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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Bieber continues to be sidelined by forearm fatigue and has not yet progressed to mound work this spring. The Blue Jays are taking a cautious approach, keeping him on a flat-ground throwing program for at least the next five to seven days before reevaluation. Having already been ruled out for Opening Day, Bieber will require an estimated six-week buildup period once he is eventually cleared to begin throwing normal bullpen sessions.
Josh Jung continues to be unavailable for the Texas Rangers as of March 13, 2026. Consequently, Josh Smith has been shifted to third base for the team's matchup against the Colorado Rockies.
Josh Smith is starting at third base for the Texas Rangers in their March 13, 2026, game against the Colorado Rockies. He takes the spot as Josh Jung remains unavailable for the club.
Sam Haggerty is in the starting lineup for the Texas Rangers' March 13, 2026, matchup against the Colorado Rockies. He is slated to play second base in the contest, which features Jacob Latz on the mound for Texas.
The 2026 season serves as a pivotal year for Vientos to prove his consistency as a major league hitter. After a breakout 2024 playoff performance followed by a regression in 2025, the Mets are evaluating his viability as a right-handed designated hitter and corner infielder. With defensive limitations at third base, Vientos will receive opportunities at first base and DH to demonstrate he can handle big-league pitching. His future with the organization depends on his offensive output.
Joe Ryan is a candidate to join Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster if the team advances past Friday's quarterfinal against Canada. Ryan was initially left off the roster due to early spring back inflammation. His availability remains uncertain, as he is scheduled for a bullpen session Saturday, which likely precludes him from pitching in a potential semifinal. He could potentially be available if Team USA reaches the tournament final on Tuesday.
Bubba Chandler delivered a strong performance Thursday against Atlanta, striking out eight batters over five innings of one-run ball while allowing only one hit and one walk. After a shaky start to spring training, Chandler found success by leaning heavily on his four-seam fastball, which averaged 98.2 mph and generated a 34 percent whiff rate. Despite his inconsistency this spring, including a 1.45 WHIP, this outing highlights his potential.
Padres manager Craig Stammen has moved Xander Bogaerts to the leadoff spot to maximize the team's run production in 2026. Bogaerts, who recorded a career-high 25 stolen bases last season, is valued for his high contact rate and plate discipline. The team hopes his ability to draw walks and put the ball in play will jump-start the offense, with projections forecasting a .272 batting average for the veteran infielder this season.
Luis Torrens is set to return as the Mets' primary backup catcher behind Francisco Alvarez for the 2026 season. Since joining the Mets in 2024, Torrens has provided defensive value, finishing last season with 1.6 fWAR despite a 79 wRC+. With no significant competition added during the offseason, Torrens is projected to continue his role as a reliable defensive contributor in his age-30 season.
Young standout Brennen Davis is making the most of his opportunities in Mariners camp while several regulars are away for the World Baseball Classic. Davis is currently being highlighted as a player to watch as he competes for playing time during the spring exhibition schedule.
The Boston Red Sox have signed 36-year-old left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe to a one-year, $1 million contract. Coulombe, who posted a 1.16 ERA in 31 innings with the Twins in 2025 before a brief stint with the Rangers, is valued for his high spin rates and ability to limit hard contact. While he addresses a need for left-handed middle relief, his age and extensive injury history involving his bicep, elbow, forearm, shoulder, and hips remain significant concerns for the team.
Right-handed pitcher Owen Hall is back in camp and throwing after his 2025 season was cut short by a stress reaction in his right shoulder. The 20-year-old, selected 10th in the second round of the 2024 draft, is considered the Tigers' most exciting prep arm. After an extended rehab and strength program, the team is monitoring his workload for 2026. Hall features a mid-90s fastball with high spin rates and a plus slider, making him a breakout candidate for the upcoming season.
Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell threw 15 fastballs, topping out at 89 mph, in his first spring training bullpen session. Snell, who dealt with offseason shoulder soreness, reported feeling pain-free and effortless during the session. While he is targeting a late April return, manager Dave Roberts remains cautious, noting that a rehab assignment is likely necessary. Snell is currently focused on building strength and preparing for live batting practice to determine his readiness.
Zach Swanson, a 2024 ninth-round pick, is preparing for his professional debut after missing the 2025 season due to a UCL tear. The 6'3" right-hander, known for a high-spin fastball and elite slider potential, has been undergoing a rigorous rehab process. The Tigers are looking for strength gains and improved mechanical efficiency as he returns to the mound this spring. His development remains a key long-term project for the organization's pitching depth.
The Cincinnati Reds received discouraging news as Hunter Greene is expected to be sidelined until July. The right-hander underwent an operation to remove bone chips from his right elbow. While the procedure avoids the need for a second Tommy John surgery, the extended recovery timeline leaves a significant void in the Reds' rotation for the first half of the 2026 season.
After a breakout 2022 rookie campaign, Adley Rutschman has seen his production decline, culminating in a difficult 2025 season where he hit .220/.307/.366 and was limited to 90 games due to oblique strains. Now 28 and two years from free agency, expectations for 2026 are mixed. Projections vary from a solid 4.7 fWAR season per ZiPS to a more modest outlook from Baseball Reference. The Orioles are looking for a bounce-back year from their former top draft pick to anchor the lineup.
Aaron Nola has implemented a modified approach to his offseason training regimen heading into the 2026 season. Early reports indicate that the adjustments are yielding positive results for the Phillies starter. As the team nears the start of the regular season, Nola's refined preparation is being closely monitored as a key factor for the Phillies' rotation success.
Grant Wolfram has impressed during spring training, pitching five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. Multiple beat writers, including those from MASN and MLB, agree that Wolfram has effectively pitched his way onto the Orioles' 26-man Opening Day roster. While the team faces bullpen depth questions due to injuries, Wolfram is currently projected to secure a spot as the team prepares to finalize its roster before the exhibition schedule concludes on March 23.
Pirates prospect Hunter Barco is making a strong case for a rotation spot, posting nine strikeouts over 7.1 innings with a 3.68 ERA this spring. The lefty has expanded his arsenal to six pitches, adding a sweeper, sinker, and changeup to his repertoire. Despite control challenges, his unique delivery and 2025 breakout performance—where he recorded a 2.81 ERA across 99 minor league innings—have him positioned as a key depth option for the Pirates' pitching staff in 2026.
Emerson Hancock continues to impress in spring training, solidifying his case for the Mariners' fifth starter spot with Bryce Miller's status uncertain. Hancock utilized a sharp sweeper to generate weak contact and strikeouts, including an inning-ending punchout of Chas McCormick. While his fastball velocity dipped from 95-96 mph to 93-94 mph by the fourth inning, his secondary pitches remained effective. He allowed one earned run over his outing in the 7-4 loss to the Cubs.
