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MLB News

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

Sunday, March 8

Max Schuemann Competing for Yankees Bench Spot with Strong Spring Start

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Utility infielder Max Schuemann is vying for an Opening Day roster spot with the Yankees, leveraging his defensive versatility and a strong start to Grapefruit League play. Through 19 plate appearances, he has posted a 5-for-12 line with seven walks and two steals. Schuemann, who played six positions for the A's last year, is utilizing the Yankees' Trajekt pitching machine to refine his timing. He remains a key depth candidate as the team evaluates its final bench configuration.

Logan Allen Wins Unique Anthem Standoff Against Himself

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In a surreal moment during the World Baseball Classic, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Logan Allen engaged in an anthem standoff against his namesake, a former Cleveland reliever also named Logan Allen. The two left-handed pitchers, both Florida natives, faced off before the Panama-Canada game. While the current Guardians starter plays for Panama and the former reliever represents Canada, the unusual mirror-matchup provided a lighthearted highlight before the contest.

Kyle Harrison Dominates in Impressive Cactus League Debut

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Kyle Harrison delivered a stellar performance in his Cactus League debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out eight Mariners batters over three innings of work. Despite allowing a 441-foot home run to Leo Rivas in the second, Harrison maintained control, walking only two and allowing just two hits total. His dominant outing, which included four strikeouts in the second inning alone, helped propel the Brewers to their fourth consecutive spring training victory.

Yankees Back Ryan Weathers Despite Rough Spring Outing

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After a difficult start against the Mets where he allowed five earned runs over two innings, Ryan Weathers remains a focal point for the Yankees rotation. While he struggled with command and rushing his delivery, the team maintains confidence in his potential as a front-line starter. Pitching coach Matt Blake is working with the 26-year-old to refine his routine and durability, emphasizing that staying healthy is the primary key to unlocking his immense talent.

Albert Pujols Manages Dominican Republic to Mercy Rule Victory

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Manager Albert Pujols led Team Dominican Republic to a dominant 12-1 mercy rule victory over the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. During the game, Pujols considered pulling starters, but allowed slugger Juan Soto to remain in the lineup after a direct request. The team's offense has been highly productive, scoring 24 runs through their first two tournament games under Pujols' leadership.

Juan Soto Blasts 419-Foot Game-Ending Home Run in WBC

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Mets slugger Juan Soto powered Team Dominican Republic to a 12-1 mercy rule win over the Netherlands, crushing a 419-foot two-run homer. Despite manager Albert Pujols considering a substitution, Soto insisted on staying in to hit. The All-Star slugger, who called this one of the most beautiful experiences of his career, noted the team's chemistry and collective approach. Soto is now looking to carry this momentum into the upcoming season with the Mets.

Andrew Abbott Named Reds Opening Day Starter

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The Cincinnati Reds have officially named left-hander Andrew Abbott as their Opening Day starter for the March 26 game against the Boston Red Sox. Abbott, an All-Star in 2025, posted a 2.87 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 166.1 innings last season. He steps into the rotation's top spot following elbow issues for teammate Hunter Greene. Abbott has established himself as a premier rotation arm, with his 8.9 bWAR over the last two seasons ranking among the elite in Major League Baseball.

Leo Rivas Homers in Mariners' Loss to Brewers

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Leo Rivas hit a two-run home run in the second inning of the Mariners' 6-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Rivas connected on a first-pitch fastball, pulling the ball 441 feet for the score. While the Mariners fell in the contest, Rivas provided a highlight alongside teammate Brennan Davis, who also homered. The team struggled to contain the Brewers' offense, which included a three-run homer from Jake Bauers and additional production from Christian Yelich.

Brennen Davis Crushes 464-Foot Home Run

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Brennen Davis continued his impressive spring training, hitting a mammoth 464-foot home run with a 115.8 mph exit velocity in a 6-3 loss to the Brewers. The blast marked his team-leading fourth home run of the Cactus League play. Despite the loss, Davis remains a breakout star for the Mariners this spring. The team struggled overall, with all three of their runs coming via home runs, including a two-run shot from Leo Rivas.

Francisco Alvarez Building Strong Rapport with Ace Freddy Peralta

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Francisco Alvarez is developing a key connection with new Mets ace Freddy Peralta. During Sunday's start against the Yankees, the duo collaborated on an in-game adjustment to shift pitch selection, leading to four strikeouts over two innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted the pair's chemistry is in a good place, citing their consistent communication and feedback loop. Alvarez praised Peralta's command and energy, noting the pitcher will be a vital asset for the team.

Freddy Peralta Sharpens Command in Spring Start Against Yankees

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Mets ace Freddy Peralta struck out four over three innings in a 10-4 spring win against the Yankees. After a rocky first inning, Peralta and catcher Francisco Alvarez adjusted by shifting from fastballs to changeups and breaking balls, effectively taming the Yankees. Peralta, who allowed two earned runs on 45 pitches, continues to build rapport with Alvarez. He is slated for two more Grapefruit League starts before his scheduled Opening Day debut on March 26.

Justin Wrobleski Tosses Three Scoreless Innings

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Justin Wrobleski continued his strong spring performance, throwing three scoreless innings in the Dodgers' 11-7 loss to the Athletics. The left-hander struck out three batters, utilizing his slider and four-seam fastball effectively. Wrobleski is currently competing for an early-season spot in the starting rotation, though he remains a candidate for a bulk reliever role. He noted that he feels like the same pitcher but with the benefit of increased experience.

Shane Smith Named White Sox Opening Day Starter

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The Chicago White Sox have named Shane Smith as their Opening Day starter for the March 26 game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 25-year-old right-hander, a Rule 5 draft success story, earned an All-Star nod in 2025 and led the team in innings pitched (146.1) and lowest WHIP (1.196). This marks the earliest the White Sox have announced an Opening Day starter since 2018, highlighting Smith's rapid ascension to the top of the rotation.

Jake Mangum Targeted in Elaborate Birthday Prank

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Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum was the target of a lighthearted prank by teammate Paul Skenes, who arranged for a massive, custom-designed buttercream cake to be delivered to Mangum's locker. The cake, which featured treasure-themed decorations and references to Mangum's birthday, provided a moment of levity during spring training. Mangum, who took the prank in stride, plans to seek retribution when Skenes celebrates his own birthday on May 29.

Paul Skenes Ranked 6th Best Player; Pranks Teammate

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ESPN has ranked Pirates ace Paul Skenes as the 6th best player in baseball following his 2025 Cy Young campaign. Skenes is set to lead Team USA's rotation in the WBC and is projected as the Pirates' Opening Day starter for March 26. Off the field, Skenes recently pranked teammate Jake Mangum by gifting him an elaborate, buttercream-heavy birthday cake featuring treasure-themed decorations, drawing laughs from the clubhouse as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

George Kirby Experiments With Self-Called Pitches

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Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby is utilizing a new belt-clipped device to call his own pitches during spring training. Kirby, who is focused on increasing conviction and confidence on the mound, used the technology for 8-10 pitches during his recent outing against the Brewers. While still learning the system, Kirby believes this autonomy helps him stay locked in and better read hitter swings. He continues his regular season preparation while the team manages a unique camp.

Joey Wentz Evaluated After Leg Injury at First Base

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Joey Wentz was carted off the field during a spring training game against the Rays after suffering a right leg injury while covering first base. Although he was able to walk into the clubhouse under his own power, the injury raises concerns for Atlanta's pitching depth. Initial reports characterize the injury as day-to-day, but the team will continue to monitor his status as he competes for a spot in the starting rotation.

Jordan Montgomery Placed on 60-Day Injured List

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The Texas Rangers have placed left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery on the 60-day injured list as he continues his recovery from a second elbow reconstruction surgery. Montgomery, who signed a one-year deal with the team last month, was a key member of the 2023 World Series championship squad. Across eight big league seasons with the Yankees, Cardinals, Rangers, and Diamondbacks, the veteran lefty holds a 46-41 record with a 4.03 ERA in 166 career appearances.

Zack Littell Signs One-Year Deal with Washington Nationals

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Veteran right-hander Zack Littell has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. Littell, 30, split the 2025 campaign between the Rays and Reds, posting a 3.81 ERA over a career-high 186.2 innings and 32 starts. He brings high-control pitching to a rebuilding Washington rotation. Across his career, Littell holds a 34-29 record with a 3.88 ERA, having previously played for Minnesota, San Francisco, Boston, Tampa Bay, and Cincinnati.

Kevin Gausman Sharp in Spring Start Against Tigers

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Kevin Gausman looked sharp in his spring outing against the Detroit Tigers, pitching 3.1 innings while allowing three hits and recording three strikeouts in a 5-0 Blue Jays win.