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MLB News

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

Sunday, March 15

Taijuan Walker Returns to Phillies Mound Following WBC Stint

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Taijuan Walker is set to start for the Philadelphia Phillies in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves. This appearance marks his return to the team following his participation with the Mexican national team in the World Baseball Classic. Walker, entering a contract year, is looking to bounce back after a difficult two-season stretch. He is expected to lead the pitching effort as the Phillies field a lineup of regulars against the Braves.

Cristian Javier Makes Second Spring Start Against Marlins

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RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Grapefruit League season for the Houston Astros against the Miami Marlins. In his previous outing on March 9 against St. Louis, Javier allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks with three strikeouts over 1.2 innings. Returning from 2025 Tommy John surgery, Javier posted a 2-4 record with a 4.62 ERA in eight starts last year. The Astros also announced the reassignment of Tom Cosgrove and Amos Willingham to minor league camp.

Freddy Peralta Sharp in Four-Inning Spring Outing

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Peralta allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out six over four innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros. The right-hander threw 39 of 56 pitches for strikes, continuing his build-up for his first Opening Day assignment with the Mets. Peralta currently holds a 2.70 ERA and a 12:2 K:BB ratio through 10 innings this spring, demonstrating strong command against a high-level Houston lineup.

Pete Fairbanks Continues Dominant Spring Performance

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Fairbanks tossed a perfect inning with one strikeout in Saturday's split-squad game against the Cardinals. The right-hander has yet to allow a run through four spring innings, maintaining a 6:1 K:BB ratio. Signed to a one-year, $13 million contract in December, Fairbanks is positioned as the Marlins' primary closer for the upcoming season, building on a career track record that includes averaging 25 saves over the last three years with a 2.98 ERA and 10.2 K/9.

Kyle Stowers Returns to Action Following Hamstring Issue

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Stowers went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Saturday's split-squad game against the Cardinals. Starting in left field and batting leadoff, he showed no lingering effects from the hamstring issue that sidelined him in late February. The 28-year-old, who slashed .288/.368/.544 with 25 homers in 2025, is expected to have sufficient time to prepare for Opening Day as he continues to build on his breakout campaign.

Shea Langeliers Blasts Three Solo Homers in Cactus League Win

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Langeliers went 3-for-3 with three solo home runs in Saturday's Cactus League victory over the Royals. All three homers came against pitcher Ryan Bergert. The catcher has been exceptional this spring, slashing .351/.429/.919 with six homers, three doubles, and 11 RBI across 15 appearances. This performance follows a strong 2025 season where he recorded 32 doubles and 31 home runs with an .861 OPS over 123 games.

Gleyber Torres Key in Venezuela's World Baseball Classic Victory

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Gleyber Torres played a pivotal role in Team Venezuela's 8-5 quarterfinal win over Team Japan on Saturday. Torres contributed an RBI double in the second inning and added a single in the sixth to help set up a three-run rally. His performance, alongside strong pitching from Enmanuel de Jesus, helped Venezuela advance to the semifinals. Torres remains a key part of the Tigers' contingent participating in the tournament.

Clay Holmes Enters Second Season as Full-Time Starting Pitcher

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Entering his second year as a starter, Clay Holmes looks to build on a 2025 campaign where he made 31 starts with a 3.53 ERA. While effective at inducing ground balls, Holmes experienced fatigue and velocity drops last season during his transition from the bullpen. The Mets are looking for him to provide more length in 2026, with Holmes currently projected for a third or fourth starter role as the team manages a rotation that includes Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean.

Randy Arozarena Returns to Mariners Camp After WBC Participation

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Randy Arozarena has officially returned to the Mariners' spring training camp following his participation in the World Baseball Classic. Upon his arrival, he issued a statement through the team to address a recent situation involving teammate Cal Raleigh. Arozarena is now reintegrating with the club as they continue their preparations for the upcoming regular season.

Jesús Luzardo Commits to Phillies Over WBC

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Jesús Luzardo has decided to remain in camp with the Philadelphia Phillies rather than join Team Venezuela for the final days of the World Baseball Classic. Having recently signed a five-year, $135-million contract extension, Luzardo is prioritizing his preparation for the regular season. He also expressed his long-term commitment to keeping a promise made to his father to eventually earn a college degree in finance or business.

Nick Pivetta Returns to Mound After Arm Fatigue

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Nick Pivetta returned to the mound for the San Diego Padres on March 14, completing three innings and throwing 56 pitches in an 8-5 win over the Cleveland Guardians. Pivetta allowed two runs on two hits with two walks and four strikeouts. According to Padres.com, his arm fatigue issues appear to be behind him, and he is back on track for the upcoming season after missing time earlier in the spring.

Gabriel Moreno Shut Down With Elbow Inflammation

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Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno will be sidelined for a few days after an MRI revealed right elbow inflammation. The team is currently monitoring his status following the diagnosis. Moreno's injury is the latest update for the Diamondbacks, who are also managing other roster developments as they assess their postseason chances and integrate new tactical approaches for the 2026 season.

Michael Harris Shows Improved Plate Discipline

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Michael Harris is demonstrating significant improvements in plate discipline during 2026 Spring Training. His K/BB ratio has shifted to 3/4 from last year's 128/16, with his O-Swing rate dropping to 25.5 percent. Harris, who is focused on swinging at pitches he can handle to elevate his game, currently maintains a higher wOBA than at any point in his career. While Spring Training stats are early, his commitment to these mechanical adjustments is a primary focus for the Braves.

Shohei Ohtani Reflects on Japan's Shocking WBC Exit

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Shohei Ohtani expressed deep frustration after Japan's 8-5 loss to Venezuela in the WBC quarterfinals, marking the team's first-ever failure to reach the semifinals. Ohtani hit .462 with three homers and seven RBI during the tournament but ended the final game with a pop-up. Restricted to DH duties while recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani now turns his focus to the Dodgers' upcoming season, with a potential debut against the Diamondbacks following the team's ring ceremony.

Matt Olson Homers in Braves Spring Training Victory

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Matt Olson contributed a home run to help the Atlanta Braves secure another Spring Training win. While the team navigates pitching injury concerns, the offense continues to perform at or above expectations. Olson remains a key part of the Braves' lineup as they prepare for the regular season, with the team looking to leverage their significant offensive talent to mitigate early-season starting pitching depth challenges.

Trevor Rogers Named Orioles Opening Day Starter

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Trevor Rogers has been officially named the Baltimore Orioles' Opening Day starter. The team is currently finalizing its rotation plans, with manager Craig Albernaz weighing a five- or six-man setup. Rogers, who is entering the season with high expectations, leads a rotation he describes as the most underrated in baseball. The Orioles continue their spring schedule as they prepare for the regular season opener in 11 days.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Elite Performance Underappreciated

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Despite being a World Series hero with a 1.02 ERA in last year's postseason, Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to be underrated in national rankings. Known for his hyper-competitive nature and unique training regimen, Yamamoto remains a pivotal figure for both the Dodgers and Team Japan. He recently started for Japan in the WBC, continuing to demonstrate the elite command and athleticism that established him as one of the league's top pitchers.

Robert Stephenson Faces Potential Season-Ending Surgery

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Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson has been diagnosed with further UCL damage in his right elbow. The injury is expected to require another surgical procedure, dealing a significant blow to the Angels' pitching staff. This news follows a difficult spring for the team, as they now face the prospect of being without Stephenson for the foreseeable future as he evaluates his recovery options.

Zack Wheeler Progresses Toward Return with Live Bullpen

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler is nearing a return to action after successfully throwing to hitters in a live bullpen session. Wheeler, who is considered one of the top pitchers in MLB, continues to ramp up his preparation as the Phillies look toward the upcoming season. His progress is a positive development for the team's rotation, which also features other high-performing arms like Christopher Sánchez.

Saturday, March 14

Carlos Rodón Sees Velocity Uptick During Spring Buildup

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Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón is experiencing a velocity increase while focusing on command during his recovery from elbow surgery. During a two-inning live batting practice session, Rodón reached 95 mph while primarily sitting at 93-94 mph. He noted that backing off his effort has paradoxically improved his command and velocity. Manager Aaron Boone expressed satisfaction with his progress, noting that Rodón is trending well as he works toward a potential late April or early May return.