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MLB News

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

Friday, March 13

Brandon Woodruff Opening Day Status Remains Uncertain

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Woodruff stated Friday that his status for Opening Day remains "up in the air" as he continues to be brought along slowly following a right lat strain that ended his 2025 season. He tossed four frames in a simulated game Friday after a two-inning Cactus League debut last weekend. While considered healthy, Woodruff noted that his buildup may extend past Opening Day and that he expects to utilize a six-man rotation or extra rest for the majority of his starts this season.

Isaac Collins Favored as Royals Opening Day Left Fielder

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In a recent fan survey, 57% of Kansas City Royals supporters selected Isaac Collins as their preferred Opening Day left fielder. Despite a difficult spring training for the second-year player, the fanbase continues to show faith in his potential to secure the starting role. The organization views Collins as a key piece of the outfield puzzle, and he is widely expected to be in the lineup when the season begins in two weeks.

Erik Miller Returns to Mound, Targeting Opening Day

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Giants reliever Erik Miller made his spring debut Friday after being sidelined by lower back tightness, striking out three Reds in one inning of work. Averaging 96.5 mph on his fastball, Miller looked sharp and is on track for the March 25 opener. Manager Tony Vitello expressed confidence in his readiness, noting Miller's ability to maintain his throwing program during recovery. Miller expects to need four or five appearances to reach full game speed.

Andrew Painter Shows Big-League Poise in Third Spring Start

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Andrew Painter continues to impress Phillies management, with manager Rob Thomson praising his poise and development. In his third Grapefruit League start against the Orioles, Painter threw 60 pitches, topping out at 97.9 mph. Despite allowing three runs in the third inning, he showed effective secondary pitches. Having pitched 7 2/3 innings this spring with five strikeouts, he is slated to join the Phillies' season-opening rotation when the team breaks camp on March 23.

Zack Wheeler Advances Recovery With Live Batting Practice

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Zack Wheeler is taking a significant step in his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery by participating in live batting practice this Saturday. The Phillies plan for him to throw 20 pitches as he continues his buildup. While he will not be ready for Opening Day, Wheeler is reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process, with the team closely monitoring his health and availability as a focal point for the pitching staff heading into the regular season.

Rangers Designate Alexis Díaz for Assignment

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The Texas Rangers have designated reliever Alexis Díaz for assignment following a difficult spring training performance. Díaz, who was signed by the club on December 16, struggled significantly in Cactus League play, allowing eight earned runs over just 1 2/3 innings across three relief appearances. His final outing occurred last Sunday against the Angels, where he failed to record an out while surrendering five earned runs and three walks.

Rangers Sign LHP Jalen Beeks to One-Year, $1.6 Million Contract

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The Texas Rangers have bolstered their bullpen by signing left-handed relief pitcher Jalen Beeks to a one-year major league contract valued at $1.6 million. The move adds veteran depth to the staff ahead of the 2026 season. To make room for Beeks on the 40-man roster, the team designated relief pitcher Alexis Diaz for assignment. Beeks joins the Rangers after spending the 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Francisco Alvarez Marries Partner Nahomi Rojas

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Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez married his partner, Nahomi Rojas, on March 11, 2026. On the field, Alvarez enters his sixth season as the Mets' starting catcher after agreeing to a one-year, $2.4 million contract to avoid arbitration. He has focused on his conditioning, losing 10 pounds this offseason to maintain a playing weight between 225-235 pounds. The Mets open their regular season against the Pirates on March 26.

Quinn Priester to Miss First Month of Season with Wrist Nerve Issue

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Priester is dealing with a nerve issue related to thoracic outlet syndrome in his right wrist. While he is currently targeting a return by late April or early May, he expects to miss at least the first month of the 2026 season. The right-hander has been cleared to throw on flat ground and is scheduled for a bullpen session on March 21. Specialists believe the injury can be managed without surgery, providing a path forward for his season.

Logan Henderson Nearing Return from Elbow Soreness

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Brewers manager Pat Murphy announced that Henderson could make a Cactus League appearance by this weekend. The right-hander has been sidelined for over a week due to mild right elbow soreness but is on the mend after a successful bullpen session on Thursday. Henderson has logged four innings this spring and remains under consideration for a spot in the Milwaukee bullpen if he continues to progress without further setbacks.

Kyle Harrison Continues Rotation Build-Up in Spring Start

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Kyle Harrison is scheduled to make his third outing of the spring for the Milwaukee Brewers. Harrison is currently in a strong position to secure a spot in the team's initial starting rotation, a role that has gained significance following the news that Quinn Priester will begin the season on the injured list. The Brewers continue to integrate regular starters into their lineup as they approach the final two weeks of spring training.

Reflecting on Catcher Tucker Barnhart's 2025 Season with Texas

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Tucker Barnhart served as a depth catcher for the Texas Rangers during the 2025 season. Called up from Triple-A Round Rock in late April due to injuries, he appeared in eight major league games before being designated for assignment in June. Barnhart slashed .231/.333/.231 in 15 plate appearances. Following his release and a subsequent stint back in the minors, the veteran catcher opted to retire after a career spanning over a decade.

Pete Alonso Reflects on Free Agency After Signing With Orioles

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After signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, Pete Alonso visited Clearwater on Friday to face the Phillies. Alonso, who hit 41 homers and 113 RBIs on average during his six full seasons with the Mets, discussed his transition to the AL East. During the game, he recorded a pair of singles against Phillies prospect Andrew Painter and praised the Phillies' pitching staff, specifically highlighting the impact of J.T. Realmuto.

Phillies Solidified Lineup by Re-signing Kyle Schwarber

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The Philadelphia Phillies prioritized re-signing Kyle Schwarber this winter, with team officials confirming there was no 'Plan B' had the slugger departed. Schwarber returned on a five-year, $150 million deal. Pete Alonso noted that the Phillies were fully committed to Schwarber, who has become a central figure in the Philadelphia clubhouse and a key component of their competitive roster.

Didier Fuentes to Start Against Yankees in Spring Training Bid

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Didier Fuentes is set to start for the Braves against the Yankees today, continuing his bid for a back-end rotation spot. The 20-year-old prospect, ranked third in the Braves' system, has been impressive in spring work, allowing no hits or walks with four strikeouts across 2.0 innings. Known for a fastball averaging 97.4 mph, Fuentes made his MLB debut last year but was sidelined late in the season by right shoulder inflammation. Today's outing is a key test against major league talent.

Caleb Ferguson Sidelined by Mild Oblique Strain

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Cincinnati Reds reliever Caleb Ferguson is currently sidelined with a mild oblique strain. The injury is expected to keep him unavailable for the start of the 2026 regular season. No further details regarding his recovery timeline or return to action have been provided at this time.

Adrian Santana Remains Under Prospect Spotlight for Rays

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Despite delivering sub-100 wRC+ marks at every professional stop, shortstop Adrian Santana remains a focal point of the Rays' prospect discussions. The 20-year-old switch-hitter, a 2023 31st overall pick, is recognized for his plus athleticism and acrobatic defensive skills at shortstop, having swiped 98 bags over the last two seasons. Evaluators are watching to see if his bat can survive the transition to Double-A after a career-best offensive showing last season.

Julio Rodriguez Prioritizes WBC Title Over World Series

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Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez has declared that winning the World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic would be his top career achievement, ranking it above a World Series title. Currently competing in the 2026 WBC, Rodriguez has posted a .273/.385/.545 slash line with one home run and three RBIs in 11 at-bats. The Dominican team finished 4-0 in Pool D and advances to face the Republic of Korea in the quarterfinals this Friday.

Jarren Duran Showcases Power and Defense in Electric Spring

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Jarren Duran is enjoying a standout spring, hitting six home runs across 27 combined spring training and WBC at-bats. The Red Sox outfielder has made significant adjustments to his approach against left-handed pitching, hitting four of his six homers against southpaws. Beyond his power surge, Duran has demonstrated improved defensive instincts for Team Mexico, including a key relay throw to cut down a runner at the plate, signaling a more athletic and focused approach for the 2026 season.

Trevor Rogers Named Orioles Opening Day Starter

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The Baltimore Orioles have named Trevor Rogers as their Opening Day starter. Rogers, who posted a dominant 1.81 ERA and 5.5 bWAR across 18 starts last season, earned the nod over Kyle Bradish. While the team has not yet finalized the rest of the rotation, Rogers is expected to lead a staff that includes Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Dean Kremer, with Zach Eflin potentially beginning the season on a rehab stint following back surgery.