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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Will Smith did not appear in the United States' 5-3 victory over Canada in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal on Friday. Smith has been splitting catching duties with Cal Raleigh throughout the tournament. The United States secured the win and will move on to face the Dominican Republic in the semifinals on Sunday night at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Jonathan India was removed from Friday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks in the third inning due to right groin tightness. Before his exit, he went 1-for-1 with a double and a run scored. India will undergo further testing, and the Royals are expected to provide an update soon. The timing of the injury puts his status for Opening Day in jeopardy, with Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia, and Nick Loftin potentially serving as depth options.
Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno was a late scratch from Friday's Cactus League game against the Royals due to right forearm tightness. The 26-year-old is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. With Adrian Del Castillo also sidelined by a calf strain, the team is monitoring Moreno's status closely. James McCann remains the primary depth option behind the plate should Moreno require an extended recovery period.
Austin Wells propelled the Dominican Republic into the WBC semifinals with a decisive three-run home run in the seventh inning against South Korea. The blast secured a 10-0 victory, triggering the tournament's mercy rule. This performance marked the team's 14th home run of the tournament, tying a WBC record. Wells expressed excitement about the win, as the Dominican Republic prepares to face the winner of the USA-Canada matchup in the upcoming semifinal round on Sunday.
Willi Castro has been a key contributor for Team Puerto Rico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Through four games, Castro has posted a 3-for-10 performance at the plate, including a double and two RBI. He has demonstrated patience and speed, drawing four walks while striking out twice and successfully recording a stolen base. Fans have expressed strong support for his performance as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds.
Landon Knack is set to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Friday night's exhibition game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium. This appearance marks his fourth start of the spring training season. Knack previously faced the Los Angeles Angels on March 1 at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. The game is scheduled for a 6:10 p.m. PST start, with coverage available on SportsNet LA and KIRO 710 AM.
Eric Hosmer is set to make his debut on the Kansas City Royals television broadcast in Surprise, Arizona. The former player, who was recently seen taking batting practice at Kauffman Stadium, transitions to the booth as the Royals continue their Spring Training schedule. His appearance comes as the team prepares for various roster evaluations during the ongoing Cactus League action.
Padres starter Michael King struggled in Friday's Cactus League game against the Athletics in Mesa, Arizona. King allowed three consecutive home runs on three straight pitches to Henry Bolte, Breyson Guedez, and Nick Kurtz. The outing marks a challenging spring appearance for the right-hander as he continues his preparations for the upcoming regular season.
Breyson Guedez was part of a rare offensive feat for the Athletics in Friday's Cactus League matchup against the Padres. Guedez, alongside teammates Henry Bolte and Nick Kurtz, hit a home run on three consecutive pitches against San Diego starter Michael King. The sequence served as a significant highlight for the Athletics during their spring exhibition play in Mesa, Arizona.
Nick Kurtz contributed to a historic offensive sequence for the Athletics during Friday's Cactus League game in Mesa, Arizona. Kurtz, along with teammates Henry Bolte and Breyson Guedez, connected for three consecutive home runs on three straight pitches against Padres starter Michael King. The display highlighted a productive outing for the Athletics' lineup against San Diego pitching.
Matt McLain has become one of the biggest risers in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts, moving into the top-150 overall. His stock has soared due to a dominant spring performance, leading MLB with 5 home runs, 12 RBI, 17 hits, 13 runs, a .607 average, and a 1.846 OPS. This production follows a difficult 2025 season where he struggled with labrum surgery recovery. Drafters are now viewing him as a top-10 player at the second base position, marking a significant market correction.
Kevin McGonigle is making a compelling case for the Tigers' Opening Day shortstop job, boasting a .304/.448/.609 slash line over 29 plate appearances. He has demonstrated elite plate discipline and raw power, including a 461-foot blast with a 110.4 mph exit velocity. While he faces competition for the roster spot, his defensive prowess and high-end prospect status have made him a significant riser in fantasy baseball drafts as the team weighs potential prospect promotion incentives.
Tyler Callihan is scheduled to start at third base for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Friday's exhibition matchup against the Detroit Tigers at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.
Jake Mangum is set to start in center field and lead off for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Friday's 6:05 p.m. exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at LECOM Park.
Parker Meadows is scheduled to start in center field and lead off for the Detroit Tigers in Friday's 6:05 p.m. exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park.
Kerry Carpenter is set to start in right field for the Detroit Tigers in their Friday evening exhibition matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.
Spencer Torkelson is slated to play first base for the Detroit Tigers in Friday's 6:05 p.m. exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.
Joey Bart is listed in the starting lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Friday's exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers. The matchup is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.
Alex Freeland is scheduled to start at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Friday night's exhibition game against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria.
Edgardo Henriquez is slated to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Friday night's exhibition game against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria.
