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MLB News

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

Saturday, March 7

Kodai Senga Debuts With 99 MPH Fastball and Improved Mechanics

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Kodai Senga made his 2026 Grapefruit League debut, pitching 2.2 innings against the Cardinals. He touched 99 mph, averaging 96.7 mph—a 2 mph increase from last season—while striking out two. Despite allowing two solo home runs, Senga expressed satisfaction with his mechanical adjustments and physical health. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Senga's intensity and demeanor, noting a "different version" of the pitcher as he looks to move past a 2025 season hampered by injuries and ineffectiveness.

Francisco Lindor Joins Defensive Drills During Hand Surgery Recovery

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Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has begun taking ground balls alongside teammate Marcus Semien as he continues his recovery from hamate bone surgery. Lindor is on a progression that the team hopes will land him in the Opening Day lineup. While he is currently limited to defensive drills, the organization is optimistic about his status. In his absence, the team is also evaluating Ronny Mauricio as a potential option at shortstop to ensure infield depth.

Jonathan India Launches Leadoff Homer Against Reds

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Jonathan India hit a 392-foot leadoff home run in Saturday's Cactus League game, powering the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, connected on a 94.3 mph sinker from Nick Lodolo. The performance marks a positive development for India as he looks to bounce back in 2026 following a difficult first season with the Royals.

Sam Aldegheri Dazzles in Historic WBC Performance for Italy

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Sam Aldegheri, the first Italian-born and raised player to reach MLB, delivered a dominant performance for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He threw 4.2 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight batters in an 8-0 victory over Brazil. Aldegheri, who was traded to the Angels in 2024, described the experience as deeply meaningful, noting that his performance serves as a testament to the growing influence and development of baseball within Italy.

Logan Gilbert Experiments With Cutter During Spring Training

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Logan Gilbert is testing the viability of his cutter this spring, a pitch he previously limited due to catcher Cal Raleigh's preference. In a recent outing, Gilbert used the cutter to navigate counts against left-handed hitters, finding success after mechanical adjustments to his delivery helped him stay closed and firm on his front side. While not committing to a full-time role for the pitch, Gilbert noted its value as a third option to help him escape difficult counts.

Joshua Baez Pushes for Cardinals Roster Spot With Hot Spring

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Joshua Baez is making a strong case for a major league roster spot, hitting .353 with two home runs and a 1.156 OPS during Spring Training. His breakout performance has created a dilemma for the Cardinals, who must decide between sticking with the struggling Jordan Walker or promoting Baez. While Baez was originally projected for Triple-A, his current offensive production is forcing the front office to reconsider his timeline for a potential major league debut.

Jordan Walker Faces Roster Pressure After Slow Spring Start

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Jordan Walker is struggling early in Spring Training, posting a .231 average with a .564 OPS. His performance has sparked debate regarding whether he should remain the Cardinals' starting right fielder or if he would benefit from time in Triple-A to refine his swing and mental approach. While the team initially expected him to start, his continued issues with ground balls and swing decisions have led to questions about whether he is ready for the major league opening day roster.

Dylan Smith Optioned to Minor League Camp

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After reinventing himself as a reliever in 2025, Dylan Smith has been optioned to minor league camp. The 25-year-old right-hander showed flashes of potential in the Tigers' bullpen last summer, utilizing a fastball-sweeper combination. Despite minor shoulder issues, Smith remains a candidate for the relief corps in 2026. The team is currently focused on refining his fastball ride to help him transition into a more impactful middle relief role this season.

Josiah Gray Set for Grapefruit League Start Against Yankees

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Nationals starter Josiah Gray is scheduled to face the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League action at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. The matchup features the Nationals hosting a group of top Yankees prospects, with the game available via the Washington radio feed on 106.7 The Fan. Gray continues his spring preparation as the Nationals look to evaluate their roster against high-level competition.

Max Scherzer Dominates in Spring Debut With Four No-Hit Innings

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Max Scherzer delivered a stellar first spring appearance for the Blue Jays, throwing four no-hit innings against the Phillies. He allowed just one walk and recorded one strikeout on 40 pitches, confirming his health after resolving previous hand issues. The 41-year-old veteran is focused on a traditional starter's workload for his 19th season and appears on track for the Opening Day rotation as the team monitors his progress.

Andy Pages Starting in Center Field Against Rockies

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Andy Pages is set to start in center field for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is part of a lineup that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training schedule with Landon Knack slated to take the mound first.

Alex Call Starting in Right Field Against Rockies

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Alex Call is set to start in right field for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is part of a lineup that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training schedule with Landon Knack slated to take the mound first.

Mookie Betts Starting at Shortstop Against Rockies

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Mookie Betts is set to start at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is featured in a lineup that includes Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training schedule with Landon Knack slated to take the mound first.

Freddie Freeman Starting at First Base Against Rockies

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Freddie Freeman is in the starting lineup at first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is joined by teammates Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training preparations with Landon Knack scheduled to start on the mound.

Teoscar Hernández Starting in Left Field Against Rockies

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Teoscar Hernández is set to start in left field for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is part of a lineup that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training schedule with Landon Knack slated to take the mound first.

Santiago Espinal Serving as Designated Hitter Against Rockies

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Santiago Espinal is slated to serve as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is featured in a lineup alongside Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training preparations with Landon Knack scheduled to start on the mound.

Miguel Rojas Batting Second for Dodgers Against Rockies

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Miguel Rojas is set to play second base and bat in the Dodgers' lineup for Saturday night's spring training contest against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He is part of a starting group that features Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy. The Dodgers are continuing their spring training schedule with a focus on roster development and player evaluation under the lights.

Max Muncy Named in Dodgers' Lineup Against Rockies

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Max Muncy is slated to play third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Saturday night spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch. He joins a lineup that includes Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers are utilizing this matchup to continue their spring evaluations, with Landon Knack scheduled to start on the mound.

Mike Yastrzemski Homers in Braves' Spring Tie Against Orioles

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Mike Yastrzemski continued his strong spring performance by hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning of a 2-2 tie against the Orioles. His blast came in back-to-back fashion with Austin Riley, highlighting an offensive breakout for the Braves in the middle of the game. Yastrzemski has been hitting the ball well throughout the spring training period.

Jacob Latz Auditions for Rangers' Fifth Rotation Spot

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Left-hander Jacob Latz took the mound for the Texas Rangers in a Cactus League matchup against the San Francisco Giants. The appearance serves as a critical audition for Latz as he competes for the fifth spot in the Rangers' starting rotation. He participated in fielding drills prior to the game as he continues his bid to secure a permanent role on the major league staff.