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MLB News

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

Wednesday, March 18

Kyle Leahy Set for Spring Matchup Against Astros

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St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy is slated to start in the Grapefruit League matchup against the Houston Astros on March 18, 2026. This appearance represents his third time facing the Astros this spring as the Cardinals continue their exhibition schedule at Roger Dean Stadium.

J.P. France Makes First Spring Training Start

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Houston Astros right-hander J.P. France is set to make his first start of the spring training period on March 18, 2026. This marks his fifth appearance of the Grapefruit League season as he prepares for the upcoming campaign. France is scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.

Alex Freeland Serves as Designated Hitter

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Alex Freeland is in the lineup as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wednesday spring training game against the San Francisco Giants.

Dalton Rushing Behind the Plate for Dodgers

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Dalton Rushing is starting at catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training game against the San Francisco Giants.

Andy Pages Starts in Center Field

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Andy Pages is patrolling center field for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wednesday spring training game against the San Francisco Giants.

Mookie Betts at Shortstop for Dodgers

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Mookie Betts is set to play shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training matchup against the San Francisco Giants.

Freddie Freeman at First Base for Dodgers

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Freddie Freeman is starting at first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wednesday spring training game against the San Francisco Giants.

Teoscar Hernández Starts in Left Field

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Teoscar Hernández is positioned in left field for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training game against the San Francisco Giants.

Santiago Espinal Included in Dodgers Lineup

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Santiago Espinal is listed as the right fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wednesday spring training contest against the San Francisco Giants.

Max Muncy in Dodgers Lineup Against Giants

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Max Muncy is slated to play third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wednesday spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch.

Debate Over Bryce Eldridge's Opening Day Status

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Discussions are ongoing regarding whether prospect Bryce Eldridge should earn a spot on the San Francisco Giants' Opening Day roster as the team evaluates its options.

Taitn Gray Highlighted in Prospect Rankings

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Taitn Gray, the Rays' 86th overall pick in the 2025 draft, continues to draw attention in community prospect rankings. Despite concerns regarding his defensive position, the 17-year-old showed significant promise during his initial time with the organization.

Hayden Birdsong Weighs Surgery for Forearm Injury

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Hayden Birdsong is currently evaluating his medical options after meeting with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister regarding a right forearm injury. Birdsong is deciding between undergoing surgery or pursuing a recovery path through rest and rehabilitation. His status remains a key development for the Giants' pitching depth as he weighs the best course of action for his return to the mound.

Connelly Early Set to Face Yankees in Spring Matchup

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Connelly Early is slated to take the mound against the New York Yankees in a spring training matchup. The game serves as a significant test for the Red Sox pitcher as he continues his preparations for the 2026 season.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Leads Team Venezuela to WBC Victory

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Ronald Acuña Jr. and Team Venezuela have secured a historic World Baseball Classic championship win. The victory, celebrated for its electric energy and the team's resilience, marks a major milestone for Acuña as he prepares to rejoin the Atlanta Braves for the remainder of the spring training schedule.

José Berríos Ruled Out for Season Start With Elbow Fracture

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Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos will miss the start of the 2026 season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow. The injury is a significant blow to the Toronto rotation, sidelining the veteran arm as the team prepares for the opening of the regular season.

Dodgers Option Kyle Hurt to Triple-A

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The Los Angeles Dodgers officially optioned pitcher Kyle Hurt to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The move comes as the team narrows down its roster ahead of Opening Day. Manager Dave Roberts indicated the organization is in the final stages of evaluating the roster following recent exhibition play against the Royals.

Ezequiel Duran Reflects on 2025 Season Struggles

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The 2025 season proved to be a challenging campaign for Texas Rangers utility infielder Ezequiel Duran. Analysis of his performance indicates that he faced significant difficulties at the plate throughout the year, marking a tough stretch for the versatile player.

Richard Fitts Optioned to Triple-A Memphis

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The St. Louis Cardinals have optioned pitcher Richard Fitts to Triple-A Memphis as of Wednesday. The move follows the conclusion of the team's rotation competition during spring training, resulting in Fitts being reassigned to the minor leagues.

Aaron Nola Returns to Phillies Camp After World Baseball Classic

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Aaron Nola has returned to the Philadelphia Phillies' spring training camp following his participation in the World Baseball Classic. Nola expressed that he had a great experience during the tournament and is feeling optimistic as he rejoins the Phillies to prepare for the upcoming regular season.