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MLB News

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

Monday, March 9

Chandler Simpson Expected to Return to Rays Lineup Tuesday

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Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced that outfielder Chandler Simpson is expected to return to the Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Twins. Simpson has been sidelined since last Tuesday due to renewed soreness in his left hamstring. Despite being limited to only four spring appearances thus far, the team expects him to have sufficient time to accumulate necessary plate appearances before the start of the regular season.

Paul Skenes Set for Highly Anticipated WBC Start Monday Night

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Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Paul Skenes is slated to take the mound for Team USA in their World Baseball Classic pool play game Monday night in Houston. The start marks a significant appearance for the young pitcher in the tournament as the Americans continue their campaign. Skenes's debut is widely anticipated, serving as a key test for Team USA as they face Mexico in a high-stakes matchup.

Rafael Devers Returns to Action as Designated Hitter Monday

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San Francisco Giants infielder Rafael Devers will start at designated hitter and lead off in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels. Devers has been sidelined since late February with hamstring tightness. While he is being eased back into game action at DH, the team expects him to return to first base soon. The 29-year-old is looking to find his rhythm after going hitless in his first nine plate appearances this spring.

Patrick Corbin Remains Unsigned Following 2025 Rangers Stint

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Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin remains a free agent as Opening Day approaches. In 2025, Corbin made 30 starts for the Texas Rangers, posting a 4.40 ERA and 1.9 fWAR. While his performance showed improvement over his previous four seasons, he is currently without a team. Similar to his 2025 signing on March 18, Corbin remains a candidate for clubs seeking a veteran arm capable of providing reliable innings every fifth day.

Phillies Evaluating Garrett Stubbs' Role for 26th Roster Spot

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The Philadelphia Phillies are considering Garrett Stubbs for the 26th roster spot, testing him at infield and outfield positions during spring training. Stubbs, who lacks minor league options, signed a split contract that pays $925,000 if he makes the major league roster. Despite his clubhouse value, questions remain regarding his offensive production compared to other roster candidates, leading to internal debate over his fit as a utility player versus a backup catcher.

Kyle Schwarber Powers Team USA Offense in WBC Action

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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber delivered a home run for Team USA during Saturday's spring action. Schwarber, who is participating in the World Baseball Classic, expressed a strong commitment to the team's goal of finishing "unfinished business" after their 2023 runner-up finish. He noted the camaraderie building within the squad as they prepare for a deep tournament run, emphasizing the collective focus on securing a gold medal.

Reds Option Pitcher Chase Petty to AAA Louisville

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The Cincinnati Reds optioned right-hander Chase Petty to AAA Louisville on Monday. Petty, 22, struggled during his 2025 big league debut, posting a 6.39 ERA and 1.61 WHIP across 112.2 innings at the AAA level. Despite his recent production challenges, the organization continues to view him as a prospect with high-end potential, though he has currently fallen behind other arms like Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns in the organizational depth chart.

Reds Option Christian Encarnacion-Strand to AAA Louisville

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The Cincinnati Reds optioned infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand to AAA Louisville on Monday morning. After hitting six home runs in 137 plate appearances during the 2025 season, Encarnacion-Strand struggled to maintain a consistent role following the acquisition of Ke’Bryan Hayes and the signing of Eugenio Suárez. The move is part of a broader reduction in the Reds' spring training roster, which now stands at 42 players.

Ohtani Dominates WBC with Grand Slam to Challenge for Fantasy No. 1 Spot

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Shohei Ohtani is making a strong case to be the top pick in fantasy baseball following a dominant start to the World Baseball Classic. The reigning NL MVP fueled Japan's 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, going 3-for-4 with five RBI and a massive grand slam. He followed that performance with another home run in Japan's next game. Currently the No. 2 overall pick by ADP, Ohtani’s undefeated start to the tournament suggests he is already in mid-season form for the Dodgers.

Lawrence Butler Slow-Played in Spring Following Offseason Knee Surgery

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Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler has yet to make his Cactus League debut as he recovers from October surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. While he has been taking batting practice and participating in light drills, he has not yet begun running the bases. Manager Mark Kotsay suggested a mid-spring debut is possible, but a definitive timeline remains unclear. Butler is looking to bounce back from a 2025 season where he posted a .234/.306/.404 slash line.

Zack Littell Joins Nationals Rotation to Provide Veteran Stability

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The Washington Nationals bolstered their starting rotation by signing veteran Zack Littell to a new deal. Once fully built up, Littell is expected to slot in as the team's number two starter behind Cade Cavalli. A former reliever who found success as a starter with the Rays, Littell relies on a command-heavy approach and increased splitter usage. His arrival creates a crowded rotation battle, putting pressure on younger arms like Jake Irvin and Josiah Gray to perform this spring.

Nolan McLean Enters 2026 with Ace Potential and Rookie of the Year Hopes

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Despite throwing 48 major league innings last year, Nolan McLean enters 2026 as a rookie with massive expectations. After posting a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in eight starts last season, the 24-year-old is viewed as a lock for the Mets' rotation behind Freddy Peralta. McLean, who features a lethal sweeper and curveball, is currently representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He is slated to start against Italy on Tuesday as he looks to build on his electric debut campaign.

Jackson Wolf Impresses as Non-Roster Invitee in Padres Spring Camp

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Left-handed pitcher Jackson Wolf has emerged as a surprise standout in Padres camp, posting a 2.57 ERA with four strikeouts over seven innings of relief. The 26-year-old NRI is utilizing a funky delivery and a low-90s fastball to effectively navigate Cactus League lineups. After spending 2025 between Double-A and Triple-A, Wolf’s performance as a 'jack-of-all-trades' arm could make him a surprise addition to the major league roster if injuries impact the Padres' bullpen or rotation.

Brandon Pfaadt Adopts Aggressive Defensive Mindset for 2026 Season

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Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt is focusing on an aggressive 'pitching is offense' philosophy during spring training. Following advice from manager Torey Lovullo, Pfaadt is treating defensive situations as opportunities to stay on the attack against hitters. The right-hander noted that spring is the perfect time to refine this mental approach, emphasizing the need to give everything he has toward being aggressive on the mound as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Josh Hader Set for First Bullpen Session Since Biceps Inflammation

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Astros closer Josh Hader is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, marking his first time on a mound since developing left biceps inflammation. While the session is a positive step, Hader is still considered unlikely to be ready for Opening Day and will likely begin the season on the injured list. In his absence, Bryan Abreu is expected to serve as Houston's primary closer. The team will monitor Hader's recovery closely to determine a definitive timeline for his return.

Perdomo Returns to WBC Lineup for Dominican Republic After Illness

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Geraldo Perdomo (illness) will start at shortstop and bat ninth for Team Dominican Republic in Monday's World Baseball Classic game against Team Israel. Perdomo was held out of Sunday's 12-1 win over Team Netherlands due to the ailment, with Erik Gonzalez filling in. After just one day off, he rejoins the starting nine as the Dominican Republic aims to improve to 3-0 in pool play.

Logan Gillaspie Delivers Four Shutout Innings in Padres' Cactus League Win

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San Diego Padres pitcher Logan Gillaspie made a strong start in place of Nick Pivetta, throwing four innings of shutout baseball against the Cincinnati Reds. Gillaspie allowed only two hits, walked two batters, and recorded two strikeouts, contributing to the Padres' 14-3 Cactus League victory. His performance helped set the tone for the game, keeping the Reds off the board early.

Gavin Sheets Powers Padres with Three-Run Homer in 14-3 Cactus League Rout

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San Diego Padres first baseman Gavin Sheets connected on a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, propelling the Padres to a dominant 14-3 Cactus League victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Sheets is currently competing for first base reps with several other players, including Ty France, Nick Castellanos, Miguel Andujar, and Jose Miranda. Reports indicate that Sheets's power potential is a key factor that distinguishes him from other first base and designated hitter options.

Astros' Cam Smith Shows Growth Potential, Could Be Above-Average Hitter

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Houston Astros prospect Cam Smith, a former first-round pick, is showing signs of growth despite fading after a promising start last season. His 2025 numbers indicate he's near a league-average hitter (90 wRC+), with slightly above-average hard contact and slightly below-average contact. Analysts expect further development, potentially elevating him to an above-average hitter with improved contact rates and power, projecting a .250/.325/.400 slash line. Coupled with strong defensive potential, Smith is considered a high-growth candidate whose tools may develop at the big league level due to limited minor league exposure, making his 2026 outlook difficult to predict.

Astros' Joey Loperfido Projected as Versatile Bench Option for 2026

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Houston Astros outfielder Joey Loperfido, acquired from the Jesus Sanchez trade, has shown flashes at the big league level but has yet to play a full season and retains an option, potentially leading to time in Sugar Land. Analysis of his minor league peripheral numbers suggests he's an average hitter across various indicators. Loperfido's versatility, capable of playing multiple positions, makes him a valuable asset. He is projected to be best utilized as a fourth outfielder and occasional first baseman, offering a useful bench presence for the Astros in 2026.