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MLB News

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

Tuesday, March 17

Top Prospect George Lombard Jr. Faces Crucial 2026 Development Season

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Named the Yankees' top prospect for 2026, George Lombard Jr. is entering a pivotal year. After a 2025 campaign split between High-A and Double-A, where he hit .235 with 9 homers and 49 steals, the infielder is focused on refining his contact against in-zone fastballs. While his defensive skills are already considered big-league ready by Brian Cashman, Lombard's offensive consistency remains the key to his promotion. He is currently preparing for the season in minor-league camp.

Gunnar Henderson Shines for Team USA Ahead of WBC Championship Final

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Gunnar Henderson has been a standout for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, hitting 6-for-14 with two home runs, including a game-tying blast against the Dominican Republic. Despite limited starts in a crowded roster, his high-intensity performance has impressed teammates and fans alike. With Team USA set to face Venezuela in tonight's championship final, there is growing pressure for Henderson to be included in the starting lineup.

Trea Turner Emphasizes Importance of Running Game in 12th Season

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Entering his 12th professional season, Trea Turner is highlighting the importance of a strong running game for the Philadelphia Phillies. Recent spring training activity saw Turner interacting with Baltimore's Pete Alonso at BayCare Ballpark. As the Phillies look toward the 2026 season, Turner remains a central figure in the team's offensive strategy and preparation efforts.

Kyle Schwarber Discusses Upcoming Matchup Against Dominican Republic

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Philadelphia Phillies infielder Kyle Schwarber has been focused on the team's preparations and upcoming matchups during the spring training period. Amidst broader Phillies news, including the team's 2026 season outlook and the importance of a strong running game, Schwarber is actively engaged in the club's strategy as they navigate the spring schedule and prepare for the regular season.

Mike Trout Watches Team USA's WBC Championship Run From Sidelines

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As Team USA prepares for the World Baseball Classic championship final against Venezuela, Mike Trout remains on the sidelines. The superstar outfielder is not participating in the on-field action as the United States squad looks to secure the tournament title following a dramatic victory over the Dominican Republic in the previous round.

Pirates Reassign Top Prospect Termarr Johnson to Minor League Camp

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Despite a stellar Spring Training performance where he slashed .368/.500 with five RBIs, the Pirates have reassigned 21-year-old infielder Termarr Johnson to Minor League camp. The former first-round pick, ranked the team's No. 7 prospect, showed significant growth in conditioning and plate approach. While the acquisition of Brandon Lowe complicates his immediate path to the majors, manager Don Kelly praised his development. Johnson is projected to make his MLB debut in 2026.

Monday, March 16

Zach Neto Set for Cactus League Return Wednesday After Wrist Sprain

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Angels shortstop Zach Neto is nearing a return after spraining his left wrist while sliding into home Saturday. After successfully hitting off a tee and taking live batting practice Monday, manager Kurt Suzuki confirmed Neto is slated to play in a Cactus League game Wednesday. The team opted against a minor-league appearance to avoid injury risks from poor command. Neto remains on track to be fully healthy and ready for Opening Day in ten days.

Cam Schlittler On Track for No. 2 Spot in Yankees Rotation

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After a minor mid-back inflammation delayed his spring buildup, Cam Schlittler is on track to serve as the Yankees' No. 2 starter. He threw 54 pitches over four innings in live batting practice Monday and is expected to reach 65-70 pitches for his regular-season debut. While he won't be fully built up for a standard starter's workload initially, the team may utilize a piggyback strategy. Schlittler expressed interest in future World Baseball Classic participation after sitting out this year.

Maikel Garcia Powers Venezuela to WBC Final Win

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Maikel Garcia delivered a standout performance in Venezuela's 4-2 World Baseball Classic semifinal victory over Italy, going 2-for-4 with a decisive seventh-inning RBI single that broke a 2-2 tie. Garcia described the electric atmosphere as unlike anything he has experienced in the major leagues. He credited Royals teammate Salvador Perez for his mentorship and guidance in navigating the high-intensity environment of the tournament as Venezuela prepares for the WBC final against Team USA.

Nolan McLean Set to Start WBC Championship Game for Team USA

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Mets rookie Nolan McLean has been named the starter for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final. Fully recovered from spring training vertigo symptoms, he is cleared for a 65-70 pitch count. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed mixed feelings regarding the high-stakes environment, citing the risk of injury, but remains confident in the 24-year-old's ability to handle the pressure. McLean is expected to build on his encouraging spring performance in this high-intensity matchup.

Mark Vientos Endures Spring Slump; Manager Reassures Roster Spot

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Mark Vientos is struggling through a difficult spring, batting just .040 and sitting at 1-for-25 overall. Despite the lack of results, manager Carlos Mendoza has personally reassured the 26-year-old that his roster spot is secure. The coaching staff is prioritizing quality at-bats and hard contact over current stats, noting that Vientos has recorded several high exit velocities. The team remains confident that he will find his rhythm and become a key contributor during the regular season.

Chase Burns' Opening Day Status Uncertain Amid Ramp-Up

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The Reds may hold Chase Burns off the Opening Day roster to ensure he is fully stretched out for a starter's workload. The decision follows a 24-pitch outing Friday where the team expressed concern over his arm movement. While the club remains pleased with his overall spring progress—including a successful bullpen session Sunday—they may prioritize a cautious ramp-up period. Burns remains a key part of Cincinnati's 2026 pitching plans despite the potential delay in his big-league debut.

Ben Brown Debuts New Sinker, Eyes Potential Rotation Spot

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Cubs pitcher Ben Brown is drawing attention in Spring Training with the addition of a new sinker to his arsenal. Previously a two-pitch pitcher, Brown struggled with predictability, posting a 5.26 ERA as a starter and 4.79 as a reliever. Analysts suggest the sinker could unlock his number-two starter upside. While currently slated for the bullpen due to a crowded rotation, Brown remains a candidate for a starting role should injuries or performance issues arise among the current starters.

Francisco Alvarez Maintains Stellar Spring Form

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Francisco Alvarez continues to impress, reaching base twice in Monday's loss to the Nationals with an RBI double and a walk. The 23-year-old catcher is hitting .381 with a 1.107 OPS through 21 spring games, with half of his hits going for extra bases. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Alvarez’s rhythm and health, noting that the catcher is in a great position to build on his strong second-half performance from last season as Opening Day approaches.

José Ramírez Day-to-Day After Suffering Sore Shoulder

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Guardians third baseman José Ramírez is considered day-to-day after exiting Sunday's spring training game with left shoulder inflammation. The injury occurred when Ramírez jammed his shoulder while sliding into third base for a stolen base. Manager Stephen Vogt noted that the 33-year-old is feeling much better and is expected to be fine in a few days. The team has opted against imaging, as the injury is not viewed as a long-term concern for the veteran infielder.

Vogt Confirms Jose Ramirez Day-to-Day Following Shoulder Injury

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Guardians manager Stephen Vogt provided updates on third baseman Jose Ramirez, who exited Sunday's Cactus League game against the Athletics with left shoulder inflammation after jamming it while sliding into third base. Vogt confirmed that Ramirez is feeling better and is considered day-to-day. The team has opted against imaging, as medical staff do not view the injury as a long-term concern, keeping the star infielder on track for Opening Day.

Cristian Pache Impresses Mets with Elite Defense and Offensive Tools

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Cristian Pache is making a strong case for himself in Mets camp, hitting 11-for-25 with three extra-base hits in 11 Grapefruit League games. While his future may lie in Triple-A Syracuse due to a crowded outfield, manager Carlos Mendoza praised his elite defensive ability and hard contact. Pache, who developed his defensive skills under the guidance of Andruw Jones, signed a minor league deal in December and continues to impress the coaching staff with his tools.

Andruw Jones Mentorship Shapes Cristian Pache's Defensive Development

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Andruw Jones, a future Hall of Fame inductee, played a pivotal role in the development of outfielder Cristian Pache. During Pache's early years in the Braves' system, Jones served as an instructor, providing specific defensive skills and tricks that helped mold Pache into an elite defender. Pache, who wore No. 25 in Atlanta to honor Jones, credits the veteran for his defensive prowess and guidance on how to work on his craft in the major leagues.

Ronny Mauricio Records Multi-Hit Game Against Nationals

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Ronny Mauricio contributed to the Mets' offense in Monday's 12-6 loss to the Washington Nationals by lacing a pair of opposite-field, run-scoring hits. Both knocks came from the right side of the plate against left-handed pitching. Mauricio is currently hitting .313 this spring as he competes for playing time in the Mets' lineup.

Shohei Ohtani Returns to Dodgers Camp Following WBC Exit

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Shohei Ohtani has returned to the Dodgers' spring training camp after Japan's quarterfinal loss to Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani, who hit .462 with three home runs in the tournament, expressed gratitude to fans and teammates in a heartfelt message. He is set to resume his Dodgers workload, with plans to throw a bullpen session soon, make one pitching appearance in the Cactus League, and return to the lineup as a designated hitter as he prepares for the regular season.