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MLB News

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

Wednesday, March 11

Josh Hader to Begin 2026 Season on Injured List

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Astros closer Josh Hader will open the 2026 season on the injured list due to left biceps tendinitis. Hader, who missed the end of 2025 with a shoulder capsule strain, recently threw 15 fastballs in a bullpen session but was instructed to back off. While the capsule is not an issue, he is not ready for Opening Day. Bryan Abreu will serve as the interim closer, with Bryan King, Bennett Sousa, and Steven Okert expected to fill bullpen roles in Hader's absence.

Max Meyer Set for Spring Training Start Against Astros

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RHP Max Meyer is slated to take the mound for the Miami Marlins in their Spring Training matchup against the Houston Astros on March 11, 2026. Meyer will face off against Astros starter Tatsuya Imai at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. The game serves as another opportunity for the Marlins' rotation candidates to refine their form during the Grapefruit League schedule.

Josh Naylor Cleared for Team Canada Lineup After Elbow Scare

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Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt confirmed that Josh Naylor will be in the lineup for Wednesday's World Baseball Classic matchup against Team Cuba. Naylor was hit on the right elbow during Tuesday's 3-2 win over Puerto Rico but experienced no residual soreness overnight. The 28-year-old finished Tuesday's game 0-for-4 and is now ready for the must-win pool play contest.

Phil Maton's 2025 Season Review and Rangers Tenure

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Phil Maton, who signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs this offseason, is coming off a 2025 season split between the Mets and Rangers. While he posted a solid 3.52 ERA and 2.70 FIP in 23 appearances for Texas, his tenure was marked by two high-profile, late-inning losses in August. A veteran of eight major league seasons, Maton has played for seven teams and is expected to provide bullpen depth for the Cubs in 2026.

Matt Thaiss in Contention for Red Sox Roster Spot

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Matt Thaiss is currently competing for a backup catcher role with the Red Sox. Reports indicate Thaiss holds an upward mobility clause in his contract that triggers before Opening Day, meaning the Red Sox must either place him on the MLB roster or risk losing him to another team. He is currently battling Connor Wong for the spot, with the team's final decision expected to impact the overall composition of the pitching staff.

Connor Wong Faces Competition for Backup Catcher Role

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The Red Sox are evaluating their backup catcher situation, with Connor Wong competing against Matt Thaiss for a roster spot. Wong, who has an option remaining, could potentially be sent to Triple-A Worcester, whereas Thaiss has an upward mobility clause in his contract that complicates roster decisions before Opening Day. The outcome of this battle will have significant implications for the team's pitching staff management.

Brandon Lowe Scratched From Lineup With Lower-Body Tightness

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Brandon Lowe was scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Orioles due to lower-body tightness. According to the Pirates' medical staff, the move is considered precautionary, and Lowe is expected to participate in a normal practice session at camp on Wednesday. Acquired in a three-team trade in December, Lowe is projected to serve as the Pirates' primary second baseman this season, though he may see limited action against left-handed pitching.

Austin Wells Looks to Rebound Following WBC Stint

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Yankees catcher Austin Wells is entering a crucial 2026 season after representing the Dominican Republic in the WBC. While his 2025 campaign saw a regression in plate discipline and struggles against offspeed pitches, Wells remains an elite defensive catcher. The Yankees are banking on his potential to regain his offensive form, with his ability to lift the ball and pull it to right field remaining a key focus for his development as he looks to secure his role as the everyday backstop.

Bryce Harper Struggles to Find Rhythm in WBC Play

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Bryce Harper has faced a difficult start in the World Baseball Classic, posting a 3-for-15 record with five strikeouts and no extra-base hits through four games. While Harper has attributed past struggles to a lack of lineup protection, he is currently hitting in a prime spot behind Aaron Judge. Harper is working to improve his plate discipline and timing against fastballs, as his performance remains a point of concern for both Team USA and the Phillies heading into the season.

Caleb Thielbar Returns to Cubs Seeking Continued Relief Success

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39-year-old reliever Caleb Thielbar is back with the Chicago Cubs for the 2026 season. Coming off a 2025 campaign where he posted a 3-4 record with a 2.64 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP, Thielbar is expected to occupy a short/middle relief role. While his spring performance has been inconsistent, he remains a key part of the bullpen depth. He continues to rely on a diverse pitch mix, featuring a signature curveball that he throws at varying speeds to disrupt opposing hitters.

Bryan Abreu Named Interim Closer for Astros Opening Day

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Bryan Abreu is set to serve as the Houston Astros' closer to start the 2026 season while Josh Hader recovers from left biceps tendinitis. Abreu has established himself as one of the league's premier relievers over the past four seasons, maintaining a 2.30 ERA and a 34.3 percent strikeout rate. While Hader is expected to reclaim the closer role upon his return, Abreu's proven track record makes him a reliable option for the team in the interim.

Jacob deGrom Expresses Frustration With Mechanics in Spring Outing

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Jacob deGrom took the mound for the Texas Rangers in recent spring training action but expressed frustration with his mechanics following his appearance. The veteran pitcher is working to refine his delivery as he prepares for the 2026 season. The Rangers are also focused on integrating more changeups into the repertoire of fellow pitcher Kumar Rocker, who also appeared in the same game, as the team looks to solidify its pitching staff.

Josh Sborz Works Through Spring Training Velocity Concerns

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Rangers relief pitcher Josh Sborz is showing decent results during spring training, though his fastball velocity remains approximately 4 mph lower than his pre-injury levels from the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. The team continues to monitor his progress as he works to regain his form following a stretch of injury-plagued seasons. Sborz remains a candidate for the bullpen as the Rangers finalize their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Hunter Greene Sidelined Until July Following Elbow Surgery

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Reds ace Hunter Greene will miss the first four months of the 2026 season after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips and loose bodies from his right elbow. Greene, who posted a 2.76 ERA in 19 starts last season, experienced sharp stabbing pain while attempting to ramp up his throwing program. The team confirmed the procedure is necessary to prevent further injury. This represents a significant setback for the Reds' rotation, though the team remains optimistic about his return.

Harry Ford Mentioned in Mariners News Roundup

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Harry Ford was noted in recent Seattle Mariners organizational updates. The team is currently navigating the impact of several players participating in the World Baseball Classic, with management focusing on prospect development and pitching strategy throughout the spring training period.

Mickey Moniak Projected as Primary DH for Colorado Rockies

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Mickey Moniak is slated to be the Colorado Rockies' primary designated hitter in 2026 after a career-best offensive season in 2025. Moniak is hitting .333 with two home runs and a 1.324 OPS this spring. While he will see time in the outfield, the team aims to utilize his offensive stability at DH to provide structure to the lineup. The Rockies plan to rotate other players like Hunter Goodman, Jordan Beck, and Brenton Doyle through the position to maintain flexibility.

Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh Resolve Handshake Misunderstanding

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Mariners teammates Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh have moved past a brief public misunderstanding regarding a missed handshake following a World Baseball Classic game. Raleigh confirmed that the two have spoken and that there is no lingering animosity between them. The teammates are focused on preparing for the upcoming regular season, with Raleigh emphasizing that their relationship remains strong despite the recent social media attention.

Adam Mazur to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery

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The Marlins announced that Adam Mazur will undergo surgery on his right elbow this Wednesday, forcing him to miss the entire 2026 season. While the team did not specify the procedure, it is expected to be Tommy John surgery or a UCL repair with an internal brace. The loss of Mazur, who was competing for rotation depth, further thins the Marlins' pitching staff as he begins his recovery process.

Masataka Yoshida Competing for Red Sox DH Role

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Masataka Yoshida is performing well in the World Baseball Classic, ranking second in both hits and home runs. His strong showing has sparked debate over who will serve as the Red Sox's primary designated hitter on Opening Day, as he competes for the spot with Jarren Duran. Yoshida's contact-heavy profile remains a valuable asset for the Boston lineup.

Jorge Alfaro Noted for WBC Contributions

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Jorge Alfaro is recognized for his role in providing clutch hits for his national team during the World Baseball Classic, continuing a trend of MLB players making significant impacts during the international tournament.