Andrew Alvarez to Start for Nationals Against Astros
Left-hander Andrew Alvarez is scheduled to start for the Washington Nationals in their Sunday Grapefruit League game against the Houston Astros.
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MLB News
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Sunday, March 8
Clay Holmes Dominates in Team USA Debut
Mets right-hander Clay Holmes delivered an electric performance in his Team USA debut, retiring eight consecutive hitters and striking out six over three scoreless innings against Great Britain. Utilizing a sharp sweeper and sinker, Holmes proved he is in mid-season form. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised the outing, noting that Holmes' development as a starter would be a significant boost for the team's rotation this season.
Jake Bennett Draws Attention as Red Sox Pitching Prospect
Pitching prospect Jake Bennett is highlighted as a player to watch during the Red Sox's spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his intriguing stuff, Bennett is being evaluated as an under-the-radar prospect within the organization. Fans can catch his performance during the 1:05 PM ET broadcast on NESN.
Andruw Monasterio Poised for Role with 2026 Red Sox
Andruw Monasterio is increasingly viewed as a player who will secure a role on the 2026 Boston Red Sox roster. As the team continues its spring training schedule, Monasterio is highlighted as a player for fans to monitor closely. He is expected to see action in the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which is scheduled for a 1:05 PM first pitch on NESN.
Robert Stock to Undergo Thoracic Outlet Surgery
Mets reliever Robert Stock will undergo thoracic outlet surgery after reporting shoulder discomfort following a three-inning outing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. The 36-year-old, who signed a minor league contract this offseason, hopes to return to the mound by the end of the season. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed disappointment regarding the injury, which impacts the team's relief depth.
Brandon Waddell Sidelined by Shoulder Fatigue
Mets left-hander Brandon Waddell is dealing with fatigue in his throwing shoulder. As a precaution, the team has canceled his scheduled start for Monday. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that while Waddell will continue to throw in non-game settings, the team will not risk his health this early in the spring training schedule.
Cody Bradford Nearing Live Batting Practice Return
Cody Bradford is expected to throw live batting practice later this week. The pitcher is continuing his recovery process following internal brace surgery as he works toward a return to the mound for the Texas Rangers.
Kyle Higashioka Scratched Again Due to Back Issues
Kyle Higashioka was scratched from the lineup for the second time recently due to ongoing back issues. The Texas Rangers catcher continues to be monitored as he deals with the discomfort during Spring Training.
Cedric Mullins Resumes On-Field Work Following Back Injury
Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Cedric Mullins is recovering well from back tightness and is scheduled to participate in an on-field workout Sunday. Mullins, who last played Tuesday, is currently considered day-to-day. The veteran outfielder is aiming to move past the injury to secure a spot in the strong side of a platoon in center field before the conclusion of the Grapefruit League slate.
James Paxton Committed to Team Canada Despite MLB Retirement
Although James Paxton has put his Major League Baseball career firmly in the rearview, the veteran pitcher remains committed to contributing to Team Canada during the World Baseball Classic.
Ozzie Albies Hits Walk-Off Home Run for Netherlands in WBC
Ozzie Albies delivered a dramatic walk-off three-run home run to lead the Netherlands to a victory over Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic. The performance was a highlight of the tournament, marking one of only two walk-off home runs in WBC history.
Mike Tauchman Poised for Reserve Role with Mets
After signing a minor league deal in February, 35-year-old outfielder Mike Tauchman appears set to make the Mets' major league roster. Coming off a 115 wRC+ season with the White Sox, Tauchman provides versatility with minimal platoon splits. While Carson Benge is expected to start in right field, Tauchman is projected to serve as a reserve outfielder and bench bat, potentially seeing 2-3 starts per week at DH or in the outfield.
Kodai Senga Debuts with 99 MPH Fastball
Kodai Senga made his 2026 Grapefruit League debut for the Mets, topping out at 99 MPH with his fastball. Senga reported feeling very good after the outing. Manager Carlos Mendoza is pleased to have a healthy Senga in camp and noted that the pitcher is willing to work on a standard five-day rotation if necessary, providing the team with flexibility for the upcoming season.
Romy Gonzalez Consults Surgeon Over Persistent Shoulder Injury
Red Sox infielder Romy Gonzalez is meeting with an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate his shoulder, which has caused him trouble since an injury last September. Despite arriving at Spring Training with lingering discomfort, Gonzalez is uncertain if surgery is required but does not believe he would miss the entire 2026 season if he elects to undergo the procedure. Currently, there is no official timetable for his return, creating a significant void in the Red Sox lineup against left-handed pitching.
Oneil Cruz Works to Refine Hitting Against Southpaws
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is aggressively addressing his struggles against left-handed pitching and breaking balls. After batting just .102 against southpaws last season, Cruz hired a left-handed batting practice pitcher this offseason to improve his contact. Former GM Jim Bowden noted that Cruz is also working on tracking breaking pitches. If the young star can improve his defensive consistency and offensive efficiency, he is expected to provide a major boost to the Pirates' lineup.
Landon Knack Competing for Dodgers Rotation Spot
Landon Knack is making a strong push for a permanent spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation. In a recent outing against the Colorado Rockies, he tossed three solid innings, allowing two runs on sacrifice flies while surrendering only one hit. Knack is one of several young arms vying for a role on the Opening Day roster, with his stated goal being to remain a consistent fixture in the big-league rotation throughout the duration of the 2026 season.
Zack Wheeler Progresses in Bullpen Sessions Following Surgery
Zack Wheeler continues his recovery from thoracic outlet decompression surgery, successfully completing his fourth bullpen session of the spring. Wheeler threw 30 pitches, including all of his offerings, while alternating between sitting and standing. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed a fifth session is scheduled for Tuesday. While there is no official timetable for his return to Grapefruit League action, all signs currently point to a potential return to the mound around May 1.
Spencer Jones Faces Development Challenges in Spring Training
Yankees prospect Spencer Jones is working to refine his mechanics as he competes for a potential major league role. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Jones's hard work and physical advantages, though the 6-foot-7 outfielder is coming off a season with 179 strikeouts in 506 plate appearances. While Jones has shown flashes of phenomenal power, the organization remains focused on his consistency. He is currently viewed as a player who needs more development before securing a starting job.
Saturday, March 7
Ernie Clement Sparks Team USA Rally in WBC Victory
Ernie Clement was the catalyst in Team USA's 9-1 win over Great Britain, scoring a team-high three runs. After reaching on an error in the fifth, he scored the tying run on a wild pitch, igniting a five-run rally. Clement hit 1-for-3 with two walks, reaching base four times. The Blue Jays utility man, who made his WBC debut, has transformed from a fringe player to a key contributor, providing the hustle and offensive spark needed to help the U.S. overcome an early deficit.
Will Smith Frustrated by Defensive Gems in WBC Loss
Will Smith contributed to the United States' 9-1 win over Great Britain, walking twice and throwing out a baserunner. However, his offensive production was stifled by defensive plays; he was robbed of a home run by Trayce Thompson in the second inning and saw a 104.1 mph line drive tracked down by Kristian Robinson in the sixth. Smith settled for a sacrifice fly in that at-bat and later recorded a flyout against Thompson in the eighth, capping a challenging night at the plate.