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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, March 24

Dodgers Recommit to Roki Sasaki in Rotation Despite Recent Struggles

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Roki Sasaki will remain a member of the team's starting rotation despite a difficult performance in Monday's game against the Angels. As reported by Katie Woo of The Athletic, the decision comes after another poor outing from the pitcher. While Sasaki has faced recent challenges on the mound, the Dodgers are maintaining their commitment to the right-hander as they finalize their pitching staff for the regular season.

Matt Olson Belts Two Solo Home Runs in Grapefruit League Action

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Matt Olson showcased his power in Monday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, finishing the day 2-for-3 with two solo home runs. The Atlanta Braves first baseman's multi-homer performance highlights his strong form as spring training winds down. Olson's ability to drive the ball remains a focal point for the Braves' offense heading into the regular season, as he continues to provide elite power production from the middle of the lineup.

Victor Vodnik Emerges as Favorite to Close for Rockies

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Victor Vodnik is positioned as the frontrunner for the Rockies' closer role after a strong spring performance. In Monday's exhibition matchup against the Detroit Tigers, Vodnik struck out the only batter he faced to successfully record a save. This latest outing reinforces his standing in the Colorado bullpen hierarchy as the team nears Opening Day, making him a primary target for saves in the upcoming 2026 season as the Rockies look to solidify their late-inning relief options.

Seth Halvorsen Not Expected to Make Rockies' Opening Day Roster

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Seth Halvorsen is unlikely to break camp with the Colorado Rockies this spring. According to Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette, the right-hander is not expected to be included on the team's Opening Day roster. While Halvorsen has been competing for a spot during spring training, he will likely begin the 2026 campaign in the minor leagues to continue his development. The decision indicates the Rockies prefer he gets more consistent innings in a low-leverage environment before a call-up.

Joe Boyle Slated to Start Second Game of Season for Rays

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Joe Boyle is scheduled to rejoin the Tampa Bay Rays' rotation to start the second game of the 2026 season. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Boyle will take the mound on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The hard-throwing right-hander is expected to be a key piece of the Rays' pitching staff this year, and his early placement in the rotation highlights the team's confidence in his ability to provide quality innings following the season opener in St. Louis.

Nick Martinez's Season Debut Delayed by Minor Hamstring Injury

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Nick Martinez will have his first start of the season pushed back due to a minor hamstring issue. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Martinez is now scheduled to make his season debut on March 30 in Milwaukee rather than during the opening series. The Rays are opting for a cautious approach with the veteran right-hander to ensure the injury does not linger. This adjustment shifts the early-season rotation order as the team manages his recovery timeline and pitching depth.

Ryan Pepiot Placed on 15-Day IL With Right Hip Inflammation

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The Tampa Bay Rays placed Ryan Pepiot on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to right hip inflammation. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the move comes just as the regular season is set to begin, sidelining the right-hander for at least the first two weeks of the campaign. Pepiot's absence creates a significant void in the Rays' starting rotation, forcing the team to rely on their pitching depth while he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation for the inflammatory condition.

Lars Nootbaar Evaluated for Potential Move to 60-Day Injured List

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Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom announced Monday that Lars Nootbaar is being evaluated this week for a potential move to the 60-day injured list. Nootbaar continues to deal with persistent heel issues that have hampered his availability throughout the spring. A shift to the 60-day IL would signify a significant delay in his return to the St. Louis lineup and open a 40-man roster spot. The team is expected to provide a definitive update on his status following the evaluation.

Johan Oviedo Set to Begin 2026 Season in Red Sox Bullpen

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Johan Oviedo will officially open the 2026 season as a member of the Boston Red Sox bullpen, according to reports from Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. While Oviedo has significant experience as a starter, the Red Sox have opted to utilize his arm in a relief role to start the upcoming campaign. This move clarifies the team's pitching hierarchy as they finalize their Opening Day roster. Oviedo's transition to the bullpen provides Boston with a versatile, high-upside multi-inning option for the season.

Chase DeLauter Blasts Two Solo Home Runs in Spring Training Action

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Chase DeLauter delivered a powerful performance in Monday's spring training matchup against Arizona, finishing the day 2-for-2 at the plate. The Guardians prospect launched two solo home runs and added an additional run scored to his tally. This multi-homer display highlights DeLauter's offensive potential as he continues to make an impact during the exhibition schedule, showcasing the power that makes him a top talent in the Cleveland organization.

Corbin Carroll Starts in Right Field, Goes Hitless Against Guardians

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Corbin Carroll earned the start in right field during Monday's spring training matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. The Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder finished the contest 0-for-3 at the plate. While the offensive performance was quiet, his presence in the field remains a key part of Arizona's preparation for the upcoming season. This appearance provides another opportunity for Carroll to refine his timing and defensive positioning as the spring schedule continues.

Monday, March 23

Sasaki Struggles in Spring Start Following Mural Unveiling

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Roki Sasaki faced a challenging spring training outing on Monday, surrendering five runs and issuing six walks over two-plus innings of work. This performance follows recent cultural recognition for the Dodgers pitcher, who was featured alongside teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a new 12-story mural unveiled by artist Robert Vargas in Torrance, California. The artwork celebrates the trio as a cultural bridge between Los Angeles and Japan.

Mickey Moniak Exits Monday's Exhibition With Right Finger Injury

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Mickey Moniak was forced to leave Monday's exhibition game early after sustaining an injury to his right ring finger. The incident occurred while the outfielder was diving back into first base. Further updates regarding the severity of the injury and his status moving forward are expected as he undergoes evaluation.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension With Cubs

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The Chicago Cubs have officially signed center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to a multi-year contract extension. The deal secures the breakout star, who emerged as a key contributor for the club last season, for the foreseeable future. The agreement was finalized on Monday, cementing his role as a cornerstone of the Cubs' roster.

Rookie Carter Baumler Secures Spot on Rangers Opening Day Roster

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Texas Rangers rookie right-hander Carter Baumler has officially earned a spot on the team's opening day roster. The news was delivered in a unique fashion during his final spring training appearance, when manager Skip Schumaker visited the mound not to remove him from the game, but to personally inform him that he had made the major league squad.

Merrill Kelly to Make Rehab Start at Triple-A Reno

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Merrill Kelly, currently sidelined with a back injury, is scheduled to make a rehab start at Triple-A Reno. This appearance is a required step in his recovery process before he can be officially reinstated from the 15-day injured list. The team will monitor his performance and health during the rehab assignment to determine his readiness for a return to the major league rotation.

Gunnar Hoglund Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Sprained Right Knee

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Gunnar Hoglund has been placed on the 15-day injured list, effective Monday, due to a sprained right knee. The Athletics pitcher will be sidelined as he undergoes treatment and recovery for the injury. Further updates regarding his rehabilitation timeline and expected return to the active roster are pending as the team monitors his progress. Visit RotoWire.com for ongoing analysis and updates regarding his status.

Connelly Early Secures Spot on Red Sox Opening Day Roster

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Connelly Early has officially earned a spot on the Boston Red Sox's Opening Day roster. The news was confirmed by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Early will look to contribute to the team as they head into the start of the 2026 regular season.

Brandon Woodruff Set for Season Debut March 31 Against Rays

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Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff will make his 2026 season debut on March 31 in a home start against the Tampa Bay Rays. The two-time All-Star has successfully recovered from a lat strain and will avoid an injured list stint to begin the campaign. This start marks his official return to the active rotation for the Brewers' fifth game of the season.

Blake Snell Targeting Late May Season Debut

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Monday that the team is hopeful Blake Snell will be ready to make his 2026 season debut by late May. Snell is currently working through a shoulder injury. The organization is monitoring his recovery progress closely as he aims to join the active roster following his rehabilitation period.