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MLB News

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

Tuesday, March 17

Justin Verlander Sharp in 4.2 Innings Against Orioles

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In a 1-1 tie against the Orioles, 43-year-old Justin Verlander looked sharp, touching 96 mph with his fastball while mixing in his curveball and sweeper. He pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three hits and one run with no walks. Verlander, entering his third spring start, is looking to build on a solid second half from last season. The veteran is currently positioned as a key rotation piece for the Tigers, focusing on refining his pitch mix as he prepares for the 2026 campaign.

Bailey Ober Velocity Decline Continues in Spring Start

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Bailey Ober struggled in his latest Grapefruit League appearance against the Phillies, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over 8.2 total frames this spring. Notably, his fastball velocity failed to crack 90 mph, averaging just 88.2 mph during the outing. With only three strikeouts across three appearances, the 30-year-old is facing a critical window to regain form before Opening Day, following a 2025 season where he recorded a 5.10 ERA.

Reynaldo López Struggles in Spring Outing Against Red Sox

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After a strong start to spring training, Reynaldo López faced a setback against a major-league caliber Red Sox lineup. He pitched 3.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits, including a double and a triple, while walking two and striking out six. Despite the difficult fourth inning, López has been effective overall this spring, posting a 1.0 earned run total over 9.0 innings in previous appearances. The team views this outing as a potential mechanical adjustment period.

Bo Bichette Powers Mets With First Spring Home Run

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Bo Bichette had a standout performance in the Mets' 5-5 tie against the Marlins, driving in all five of the team's runs. He recorded a two-run double down the left-field line and launched his first home run of the spring, a three-run, opposite-field shot in the seventh inning.

Zach Neto Returns to Action for Tuesday's Cactus League Game

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Neto is set to play in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs after recovering from a left wrist sprain sustained on a slide into home plate Saturday. While initially expected to play in a minor-league game, Neto convinced the club to let him play in the Cactus League contest. The 25-year-old is coming off a productive 2025 campaign where he totaled 26 home runs, 26 steals, and a career-best .793 OPS in 128 games.

Cade Horton Dominates in Spring Start with 10 Strikeouts

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Cubs right-hander Cade Horton delivered a standout performance against the Guardians, striking out 10 batters over five efficient innings. Horton allowed only one run on three hits and one walk on 72 pitches. After surrendering six runs in his previous outing, Horton bounced back in dominant fashion. He remains a pivotal rotation piece for the Cubs in 2026 after posting a 2.67 ERA and 97:33 K:BB across 118 innings as a rookie last year.

Joshua Baez Impresses Cardinals Staff During Spring Training

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Cardinals manager Oli Marmol praised Joshua Baez for his impressive Spring Training performance and professional demeanor. Marmol highlighted Baez's quiet confidence, effective communication with the coaching staff, and overall presence on the field. The manager noted that Baez is working with a sense of urgency, and the organization is excited about his future development as he nears a potential major league opportunity.

Cardinals Manager Oli Marmol Addresses Jordan Walker's Development

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St. Louis manager Oli Marmol emphasized the team's commitment to helping Jordan Walker overcome recent development challenges. Marmol acknowledged that the situation has been difficult but expressed optimism that they are finally at a point where real change can occur. The organization is working closely with Walker to ensure he carries his training into game situations, with Marmol stating that the team is doing everything possible to unlock his potential.

Cardinals Manager Oli Marmol Discusses Nolan Gorman's Progress

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Cardinals manager Oli Marmol highlighted the team's efforts to improve Nolan Gorman's contact rate without sacrificing bat speed. Marmol noted that while Gorman's bat speed dropped initially during the adjustment, he is now seeing better contact and more walks in Spring Training. The team is focused on helping Gorman achieve sustainable success by controlling the strike zone and impacting the baseball consistently.

Chase Dollander Set for Fourth Spring Start Against Mariners

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Rockies right-hander Chase Dollander is slated to make his fourth start of the spring against the Seattle Mariners. Through 10.1 innings this spring, Dollander holds a 5.23 ERA with 6 strikeouts and a 1.67 WHIP. He looks to refine his performance as the team continues its spring training schedule.

Cooper Criswell Takes Mound for Mariners Against Rockies

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Right-hander Cooper Criswell is scheduled to start for the Seattle Mariners in a spring training matchup against the Colorado Rockies. Criswell has been effective during the spring, carrying a 1.74 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP across 10.1 innings of work, while recording 10 strikeouts.

Bryson Stott Aims to Sustain Second-Half Surge in 2026

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Bryson Stott is looking to build on his strong 2025 second half and a productive spring. After working with hitting coach Kevin Long, Stott implemented adjustments to his plate approach, focusing on pulling pitches and maintaining a consistent swing. While he has never posted an above-average wRC+ over a full season, his recent performance suggests potential for improvement. The Phillies are counting on his continued success to bolster the offense in 2026.

Alex Bregman Highlighted as Key Power Threat for WBC Final

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Alex Bregman is projected as a primary home run threat for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela. Betting analysts favor Bregman to start against Venezuelan left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, citing his strong career performance against the pitcher, where he has recorded a 1.160 OPS with three home runs in 27 at-bats. The veteran infielder is expected to provide a crucial offensive spark for the Americans in the tournament's championship game.

Mets Option Christian Scott to Triple-A

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The Mets have optioned right-hander Christian Scott to Triple-A. Scott, who missed the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, made two appearances this spring, posting a 4.50 ERA with eight strikeouts over six innings of work. He took the loss in his most recent outing against the Nationals, allowing three earned runs in three-plus innings. He will continue his development in Triple-A, remaining an option for the major league rotation should injuries or performance issues arise.

Mets Option MJ Melendez to Triple-A After Strong Spring

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The Mets have optioned MJ Melendez to Triple-A as they refine their roster ahead of Opening Day. Melendez had been competing for a bench spot and performed well, hitting .364 with two home runs and a 1.364 OPS in 11 at-bats. He also represented Puerto Rico in the WBC. The Mets, who signed him to a split deal in February, will continue to evaluate his development as he transitions primarily to a corner outfield role.

Chris Sale Sharp in Six-Inning Spring Outing

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Chris Sale allowed one run on five hits over six innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, striking out three without issuing a walk. The veteran southpaw built up to 75 pitches, maintaining a 3.29 ERA and 11:2 K:BB ratio through 13.2 spring innings. Sale appears ready for the start of the season and remains the favorite to be named Atlanta's Opening Day starter by manager Walt Weiss.

Drake Baldwin Powers Braves With Triple and Home Run

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Drake Baldwin continues to impress during Spring Training, going 2-for-4 with a triple, a home run, and four RBI in Monday's victory over the Rays. After hitting a triple off Nick Martinez, he clubbed a three-run homer off Yoendrys Gomez. Baldwin is batting .333 this spring with two doubles, two triples, and two home runs. His consistent production remains a key storyline as the Braves evaluate their roster depth heading into the final stages of the spring schedule.

Jake Irvin to Start Against Cardinals

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Jake Irvin is scheduled to take the mound for the Washington Nationals in their spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. The game takes place at the Nationals' spring training home in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Dustin May Scheduled for Another Spring Start

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Dustin May is set to make another start for the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday as they travel to face the Washington Nationals. May has been preparing for the season during Spring Training, with his most recent action occurring on March 11 against the same Nationals club.

Colt Keith Starts at First Base for Tigers

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Colt Keith is starting at first base for the Detroit Tigers in their spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles. The contest is taking place at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.