. The 29-year-old went 4-9 with a 3.99 ERA (4.40 FIP) and 1.34 WHIP with 123 strikeouts and 54 walks in 115 innings over 22 appearances (21 starts) before his elbow injury in his second year in the big leagues. Holmes will have a starting role to begin the year, but he'll be a major injury risk and a good bet to regress if his walk rate is anywhere near what it was in 2025 (11%). Fantasy managers in mixed leagues should avoid Holmes.

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Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos confirmed that right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (elbow) will be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lopez is healthy after having arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last year that limited him to just one start. The 32-year-old Dominican was a first-time All-Star for the Braves in 2024 as he transitioned back to a starting role, posting a 1.99 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 148 strikeouts and 42 walks in 135 2/3 innings over 26 outings (25 starts). It was the first time that he went over 70 innings since 2019, and his 3.44 xFIP suggested he was a bit fortunate to have the numbers he did. The Braves will treat Lopez as a starter to begin the season, but he may end up back in the bullpen by the end of 2026. At the very least, fantasy managers should expect regression from his 2024 numbers.

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Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown commented on Friday, "We're not done yet," after completing the trade with the Blue Jays that brought outfielder Joey Loperfido back to the organization that drafted him. The Astros have been in talks with multiple teams about possibly trading corner infielder Isaac Paredes, who appears to be the odd man out in terms of regular at-bats, with Carlos Correa expected to man third and Christian Walker at first. Paredes had a good year in 2025 for the Astros despite missing significant time due to injury, blasting 20 home runs in just 102 games with a .353 wOBA and 128 wRC+. He looks like a decent value in drafts right now, currently ranked at 181 at RotoBaller, while the 26-year-old has an NFBC ADP of 193. Keep an eye out for news, as his landing spot could have a positive (Boston) or negative (Pittsburgh) impact on his fantasy value.

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Outfielder Joey Loperfido was sent from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Houston Astros on Friday in exchange for outfielder Jesus Sanchez. Loperfido heads back to the team that drafted him back in 2021 and the team he debuted with in 2024. In 122 career games in the big leagues, the former seventh-round draft pick has slashed .248/.297/.392, but has some big power that could prove fantasy-worthy if he gets regular at-bats, although he'll likely begin the season in a platoon role. Sanchez has even bigger power, with 93rd-percentile bat speed, which produced the longest home run of the 2024 season, a 480-foot blast that came off the bat at 116.4 mph. The 28-year-old has some base-stealing ability, too, swiping 13 in 134 games last season, but the left-handed slugger struggles versus left-handed pitching (career .181 AVG), so he will likely be relegated to a platoon role early in the year as well. Without regular at-bats, neither player is draftable in most fantasy formats.

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Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is expected to get some run at third base over the course of the season, per manager Will Venable. Chicago's skipper stated that the Japanese slugger will play mostly first base, though, as the complementary pieces around him fit better that way. The 26-year-old's main position over the last few seasons has been the hot corner while playing for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), however, he played mostly first base during his first two years in the NPB (2019-20). He's eligible for both positions in Yahoo! leagues. The left-handed slugger is known for some big power that also comes with a lot of swing and miss, so he represents a high-risk, high-reward lotteryticket toward the end of 2026 fantasy drafts. Murakami is currently ranked 222 overall in RotoBaller's latest rankings, right around his NFBC ADP of 220.

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Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg (oblique) continues to rehab his strained oblique and feels "pretty good," per Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner. The 26-year-old Westburg missed large chunks of time in both 2024 and 2025 due to injury, so to pick up an injury already in the preseason is concerning, especially since the right-handed slugger stated that he tried to prepare his body this offseason so that he could avoid the injury bug this year. When on the field, though, the former30th-overall draft pick has been productive, slashing .265/.312/.470 with a .336 wOBA and 120 wRC+ in 192 games over the last two years. Currently slotted in at thirdbase for the O's, the Mississippi State product could also occupy second base for the injured Jackson Holliday (hand) if need be, both of which he's position-eligible for on Yahoo!. As it stands, Westburg is not in jeopardy of missing Opening Day, but it's a situation to monitor. RotoBaller has him ranked at 139 overall for fantasy, a bit lower than his NFBC ADP of 128.

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Miami Marlins outfield prospect Owen Caissie appears to be in a great position to claim a lead role in the Miami offense out of spring training. Caissie was the headliner piece in the trade that sent right-hander Edward Cabrera to the North Side of Chicago earlier this winter. Caissie is now viewed as Miami's No. 3-ranked prospect and the overall No. 47 in baseball, per MLB.com. Last summer, the Cubs gave Caissie a brief taste of the majors, where he logged five hits over a 12-game stint. He spent most of the time with Triple-A Iowa, where he posted a .286/.386/.551 line with a strong .937 OPS across 99 games. During this stint, the outfitter swept five bags and added 22 round-trippers. Caissie is expected to compete for the starting job in the right field alongside Griffin Conine and Esteury Ruiz, both of whom have not shown consistent production in the majors. Given his prospect pedigree, Caissie appears to be the favorite to land a lead role in the Miami offense on Opening Day.

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Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers is a name to closely monitor in spring training. Beavers reached Baltimore last summer and posted a modest .237/.375/.400 line over his brief 35-game stint. During this stretch, the California product hit four home runs and swiped two bases. In the minor leagues, Beavers showed five-category upside, which makes him an intriguing sleeper candidate heading into the 2026 season. Through 94 games at Triple-A prior to his MLB promotion, Beavers held a .304/.420/.515 line with a .935 OPS, 18 home runs, and 23 stolen bases. However, the 24-year-old is not guaranteed an everyday role in a crowded Baltimore offense. During camp, managers should expect him to compete for at-bats alongside Tyler O'Neill, Colton Cowser, Taylor Ward, and Leody Taveras. However, if he were to claim a lead role, he carries high-end sleeper appeal in the later rounds, given his ability to hit for power and show solid speed on the basepaths.

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Kansas City Royals catching prospect Carter Jensen is a top breakout candidate heading into the 2026 regular season. Jensen made his MLB debut later in the second half last summer and immediately flashed upside. Through his first 20 MLB games, the former third-round selection posted a .300/.391/.550 slash line with three long balls. Under the hood, Jensen's production was even more impressive as he generated an elite .447 xwOBA, .336 xBA, and a .633 xSLG. Earlier in the campaign, the 22-year-old looked just as dominant in the upper minor leagues, across 111 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A. In this stint, Jensen posted a .290/.377/.501 line with 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases. With Jensen ticked for a near every-day role, sharing time at DH and behind the dish, he possesses immense five-category upside at the catcher position in his first full season in the big leagues.

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Arizona Diamondbacks top outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt could have an easier path to crack the Opening Day roster following the injury to Corbin Caroll. With the team's top outfielder on the shelf with a fractured hamate bone and in serious danger of missing the start of the season, Waldschmidt could emerge as a top replacement if he has a productive spring training. Entering camp, Waldschmidt was identified as a potential candidate to make the Opening Day roster, and now, with a starting outfielder injured, his path becomes much clearer. The Kentucky product joined the Diamondbacks in the 2024 MLB Draft and quickly progressed through the system last summer. Through 134 games (shared between High-A and Double-A), Waldschmidt held a .289/.419/.473 line with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases. Even though he does not have experience at Triple-A, a strong showing in camp could be enough to earn a spot in the Opening Day lineup.

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Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect JR Ritchie is a name to closely monitor during spring training, as he could break camp with the MLB roster following the injury to Spencer Schwellenbach. With Schwellenbach on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury, Ritchie could make a strong push to open camp in the starting rotation. Last summer, the team's No. 2-ranked prospect began the season at High-A and was able to progress through Triple-A by the second half. He looked sharp at High-A, logging 41 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.30 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and a 38:10 K:BB. Across 98 1/3 innings at the upper levels (Double-A and Triple-A), Ritchie posted a 3.20 ERA with a solid 1.10 WHIP. While the Braves may turn to veterans like Bryce Elder or Martin Perez, Ritchie could make a strong case if he turns in a successful spring training.

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Seattle Mariners top prospect Colt Emerson is in serious consideration to break camp with the MLB roster. According to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, the team's President of Baseball Operations, Jerry Dipoto, noted that it's "not out of the question" that the top shortstop prospect begins the season in Seattle. According to MLB.com, Emerson, the former 22nd overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft, is viewed as the team's No. 1-ranked prospect and the overall No. 9 prospect in the sport. Last summer, the 20-year-old spent most of his time with High-A and Double-A and performed at an elite level. With High-A, Emerson held a .281/.388/.453 line with 11 long balls and six stolen bases. Through 40 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Emerson posted a .293/.373/.470 line. He is a top name to watch in camp as he could be worthy of a late-round selection.

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St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that he thinks outfielder Jordan Walker could steal more bases in 2026, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It might be a make-or-break year for Walker, who has stolen only 18 bases in 279 games in his first three seasons in the big leagues. The former first-rounder is surprisingly fast despite standing 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, and the Cardinals could give him more opportunities to run this year. The 23-year-old is still young, but so far, he's been a bust at the major-league level, slashing .240/.302/.378 with a .680 OPS, 27 home runs, 112 RBI, 107 runs, and a 26.9% strikeout rate. Walker's 66 wRC+ in 2025 ranked 270th out of 277 qualifying hitters, although he did make loud contact along the way. There have been positive reports about Walker's swing changes this offseason. Taking a chance on Walker will be cheap if you're hoping for a post-hype breakout.

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The New York Mets placed right-hander Tylor Megill (elbow) on the 60-day injured list on Thursday to make room for new outfielder MJ Melendez on the 40-man roster, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Megill will miss the entire 2026 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had in September of last year. The 30-year-old veteran stepped up in the Mets' starting rotation in 2025 with both Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas injured, and he went on to go 5-5 with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 33 walks in 68 1/3 innings over 14 starts. Megill even had two starts with 10-plus strikeouts, but he landed on the IL in June with a right-elbow sprain and never pitched again. He has a career 4.46 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 435:163 K:BB in 409 2/3 innings over his 88 outings (81 starts) with the Mets over five seasons.

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The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they acquired right-hander Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for right-hander AJ Causey. In a corresponding move, the Royals moved right-hander Alec Marsh (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. Spence, 27, will be battling for a spot in KC's bullpen in spring training after posting a bloated 5.10 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP with one save, 66 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 84 2/3 innings over 32 appearances (eight starts) in 2025 in Sacramento. He wasn't much better the year before for the A's in his major-league debut, going 8-10 with a 4.58 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 126:44 K:BB in 151 1/3 frames covering 35 appearances (24 starts). With minor-league options remaining, Spence will most likely open the 2026 season at Triple-A Omaha as pitching depth for the Royals.

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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring in January, according to Charlie Goldsmith. Encarnacion-Strand is on a running progression in camp and may be forced to miss the first few Cactus League games. The 26-year-old is off to a bad start in spring training after struggling to the tune of a .208/.234/.377 slash line with a .610 OPS, six home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored in just 36 games played in 2025 in his third year in the big leagues. He was eventually sent down to Triple-A Louisville on July 12 and never made it back to Cincy. CEH's plate discipline was awful, and it didn't improve much down on the farm, as he struck out nearly 25% of the time. He has 21 home runs in his three years in the big leagues, but his 27.1% strikeout rate and high chase rate haven't helped his cause. Barring a strong spring training, Encarnacion-Strand could find himself back at Louisville to begin the 2026 season.

From RotoBaller