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MLB News

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

Tuesday, March 17

Eugenio Suárez Delivers WBC-Winning RBI Double

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Eugenio Suárez secured Venezuela's first World Baseball Classic title with a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth inning of a 3-2 victory over Team USA. The veteran slugger's clutch hit broke a 2-2 tie after Bryce Harper's game-tying home run in the eighth. Venezuela finished the tournament with six wins in seven games, clinching a 2028 Summer Olympics berth. Suárez's performance in Miami cemented his place in Venezuelan sports history as the team captured the championship.

Will Warren Nears End of Impressive Spring Training Campaign

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Yankees right-hander Will Warren is finishing a dominant spring, having allowed only three earned runs over 20.1 innings. Following a four-plus inning performance in a 3-2 win against the Rays, Warren continues to build momentum for his second full year. He is currently working to increase his pitch count toward 75 as he finalizes his preparation for the regular season. Despite facing competition for a rotation spot, his consistent development remains a major positive for the team.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Celebrates First WBC Championship

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Ronald Acuña Jr. helped lead Team Venezuela to their first World Baseball Classic title, defeating Team USA 3-2 in the final. Acuña finished the tournament with a .269/.424/.538 slash line, scoring 10 runs with seven hits, seven walks, and two stolen bases. He remained healthy throughout the competition, providing a spark for the Venezuelan squad. Braves fans look forward to his transition back to the regular season after his successful, full-tilt performance in the tournament.

Bryce Harper Hits Dramatic Game-Tying WBC Home Run

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Bryce Harper provided a late spark for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship, hitting a towering 432-foot, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game at 2-2. Despite his heroics, Team USA ultimately fell 3-2 to Venezuela following a ninth-inning RBI double by Eugenio Suárez. Harper's home run was a highlight of a challenging tournament for the American squad, which finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive time.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Set for Final Cactus League Start Before Opening Day

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Dodgers Opening Day starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to pitch in Friday's Cactus League game against the Padres. Yamamoto, who recently pitched for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, is preparing for his first home Opening Day start. Manager Dave Roberts praised Yamamoto's discipline and work ethic, noting his successful transition from a heavy 2025 postseason workload. Yamamoto remains focused on team success and continuing his unique, influential training regimen.

Jameson Taillon Struggles Through Spring Training Rotation Bid

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Jameson Taillon is facing scrutiny after a difficult spring, posting an 0-3 record with a 22.18 ERA across four starts. While he showed promise in a World Baseball Classic outing for Team Canada, he has struggled significantly in Mesa, allowing nine home runs over 15 total innings this spring. Despite the poor results, Taillon is expected to remain in the Cubs' rotation to start the season, though his leash may be short as the team evaluates his performance heading into the regular campaign.

Lance McCullers Jr. Delivers Encouraging Four-Inning Spring Outing

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Lance McCullers Jr. turned in a positive performance against the Pirates, tossing four innings while allowing just one run on three hits. He struck out one and walked three, focusing on refining his cutter and fastball command, with his velocity reaching 94.4 mph. McCullers appears to be firmly in the mix for the Astros' starting rotation, with the team currently evaluating whether to utilize a five or six-man setup to begin the 2026 season.

Mitch Keller Hit Hard in 10-2 Spring Training Loss to Astros

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Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller struggled during a 10-2 spring training loss to the Houston Astros on Monday. Keller, who has been a consistent rotation piece for Pittsburgh over the last four seasons, was unable to contain the Astros' offense in this outing. The performance serves as a minor setback during his preparation for the upcoming regular season as he looks to maintain his role as a reliable starter in the Pirates' pitching staff.

Ryan McMahon Providing Defensive Versatility for Yankees

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During Tuesday's spring training observations, Ryan McMahon's defensive performance was highlighted as a key factor in the Yankees' ongoing roster construction. His ability to provide defensive flexibility is currently being evaluated by the coaching staff as they finalize their personnel decisions for the season. McMahon remains a focal point for the team's depth strategy as spring training progresses.

J.C. Escarra Blasts 438-Foot Homer and Refines Swing with Torpedo Bat

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Escarra is making a strong case for the backup catcher role, going 3-for-4 with a 438-foot solo home run and a caught-stealing in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Rays. Beyond his production, Escarra is working closely with the Yankees' analytics department to return to using a 'torpedo bat' this spring. He aims to 'live and die' by this adjustment, hoping the mechanical change will sustain his encouraging start to the exhibition season.

Tommy Kahnle Signs Minor League Deal with Boston Red Sox

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Veteran relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle has signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox to bolster their bullpen depth for the 2026 season. Kahnle, 36, previously pitched for the Detroit Tigers, recording a 4.43 ERA and nine saves in 66 appearances last season. A longtime Yankee with a career-best 2.11 ERA in 2024, he is known for his heavy reliance on his changeup. He also recently represented Team Israel at the World Baseball Classic, tossing two scoreless innings.

Craig Kimbrel Battles Velocity Issues in Mets Bullpen Bid

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Veteran right-hander Craig Kimbrel is fighting for a final bullpen spot with the Mets, though his fastball velocity has dipped to an average of 92.1 mph. In his latest outing, he allowed a run and issued a walk, bringing his spring total to five free passes and two hit-by-pitches. Despite the struggles, Kimbrel remains confident in his ability to contribute, stating he feels physically good and is focused on refining his arsenal as the team makes final roster decisions.

Tobias Myers Adjusts to Long Relief Role for Mets Bullpen

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Tobias Myers is transitioning into a long-relief role for the Mets, throwing multiple innings during spring training to prepare for the regular season. After a breakout 2024 with Milwaukee, Myers has impressed the Mets' coaching staff with his competitiveness and ability to adapt. While he has experience as a starter, he is embracing the bullpen assignment, emphasizing the importance of being ready when called upon as he looks to solidify his place on the team's pitching staff.

Royals Option Ryan Bergert to Triple-A Omaha

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The Kansas City Royals have optioned right-handed pitcher Ryan Bergert to Triple-A Omaha as part of a series of roster moves. Bergert, who posted a 3.66 ERA across 76.1 innings between the Padres and Royals last season, struggled in spring training with a 6.52 ERA over 9.2 innings. The team plans to keep him stretched out as a starter in the minors to provide rotation depth behind the projected big-league starting five of Ragans, Lugo, Wacha, Bubic, and Cameron.

Mike Vasil to Miss 2026 Season Following Tommy John Surgery

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White Sox right-hander Mike Vasil will miss the entire 2026 season after being diagnosed with an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery, to be performed by Dr. Keith Meister. Vasil, a key 2025 bullpen contributor with a 2.50 ERA, suffered arm soreness during a March 14 spring start. His absence creates a 40-man roster opening, with candidates like Hagen Smith, Ben Peoples, and Shane Murphy emerging as potential replacements to fill the vacancy in the Chicago pitching staff.

Anthony Kay Earns Win in Strong 4 2/3 Inning Outing

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Anthony Kay moved to 3-0 this spring after a strong 4 2/3 inning performance in the White Sox's 6-4 win over the Athletics. Kay allowed one run on three hits, striking out five without issuing a walk. His only blemish was a solo home run surrendered to Andy Ibañez in the fifth. Kay has been steady throughout the spring, posting a 2.31 Cactus League ERA over 11 2/3 innings, and is currently focused on refining his command to further reduce his walk rate.

Eduardo Rodriguez to Start WBC Final for Team Venezuela

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez has been selected to start on the mound for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic championship game against Team USA on Tuesday. As the final Diamondbacks player remaining in the tournament, his performance in the finale is a major focal point for the organization, which is closely monitoring his workload and health ahead of the start of the regular season.

Will Smith Named Starting Catcher for WBC Championship Game

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Will Smith has been named the starting catcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship game against Venezuela on Tuesday night. This marks his second consecutive start behind the plate for the U.S. squad. Smith, who celebrated a semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic earlier in the tournament, will look to guide the U.S. pitching staff in the title match at LoanDepot Park.

Javen Coleman Assigned to Minor League Camp

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Javen Coleman has been assigned to the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league camp. This move is part of a series of roster assignments announced by the team as they continue to manage their organizational depth following the conclusion of spring training activities.

Arjun Nimmala Assigned to Minor League Camp

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Arjun Nimmala has been assigned to the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league camp. The move is part of the organization's ongoing roster adjustments as they finalize their player development assignments for the 2026 season.