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MLB News

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

Monday, March 9

Giancarlo Stanton Crushes 424-Foot Home Run in Spring Training Action

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Giancarlo Stanton displayed vintage power during a spring training game against the Pirates, crushing a 424-foot home run at 109.5 mph and adding a 115.3-mph single. He finished the day 2-for-3 with two loud hits. Firmly entrenched as the Yankees' designated hitter, Stanton provides a veteran anchor in a lineup that features Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham. His ability to drive the ball with elite exit velocity remains a key positive for the team.

Bo Bichette Seeks Mentorship from Mets Legend David Wright

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New Mets third baseman Bo Bichette has initiated a mentorship with franchise legend David Wright as he transitions from shortstop to the hot corner. The pair held a 30-minute conversation at spring training, where Bichette sought advice on defensive shifts and navigating the pressures of playing in New York. Manager Carlos Mendoza views the relationship as vital for Bichette's development as he integrates into a new clubhouse following his $126 million, three-year contract.

Randal Grichuk Playing Catch-Up to Secure Yankees Bench Role

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After arriving late to spring training, Randal Grichuk is working to secure a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Manager Aaron Boone is prioritizing plate appearances for the 34-year-old to build rhythm, regardless of the pitcher's handedness. While the team values his ability to hit left-handed pitching, Grichuk is also preparing for defensive duties in the outfield. He remains focused on his role, aiming to rebound from a 2025 season where his production dipped.

Tarik Skubal Exits WBC to Focus on Tigers Opening Day Start

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Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is returning to camp after making one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Despite his desire to continue, Skubal is prioritizing his health and preparation for his scheduled March 26 Opening Day start against the Padres. He threw 41 pitches in a three-inning, one-run outing against Great Britain. Skubal confirmed no contract extension talks have occurred and emphasized the importance of avoiding workload spikes during his contract year.

Ronny Mauricio Puts Together Three Strong At-Bats in Mets Blowout

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Ronny Mauricio continues his battle to crack the Mets' Opening Day roster, putting together three productive at-bats in a 9-0 win over the Marlins. He drew an eight-pitch walk from the left side, reached on an infield single while batting righty, and laced an RBI double in the sixth inning. His ability to work counts and contribute from both sides of the plate remains a key focus as he competes for a spot in the lineup.

Ryan McMahon Debuts Narrower Batting Stance for 2026 Season

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Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon is entering the 2026 season with a significantly narrowed batting stance to address a 35.2 percent strikeout rate from last year. Working closely with hitting coaches James Rowson and Casey Dykes, McMahon has transitioned away from one of the widest stances in baseball to improve contact consistency. Despite a 3-for-23 start to Grapefruit League play, McMahon reports feeling "sturdier" and more natural with the new posture as he prepares for Opening Day.

Cody Bellinger Set as Key Piece of Yankees Outfield

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Cody Bellinger is established as a primary starter in the Yankees' outfield alongside Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham. His presence on the roster, combined with Giancarlo Stanton's role as the designated hitter, effectively closed the path for top prospect Spencer Jones to make the Opening Day roster out of camp. Bellinger remains a central figure in the team's defensive and offensive alignment as they prepare for the regular season.

Yankees Option Top Prospect Spencer Jones to Triple-A Camp

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The Yankees have optioned top prospect Spencer Jones to minor league camp, ending his bid for an Opening Day roster spot. Jones impressed during spring training, slashing .333/.455/.889 with three home runs and seven RBI in 22 plate appearances. Manager Aaron Boone praised his development and performance. Jones will begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, as the major league outfield is currently set with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham.

Anthony Volpe Cleared for Hitting Drills in Shoulder Rehab

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Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has been cleared to hit overhand tosses and is participating in baserunning and defensive drills as he recovers from a shoulder injury. While he has progressed from hitting off a tee, the club remains cautious, prohibiting him from diving on his left shoulder until April. Volpe is expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, with his return timetable becoming clearer as he completes the final stages of his rehabilitation program.

Bryan Woo Sharp in Pitching Duel During 2-1 Loss to Diamondbacks

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Mariners starter Bryan Woo delivered a strong performance in his third spring outing, striking out the side in the first inning and allowing only one hit through the third. Woo, who is focused on preparing for the regular season, threw 95 mph fastballs and effectively utilized his sweeper and sinker. Despite his crisp outing, the Mariners fell 2-1 to the Diamondbacks in a game defined by strong pitching from both sides, with Seattle's offense struggling to capitalize on base runners.

Zac Gallen Dominates in Three Perfect Innings Against Mariners

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Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen delivered a dominant performance against the Seattle Mariners, retiring all nine batters he faced across three perfect innings. Gallen struck out three hitters while throwing 41 pitches in what was described as the best start by a Diamondbacks pitcher this spring. His performance anchored a pitching duel that ultimately ended in a 2-1 walk-off victory for Arizona, as the team's bullpen held the Mariners to one run for the remainder of the contest.

Jake Bauers Continues Hot Spring with Third Home Run

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Jake Bauers hit his third home run of the spring in a 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing an impressive preseason stretch. Bauers is currently 9-for-17 with five walks, boasting a .529 batting average and a 1.843 OPS. Despite his solo blast in the fifth inning, the Brewers' comeback attempt fell short in the ninth. Bauers has now homered in back-to-back games and in three of his last four appearances, solidifying his strong bid for a significant role this season.

River Ryan Impresses in Relief During Dodgers' 4-3 Victory

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River Ryan provided 2 2/3 innings of solid relief in the Dodgers' 4-3 win over the Brewers, allowing only one hit—a solo home run to Jake Bauers—while striking out three and walking one. Ryan now holds a 1.59 ERA across 5 2/3 innings this spring. His performance continues to boost his chances of securing a spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation for the upcoming season, as he effectively managed the Brewers' lineup following Emmet Sheehan's start.

Emmet Sheehan Makes Spring Debut in Dodgers' 4-3 Win Over Brewers

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Emmet Sheehan made his first start of the spring for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching 2 1/3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. He allowed one earned run on two hits while walking three and striking out two over 49 pitches. Sheehan's outing was part of a 4-3 Dodgers victory, with the team rallying for two runs in the eighth inning to snap a two-game losing streak. He continues to compete for a spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation as the team prepares for the regular season.

Yankees Reassign Prospect Elmer Rodríguez to Minor League Camp

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The Yankees have reassigned prospect Elmer Rodríguez to minor league camp, with plans for him to begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Rodríguez, currently with Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic, made two impressive spring starts for the Yankees, allowing two runs over six innings with five strikeouts. He showcased a 97 mph fastball and a sharp changeup, notably holding a lineup of major league regulars scoreless over three innings in his first outing.

Braves Pitcher Joey Wentz Out for 2026 Season Following Torn ACL

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Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz will miss the entire 2026 season after suffering a torn right ACL during a Spring Training game on Sunday. The injury occurred during a collision while he was attempting to cover first base. This loss is a significant blow to the Braves' rotation depth, which has already been impacted by surgeries for Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Wentz had previously found success as a starter for the organization during the 2025 campaign.

Joe Ryan Scratched from Team USA WBC Roster

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan was scratched from the Team USA roster for the group stage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic last week. His absence from the tournament roster prompted speculation regarding potential replacements, though the team ultimately moved forward with other options.

Tyler Glasnow Prepares for Regular Season After Opting Out of WBC

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Tyler Glasnow is set for his third spring start Tuesday against the Diamondbacks as he builds toward a role in the Dodgers' opening series. After a dominant postseason, Glasnow opted to remain in camp to refine his mechanics under the Dodgers' staff rather than join Team USA. The right-hander is focused on maintaining the consistency he found late last year, with coaches noting his delivery feels more natural and athletic as he prepares for what could be his best season yet.

José Urquidy Returns to Mound for Second Spring Start Against Yankees

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Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander José Urquidy is scheduled to make his second start of the spring tonight against the New York Yankees. Having missed nearly all of the past two seasons due to injury, these appearances are critical for the veteran to regain his form and build workload. Urquidy, a former Houston Astro, is looking to secure his role in the Pirates' rotation as he faces a formidable Yankees lineup in Tampa.

Noelvi Marte Faces Uncertain Future as Everyday Right Fielder for Reds

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Despite a highlight-reel catch last season, Noelvi Marte's grip on the Reds' everyday right field job is under scrutiny. After hitting just .186/.215/.275 in his final 25 games of 2025 and struggling against left-handed pitching, Marte faces competition from JJ Bleday, Will Benson, and Dane Myers. With the team prioritizing depth and consistency, there is speculation that starting the 24-year-old in AAA to refine his play may be the most prudent decision for the 2026 season.