Cody Ponce Tosses Three No-Hit Innings Against Orioles
Cody Ponce delivered a strong performance for the Blue Jays, throwing three no-hit innings with no walks and one strikeout in a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
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MLB News
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Sunday, March 8
Eiberson Castellano Makes First Cactus League Start
Rockies right-hander Eiberson Castellano makes his first Cactus League start against the Cleveland Guardians. Castellano has impressed early, throwing four innings with a 2.25 ERA and four strikeouts across two relief appearances. Manager Warren Schaeffer praised the right-hander's arm strength and ability to attack the strike zone, noting his potential to build up as a starter.
Joey Cantillo Faces Rockies in Third Spring Training Start
Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo makes his third start of spring training against the Colorado Rockies. Cantillo enters the matchup with an 11.12 ERA, having allowed nine runs on nine hits, including two home runs, over his previous outings. He looks to improve his command after a three-inning performance against the Dodgers where he surrendered three runs.
Junior Caminero Homers in Dominican Republic WBC Win
Junior Caminero connected for a home run to help lead the Dominican Republic to a dominant 12-1 victory over the Netherlands in World Baseball Classic action.
Austin Wells Joins Home Run Parade in WBC Victory
Austin Wells hit a home run as part of a four-homer offensive display by the Dominican Republic in their 12-1 World Baseball Classic win over the Netherlands.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Homers in Dominican Republic WBC Rout
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed to a 12-1 World Baseball Classic victory over the Netherlands, hitting one of four home runs for the Dominican Republic.
Diamondbacks Reassign Jose Fernandez to Minor League Camp
The Arizona Diamondbacks reassigned Jose Fernandez to Minor League camp as part of a series of roster moves. Fernandez had been a standout performer in spring training, leading the team in home runs with an impressive 1.148 OPS.
Sung-Mun Song Dealing with Oblique Injury
Padres prospect Sung-Mun Song is currently sidelined after aggravating an offseason oblique injury. The setback occurred shortly after he hit a 430-foot home run against the Mariners. Fans have identified Song as a player who would benefit significantly from extra reps while regulars like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts participate in the WBC. His return to the field depends on his recovery progress as monitored by the Padres' medical staff.
Merrill Kelly Progresses with Bullpen Session
Veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly threw a successful bullpen session Sunday as he works his way back from mid-back tightness. Kelly is scheduled for another session this week and could soon be cleared for Cactus League game action. While he will not be ready for the opening series of the season, manager Torey Lovullo indicated that Kelly might avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the campaign.
Expectations High for Elly De La Cruz in 2026
Elly De La Cruz enters his age-24 season with high expectations despite a move to the #3 spot in the lineup under manager Terry Francona. After a 67-steal season in 2025 despite a quad injury, fans and analysts are optimistic he can reach the 50-steal mark again. While Francona plans to manage his workload to keep him fresh, a healthier De La Cruz is expected to remain a dynamic force on the basepaths for the Reds.
Skubal Weighs Emotional Decision on WBC Future
After a dominant three-inning, five-strikeout performance for Team USA, two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is reconsidering his plan to exit the WBC early. Skubal, who allowed only one leadoff home run on 41 pitches, admitted the experience has been emotionally impactful. He is currently consulting with the Tigers, his agent, and his family to decide if he will remain with the team for the quarterfinals, balancing his patriotism with his commitment to the Tigers' Opening Day rotation.
Marcelo Mayer Not Guaranteed Opening Day Roster Spot
Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated Sunday that Mayer is doing a good job but would not guarantee the infielder an Opening Day roster spot. The 23-year-old is batting .200 through four spring training games, though one of his two hits was a home run. With the offseason acquisitions of Caleb Durbin and Isiah Kiner-Falefa crowding the infield, the team may prioritize everyday minor league opportunities for Mayer if he does not secure a starting role.
Bryce Miller Returns to Mound Work Following Side Injury
Miller threw a bullpen session Sunday at approximately 80 percent intensity as he recovers from left-side inflammation. The right-hander was able to mix in all his pitches and is scheduled for a normal 25-to-30 pitch session in a few days. Miller had been briefly shut down after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection. If he continues to ramp up without further issues, he may avoid an injured list stint to begin the regular season.
Jason Alexander Optioned to Minor League Camp
The Astros have optioned right-handed pitcher Jason Alexander to minor league camp. Manager Joe Espada praised Alexander's performance last year, noting his effectiveness and versatility, and indicated that he remains a candidate for the team's six-man rotation plans. The move was part of several roster updates announced by the Astros on Sunday, including reassignments for Sam Carlson and Alimber Santa.
Josh Hader Expected to Throw Bullpen Session Soon
Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed that closer Josh Hader is scheduled to throw a bullpen session either Tuesday or Wednesday. The update comes as part of a series of spring training status reports for the team, which also includes news on Jeremy Pena's recovery and various roster reassignments. Hader remains a key piece of the Astros' bullpen as the team prepares for the upcoming regular season.
Masataka Yoshida Powers Japan to WBC Victory
Yoshida played a pivotal role in Japan's 4-3 win over Australia, hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the seventh inning to clinch a quarterfinal berth. The Red Sox outfielder now has 19 career WBC RBIs. Reports suggest if he maintains his current production level throughout the MLB season, he would be on pace to challenge significant single-season home run records. Japan has assured first place in Group C and will travel to Miami for the quarterfinals on March 14.
Shohei Ohtani Leads Japan to First Place in WBC Pool C
Ohtani remains the cornerstone of the Dodgers' offense following a 2025 campaign where he earned his fourth MVP award with 55 home runs. In recent WBC action, Ohtani went 0-for-3 with two walks during Japan's 4-3 win over Australia. Despite a hitless outing, his presence helped Japan clinch first place in Group C. The team will travel to Miami for a quarterfinal game on March 14 after completing group play against the Czech Republic.
Jordan Wicks Sidelined with Nerve Irritation
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jordan Wicks is set to start the 2026 season on the injured list. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Wicks is dealing with nerve irritation, necessitating a delayed start to his campaign.
Porter Hodge to Open Season on Injured List
Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a flexor strain, manager Craig Counsell announced. The team will be without his services in the bullpen as he works through the injury recovery process.
Emmet Sheehan Prepares for Second Spring Exhibition
Emmet Sheehan is scheduled to make his second spring exhibition appearance Monday against the Brewers. His previous outing against Mexico saw him struggle, requiring 34 pitches to record four outs with five runners reaching base and no strikeouts. With Opening Day approaching, the Dodgers are monitoring his build-up. Sheehan previously threw two simulated innings on February 27 and may utilize bullpen work to supplement his game action.