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

Wednesday, March 11

Rafael Lantigua Included in Blue Jays Lineup Against Yankees

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Rafael Lantigua is set to start at second base for the Toronto Blue Jays in their midweek spring training matchup against the New York Yankees.

Cody Bellinger Featured in Blue Jays Lineup vs. Yankees

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Cody Bellinger is included in the Toronto Blue Jays' starting lineup for their spring training game against the New York Yankees, playing at first base.

Ryan Mountcastle Avoids Fracture After Being Hit by Pitch

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Ryan Mountcastle is considered day-to-day after X-rays on his right hand returned negative for a fracture. He was removed from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates after being hit by a pitch. With the Orioles idle on Thursday, he could return to action as early as Friday. Mountcastle faces uncertain playing time this season as he competes for depth chart positioning at first base and designated hitter.

Lance McCullers Jr. Discusses Spring Training Progress

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Lance McCullers Jr. recently provided an update on his status and performance during spring training. With Opening Day just over two weeks away, McCullers is continuing his preparation to secure his role in the Astros' rotation.

Cristian Javier Away From Astros Due to Personal Matter

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Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier will be away from the team for a few days due to a personal matter. Javier is expected to be a key part of the Houston starting rotation for the upcoming season.

Tatsuya Imai Finds Increased Velocity in Spring Training

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Astros RHP Tatsuya Imai is set for his third Grapefruit League start against the Marlins. Imai recently made a small adjustment that helped him reach 98.5 mph on his fastball. He impressed in his March 5 outing, allowing one hit and one walk with three strikeouts over two scoreless innings. A three-time NPB All-Star, Imai posted a 1.92 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP in 2025 with the Seibu Lions before joining the Astros' rotation.

José Caballero Returns to Blue Jays Camp and Lineup

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José Caballero has returned to the Toronto Blue Jays' camp following his national team duties. He is back in the starting lineup for tonight's spring training game against the New York Yankees, playing shortstop.

Tarik Skubal Defends WBC Exit Amid Criticism

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Tarik Skubal addressed backlash regarding his decision to limit his World Baseball Classic participation to one start, dismissing 'Benedict Arnold' comparisons as unfair. Skubal emphasized that his departure was pre-planned to manage his workload and prioritize his health for the Tigers' season. In his lone WBC appearance, he struck out five over three innings while allowing one run. He remains focused on his preparation for the Tigers' upcoming campaign.

Cade Cavalli Named Nationals Opening Day Starter After Strong Spring Outing

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The Nationals have named Cade Cavalli their Opening Day starter for March 26 against the Cubs. Cavalli, 27, is returning from Tommy John surgery and impressed in his latest spring start, tossing three hitless innings with two strikeouts against the Cardinals. He successfully utilized a new sweeper pitch, which he threw 25% of the time, to combat right-handed hitters. Cavalli expressed honor at the assignment, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a two-season injury layoff.

Spencer Torkelson Diagnosed With Bruised Right Forearm

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Spencer Torkelson is dealing with a bruised right forearm after being hit by a pitch during a simulated game on Tuesday. The injury kept him out of Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Twins in Grapefruit League play. Torkelson is expected to return to the Tigers' spring lineup within a few days once the soreness in his arm subsides.

Ryne Nelson Continues Rotation Bid in Spring Training

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Ryne Nelson is set to start against the Athletics, marking his third appearance of the spring. Across his first two starts, he logged 4.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits with a 6:0 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While Zac Gallen has been named the Opening Day starter, Nelson is competing for a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation. He is expected to be followed in today's game by Thomas Hatch, Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson, and Philip Abner.

Zac Gallen Named Diamondbacks Opening Day Starter

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Zac Gallen will make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the Diamondbacks against the Dodgers on March 26. He assumes the role after Merrill Kelly was ruled out due to a back injury. Gallen, who re-signed with Arizona this spring, holds a 1-2 record and 6.59 ERA in previous Opening Day starts. He ties Brandon Webb for the second-most Opening Day starts in franchise history, trailing only Randy Johnson's six. Gallen posted a 4.83 ERA over 192 innings in 2025.

José Ramírez Remains Core of Guardians' 2026 Outlook

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As the Guardians look to defend their AL Central title, the offense continues to revolve around José Ramírez. Coming off a 5.8 WAR season with 30 home runs and 44 stolen bases, Ramírez remains one of baseball's most complete players. He is signed through his age-39 season via a $175 million extension. While the team relies on a deep pitching pipeline, the Guardians' 2026 success hinges on whether the surrounding lineup can provide consistent support for their star third baseman.

Josh Lowe Faces Live Pitching in Intrasquad Game

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Lowe reached a major milestone in his recovery from a sore left oblique Wednesday, facing live pitching for the first time since Feb. 25. He logged approximately eight plate appearances and ran the bases during an intrasquad game. The Angels plan to have him participate in minor-league games on the back fields before returning to the Cactus League lineup. Barring any further setbacks, he remains on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Anthony Kay Takes the Mound Against Angels

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Anthony Kay is scheduled to start for the White Sox against the Angels on Wednesday. The southpaw has shown promise this spring, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.35 ERA across three starts, though he has struggled with a 1.57 WHIP. The former first-round pick continues to flash a high-velocity fastball and a sharp slider as he competes for a role in the Chicago rotation.

Bryce Miller Suffers Setback in Oblique Recovery

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Miller's return to the mound hit a snag Wednesday when he was forced to cut a scheduled 25-pitch bullpen session short due to tightness in his left oblique. While he will not be shut down from throwing entirely, he must revert to flat-ground work, delaying his timeline by approximately one week. Mariners GM Justin Hollander noted that Miller is behind schedule, leaving his availability for Opening Day in significant doubt as the team prioritizes long-term health over rushing his return.

Chase Dollander Makes Fourth Spring Start

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Chase Dollander is slated to make his fourth start of the spring for the Colorado Rockies in a matchup against the Seattle Mariners. The right-hander has been a bright spot for Colorado, entering the game with a 1-0 record, a 2.57 ERA, five strikeouts, and three walks. He will look to continue his solid performance against a Seattle lineup as he builds toward the regular season.

Luis Castillo Looks to Rebound Against Rockies

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Luis Castillo is set to take the mound for the Mariners against the Colorado Rockies. Castillo has endured a difficult start to spring training, posting an 0-2 record with a 27.00 ERA over 2.2 innings across two appearances. He has struggled with command and efficiency, surrendering multiple home runs and ten total runs. The veteran right-hander is looking to stabilize his performance as he prepares for the regular season.

Matt Brash Scheduled for Spring Training Debut

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Matt Brash is scheduled to make his 2026 spring training debut for the Seattle Mariners during Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies. His appearance is part of a pitching plan that also includes Luis Castillo, Casey Lawrence, José Ferrer, Carlos Vargas, and Yosver Zulueta. Brash's return to game action is a key development for the Mariners' bullpen depth as the team continues to refine its roster before the regular season.

Reiver Sanmartin Out Three Months With Severe Hip Flexor Strain

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The Giants announced that bullpen hopeful Reiver Sanmartin will miss at least three months after an MRI revealed a severe hip flexor strain. Sanmartin, who was claimed off waivers from the Reds in November, will be placed on the extended injured list and will not occupy a 40-man roster spot. His absence leaves the Giants thin on left-handed relief options, with Matt Gage currently the only healthy southpaw available in the bullpen.