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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Roki Sasaki is scheduled to start for the Dodgers in their final Arizona road game of spring training against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. Sasaki is looking for his first successful outing against major league competition after previously striking out nine White Sox minor leaguers over four innings on the backfields.
Juan Soto expressed deep frustration following the Dominican Republic's 2-1 loss to Team USA in the WBC semifinal, which ended on a controversial strike-three call. Soto, who also struck out on a questionable pitch, remains steadfast in his belief that the Dominican squad is the best team in baseball. He was also robbed of a hit by an Aaron Judge diving catch during the contest.
Chris Sale continues his spring training preparation, recently logging six innings against the Rays. While he allowed a home run to Nick Fortes, Sale focused on pumping fastballs and refining his secondary pitches. The veteran remains on track with his workload as the Braves continue their strong spring performance.
Josh Jung returned to the Rangers' lineup Monday, starting at third base and batting sixth against the White Sox. He had been sidelined throughout March while recovering from an adductor strain. Having made significant progress in recent days, Jung is expected to receive a high volume of at-bats over the final 10 days of spring training to ensure he is fully prepared for Opening Day.
Cristian Javier continues to build arm strength, showing improved velocity in his latest four-inning outing against the Marlins. He allowed two hits and no runs while striking out five across 56 pitches. Manager Joe Espada expressed satisfaction with Javier's progress as he prepares for the regular season.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo expressed confidence that Moreno will be available for the March 26 season opener against the Dodgers. An MRI on his right forearm revealed inflammation but no structural damage. While he is barred from throwing this week to allow the inflammation to subside, the team expects him to be cleared to catch for Opening Day starter Zac Gallen, provided he makes a start in an exhibition game early next week.
Michael Lorenzen will not start Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal for Italy against Venezuela. Aaron Nola has been named the starter for the contest instead.
Aaron Nola has been tapped to start Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal for Italy against Venezuela. He will take the mound in place of Michael Lorenzen, who was originally considered for the assignment.
Martin was removed from Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates after suffering a concussion. The injury occurred when he landed awkwardly while attempting to field a ball in right field. While the Twins' season opener is not until March 26, the unpredictable recovery timeline for concussions puts his status for the start of the campaign in jeopardy, potentially interrupting his bid for an Opening Day roster spot as a platoon outfielder.
Giants ace Logan Webb delivered a strong performance for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, allowing just one run over 8 ⅔ innings. Despite his success on the international stage, the 29-year-old has not pitched in the postseason since 2021. Webb, who has been named the Giants' Opening Day starter for the sixth time, remains the face of the franchise while the team looks to end its playoff drought.
Rangers outfielder Michael Helman received a $25,000 Rolex watch from teammate Brandon Nimmo on Sunday. Helman had previously agreed to give up his No. 24 jersey to Nimmo after the latter was acquired in a blockbuster trade. Nimmo, who sought the number to honor his brother and Ken Griffey Jr., presented the luxury gift in the team's locker room as a token of appreciation for Helman's graciousness.
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo gifted teammate Michael Helman a $25,000 Rolex watch as a thank-you gesture. Helman graciously surrendered his No. 24 jersey to Nimmo following the outfielder's blockbuster trade to Texas. Nimmo, who wears the number to honor his brother and childhood hero Ken Griffey Jr., praised Helman as a gem of a human being for the selfless act.
Chad Patrick is scheduled to make his third start of the spring Monday afternoon against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Through his first two appearances, Patrick has pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while recording seven strikeouts. He is part of a pitching plan that also includes Trevor Megill, Jared Koenig, and Grant Anderson as the Brewers look to snap a recent cold streak.
Andrew Abbott will start for the Reds on Monday against the Diamondbacks, looking to improve upon a difficult spring. Through 11 innings across four Cactus League starts, Abbott has yielded 12 earned runs on 16 hits, including four home runs. While he has maintained a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio of 14:4, he is aiming for a more successful outing to build confidence before his scheduled Opening Day start.
Butler is expected to start at designated hitter in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the White Sox. After undergoing surgery in October to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee and receiving a PRP injection for left knee tendinitis, he has avoided setbacks. Assuming he clears Tuesday's game, Butler could resume playing the outfield as early as Thursday. He has shown no hitting restrictions and looked to be moving at full speed during recent base-running drills.
Journeyman catcher Brett Sullivan is serving as a key mentor to young Colorado catchers Hunter Goodman and Braxton Fulford during Spring Training. Sullivan, who has appeared in 43 MLB games, emphasizes communication and relationship-building as core components of his role. While competing for a backup spot, he is also working closely with the pitching staff and coaching staff to implement new team philosophies, noting that he feels energized by the current camp's structure and environment.
As the consensus SP1 in fantasy baseball, two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal enters his final season before 2027 free agency. Skubal is expected to set the market for the largest starting pitcher contract in MLB history, potentially reaching $45 million annually. While the Tigers may consider dealing their ace prior to the trade deadline, Skubal remains focused on his performance, aiming to solidify his status as the premier arm in the league.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. enters the 2026 season as a pending 2027 unrestricted free agent, looking to build on a 2025 campaign where he set career highs with 31 homers, 80 RBI, and 30 stolen bases. With an .813 OPS and 4.2 WAR, Chisholm is a focal point of the Yankees' lineup. His market value is projected to exceed $20 million annually, and he has publicly stated high expectations for himself as he plays for his next major contract in the Bronx.
Jordan Westburg remains without a specific timeline to increase baseball activities as he recovers from a partially torn UCL in his right elbow. After opting against surgery in favor of a PRP injection and rest, Westburg has been limited to running, fielding drills, and one-handed swinging. He has already been ruled out through the end of April, leaving Coby Mayo, Blaze Alexander, and Jeremiah Jackson as the primary candidates to cover third base in his absence.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto expressed interest in becoming a big-league manager after his playing career concludes. Teammates and coaches, including Zack Wheeler and Rob Thomson, praised his leadership, baseball IQ, and ability to manage pitching staffs. Realmuto, who turns 35 on Wednesday, emphasized his desire to blend modern analytics with traditional instincts. He remains focused on winning a World Series in Philadelphia before considering a transition to the dugout.
