The Texas Rangers have signed veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor league contract, with an invite to big league Spring Training. Pillar, 36, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent 12 seasons in the MLB. After being drafted by the Blue Jays in the 32nd round back in 2011, he made his major league debut in 2013 and established himself as a solid glove-first outfielder who can provide some offense against left-handed pitching.
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During his peak seasons from 2015 to 2018, Pillar served as Toronto’s everyday center fielder, posting impressive defensive and offensive stats. Though those peak years are behind him, Pillar has transitioned into a reliable fourth or fifth outfielder for various MLB clubs in recent years. His veteran presence and versatility will be valuable assets for the Rangers as they head into the new season.

Right-handed Rangers pitching prospect Alejandro Rosario is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to an elbow injury, according to president of baseball operations Chris Young. Rosario will require surgery, although Young did not provide specific details on the procedure. The injury is believed to be related to Rosario's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), a common injury for pitchers that often necessitates Tommy John surgery.
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Young stated, "It's likely UCL. I don't want to officially say, but yeah, it's elbow and will probably require Tommy John." This unfortunate development is a significant setback for Rosario, who had been showing promise in the Rangers' farm system. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they will need to adjust their plans in light of Rosario's absence and the impact it may have on their pitching depth.

Rival clubs believe that the St. Louis Cardinals could entertain trade conversations surrounding right-hander Erick Fedde, as reported by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. While it’s uncertain if these discussions would take place later this spring or at some point during the season, Goold notes that the Cardinals are keen on maintaining their pitching depth. However, the organization is reportedly "open" to making a move that would lower payroll and create an opportunity in the rotation for young right-hander Michael McGreevy.
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Fedde, a former first-round pick, has shown promise but also faced inconsistencies during his career. The Cardinals' willingness to consider trading him highlights their strategic approach to managing their roster and financial flexibility. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these potential trade discussions unfold and the impact they may have on both Fedde and the Cardinals' pitching staff.

Right-hander JB Bukauskas is facing a "significant" lat injury, as reported by Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Bukauskas is currently deciding between undergoing surgery or attempting to rehab the injury. This setback is particularly unfortunate for Bukauskas, who was once a first-round pick by the Astros in 2017 and a consensus top-100 prospect. Traded to the Diamondbacks as part of the Zack Greinke deal in 2019, he made his MLB debut in 2021 but has since struggled with injuries. He missed significant time due to an elbow flexor strain and a teres major strain, limiting his opportunities on the mound.
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Bukauskas' career has been marked by frequent injuries, affecting his ability to maintain consistent performance. After brief stints with the Mariners and Brewers, he showed glimpses of his potential, posting a 0.75 ERA and a 26.7% strikeout rate in limited appearances for Milwaukee. Despite these flashes of brilliance, he has been sidelined by various ailments, including whiplash, a finger tendon issue, and the recent lat strain. Milwaukee designated him for assignment in January, but Bukauskas opted to stay with the team as a non-roster invitee for Spring Training. The Brewers are hopeful that Bukauskas can overcome this latest obstacle and contribute to their pitching staff.

Fresh off his first Cy Young Award, Chris Sale kicked off spring training in style, delivering two perfect innings for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Sale faced six batters and retired them all without issuing any walks or striking out anyone, showcasing his precision and efficiency on the mound. Despite his stellar performance, the Braves fell to the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in the game.
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Entering his second year with the Braves, the 35-year-old left-hander is coming off a remarkable season in which he went 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts, earning him the National League's pitching Triple Crown and the Cy Young Award. Sale's ability to stay healthy and make 29 starts last season, the most since 2017, was a key factor in his success. On Saturday, Sale threw 21 pitches, 14 of which were strikes, setting a positive tone for his 2025 campaign.

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed veteran outfielder and first baseman Mark Canha to a minor league contract, which includes an invite to Major League Spring Training. Canha, who spent part of the 2023 season with the Brewers, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. Last season, he played for both the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants, posting a .242/.344/.346 slash line with seven home runs and 42 RBIs. The Brewers are hopeful that Canha's veteran presence and ability to play multiple positions will provide valuable depth to their roster.
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Canha's signing comes in the wake of an injury to center fielder Blake Perkins, who is expected to miss 3-4 weeks due to a fractured shin. With Perkins sidelined, the Brewers will look to Canha to potentially fill the void in the outfield alongside Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, and Jackson Chourio. Canha's solid plate discipline and ability to get on base make him a strong candidate to contribute to the Brewers' lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team is optimistic that Canha can make a significant impact and help them contend in the National League Central.

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed pitcher Kodi Whitley to a minor league contract. Whitley, who previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals, brings experience and potential to the Rays' pitching staff. In his time with the Cardinals, Whitley posted a 3.38 ERA over 42.2 innings, showcasing his ability to be an effective reliever despite a high walk rate. The Rays are hopeful that Whitley can refine his control and contribute to their bullpen depth.
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Whitley spent the 2024 season with the Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate, where he struggled with a 5.19 ERA over 43.1 innings. Despite these challenges, the Rays see potential in Whitley's fastball and slider combination. The team believes that with the right adjustments and coaching, Whitley can become a valuable asset. As Spring Training approaches, Whitley will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Rays' major league roster.