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MLB News

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

Monday, March 16

J.T. Realmuto Eyes Future Career in MLB Management

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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.

Marcelo Mayer Cleared for Minor-League Action Following Knee Soreness

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After being scratched from Sunday's lineup with left knee soreness, Marcelo Mayer is feeling better than anticipated and is scheduled to play in a Triple-A minor-league game Monday. Manager Alex Cora previously downplayed the injury, and Mayer's quick return to action suggests he remains on track to serve as the Red Sox's primary second baseman. Mayer has enjoyed a productive spring, posting an .816 OPS across 27 plate appearances thus far.

Braves Reassign Infielder Aaron Schunk to Minor League Camp

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The Atlanta Braves have reassigned infielder Aaron Schunk to minor league camp. Schunk, who recorded 131 plate appearances with the Colorado Rockies over the past two seasons, struggled during Spring Training with a .174/.208/.174 slash line in 24 plate appearances. He will provide infield depth at the minor league level for the Braves organization as they trim their active camp roster to 43 players.

Braves Reassign Brewer Hicklen to Minor League Camp

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The Atlanta Braves have reassigned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to minor league camp, leaving the team with 43 active players. Hicklen, who has previously spent time in the Detroit and Milwaukee organizations, will report to Gwinnett to provide depth. He is not expected to make the Opening Day roster but remains an option for the Braves' depth chart as the season approaches.

Hyeseong Kim Slated for Second Base in Monday's Spring Training Lineup

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Hyeseong Kim is set to start at second base for the Dodgers in Monday's spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He is hitting in the lower half of a lineup that features Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training progression at Camelback Ranch, focusing on a single-game schedule for the remainder of the preseason.

Mookie Betts to Start at Shortstop in Monday's Spring Training Game

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Mookie Betts is scheduled to start at shortstop for the Dodgers in Monday's spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Betts is part of a strong starting lineup that includes Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers are back to playing single-opponent games at Camelback Ranch as they ramp up for the regular season.

Freddie Freeman Batting Second in Monday's Spring Training Lineup

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Freddie Freeman is penciled in to start at first base and bat second for the Dodgers in Monday's spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He is joined in the lineup by Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers are returning to a standard single-game schedule at Camelback Ranch as they continue their preparations for the 2026 season.

Teoscar Hernández Slated for Left Field in Monday's Spring Training Lineup

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Teoscar Hernández is scheduled to start in left field for the Dodgers in Monday's spring training contest against the Milwaukee Brewers. He is hitting in the middle of a lineup that features Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are focusing on single-opponent games for the remainder of the spring as they finalize their roster ahead of the upcoming regular season.

Miguel Rojas to Serve as Designated Hitter in Monday's Spring Game

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Miguel Rojas is set to lead off as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Monday's spring training matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. Rojas is part of a lineup that features key starters including Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy. The game serves as part of the Dodgers' continued preparation as they transition away from split-squad action for the final stretch of spring training.

Jackson Holliday to Begin Taking Live At-Bats This Week

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Holliday, recovering from a broken hamate bone in his right hand, is set to begin taking live at-bats this week. He has been hitting off a tee for the past 10 days and is progressing well. While his status for Grapefruit League action remains uncertain, he is hopeful for a short stint on the injured list to start the season and could potentially be ready for Triple-A Norfolk's season opener in 11 days.

Ben Cowles Profiled as Triple-A Depth for Chicago Cubs

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Ben Cowles, 26, continues to serve as organizational depth for the Chicago Cubs after stints with the Blue Jays and White Sox earlier this year. With a career minor-league slash line of .258/.346/.409 over 459 games, Cowles is viewed as a Quadruple-A player rather than a primary utility option for the major-league roster. The Cubs aim to keep him on the Triple-A Iowa roster to provide depth throughout the 2026 season.

George Springer Joins Blue Jays for Spring Training Road Trip

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Despite the long bus ride to Jupiter, Florida, for a spring training matchup against the Marlins, veteran outfielder George Springer has opted to travel with the team. Springer, who could have remained in Dunedin for individual work, is expected to see action in the lineup as he continues his preparations for the upcoming season. His participation highlights his commitment to securing necessary plate appearances during the exhibition schedule.

Matt McLain Confirmed as Reds' Second Hitter for 2026 Season

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Manager Terry Francona has confirmed that Matt McLain will bat second in the Reds' lineup this season. McLain has been exceptional during spring training, slashing .553/.605/1.105 with six home runs and 13 RBI across 43 plate appearances. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the 25-year-old is showing signs of a major resurgence, positioning himself as a high-upside fantasy asset hitting in front of Elly De La Cruz.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Taunts Japan After WBC Quarterfinal Win

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Venezuela's Ronald Acuña Jr. celebrated a come-from-behind 8-5 victory over Japan in the WBC quarterfinals with a 'we ate sushi' taunt. Acuña hit a leadoff home run in the first inning and performed a Eurostep at third base. He described the win as one of the most important moments of his career as Venezuela advanced to the semifinals.

Roman Anthony Powers Team USA Into World Baseball Classic Finals

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Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony is a catalyst for Team USA's WBC run, batting .318/.423/.591 with two home runs and a team-best seven RBI across six games. The 21-year-old delivered a go-ahead home run in the semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic. An injury replacement for Corbin Carroll, Anthony has transitioned from a 2023 tournament spectator to a key starter, generating significant excitement as he helps lead the U.S. into the championship round.

Paul Skenes Dominates Dominican Republic in WBC Semifinal Victory

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Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes led Team USA to a 2-1 semifinal win over the Dominican Republic, pitching 4.1 innings and striking out two while allowing only one run. Skenes concludes his WBC run with a 1.08 ERA and nine strikeouts over two appearances. Despite facing a lineup of All-Stars, the 23-year-old demonstrated poise and mental fortitude, mixing six pitches to secure the victory and help propel Team USA into the championship game.

Brandon Valenzuela Impresses Blue Jays Staff With Spring Performance

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Toronto Blue Jays prospect Brandon Valenzuela has been a standout in spring training, hitting 7-for-23 with a home run while demonstrating strong defensive skills behind the plate. While Tyler Heineman currently holds the backup catcher role due to roster flexibility, Valenzuela's performance has earned praise from team observers. Given the physical demands of the catching position, Valenzuela is considered a strong candidate for a potential major league call-up later this season.

Rays Catchers Fortes and Feduccia Show Improved Offensive Metrics

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Rays catchers Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia are showing promising offensive growth this spring, with a combined 11.9% whiff rate and a 104.0 mph 90th percentile exit velocity. While they are currently prioritizing contact over damage, the duo is expected to provide more production than the 70 wRC+ output from the position in 2025. The front office is looking for them to elevate the ball more consistently as they prepare for the regular season.

Rays Catchers Feduccia and Fortes Show Improved Offensive Metrics

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Rays catchers Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes are showing promising offensive growth this spring, with a combined 11.9% whiff rate and a 104.0 mph 90th percentile exit velocity. While they are currently prioritizing contact over damage, the duo is expected to provide more production than the 70 wRC+ output from the position in 2025. The front office is looking for them to elevate the ball more consistently as they prepare for the regular season.

Cal Raleigh Leads Mariners' 2026 World Series Ambitions

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After a record-breaking 2025 season featuring 60 home runs and a 161 wRC+, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is aiming to dethrone Aaron Judge for the AL MVP award in 2026. Raleigh, who finished as the 2025 MVP runner-up, remains the centerpiece of a Seattle team coming off an ALCS appearance. Projections suggest another strong year for the 29-year-old, who is central to the Mariners' goal of securing their first World Series title.