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MLB News

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

Saturday, March 7

Takes the Mound Saturday in Grapefruit League Start vs. Astros

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Right-hander Chris Paddack is scheduled to start for the Miami Marlins in Saturday's spring training contest against the Houston Astros. Paddack will face off against Jason Alexander in what marks the third of six Grapefruit League meetings between the two clubs this spring. The Marlins, currently holding a 6-6 record, are utilizing these starts to solidify their rotation. This outing provides Paddack another opportunity to build arm strength and refine his repertoire before Opening Day.

Makes First Spring Appearance at Second Base Against Marlins

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Isaac Paredes is slated to make his first appearance at second base this spring during Saturday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Miami Marlins. The versatile infielder is part of a Houston squad looking to improve upon their 3-7-3 spring record. This defensive assignment highlights the Astros' efforts to finalize their infield configuration as they prepare for the 2026 regular season. Paredes remains a key fixture in the lineup as the team continues its spring training schedule.

Positioned to Secure Bench Role After Solid Start to Spring

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Michael Conforto is a top candidate to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster as a non-roster invitee. The 33-year-old outfielder is 2-for-5 with a double and two walks through his first two spring games. After a down 2025 season, Conforto is competing for one of two open bench spots created by Tyler Austin's long-term injury. His past production, including a 20-home run campaign in 2024, makes him a valuable left-handed option for a Chicago bench that is expected to be much improved this season.

Leading Race for Cubs' Opening Day Roster Spot With Strong Spring

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Dylan Carlson has emerged as a favorite to secure a bench spot for the Chicago Cubs following an impressive spring performance. The switch-hitter is currently batting .421/.577/.526 with eight hits and five walks in 19 at-bats. With Tyler Austin sidelined for months, Carlson’s ability to play center field provides necessary depth behind Pete Crow-Armstrong. Fans and analysts expect the Cubs to utilize a 60-day IL move to clear a 40-man roster spot for the veteran outfielder this month.

Smashes Solo Home Run for Team Mexico in WBC Victory

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Nacho Alvarez provided a major highlight for Team Mexico during Friday's World Baseball Classic action, launching a mashed solo home run against Great Britain. The Braves prospect finished the game 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in Mexico's 8-2 blowout win at Daikin Park. While the game remained close until a late-inning explosion, Alvarez's second-inning blast off Jack Anderson helped set the tone. The young infielder continues to showcase his power on the international stage this spring.

Andrew Benintendi Returns to Cactus League Action

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After missing time due to side soreness, Andrew Benintendi returned to the field for the White Sox on Thursday. He is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter in Saturday's Cactus League game against Seattle. Benintendi has posted a 3-for-9 line over four spring appearances and remains on track to serve as Chicago's primary left fielder when the regular season begins.

Carlos Correa Set to Resume Grapefruit League Play Monday

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Carlos Correa is expected to return to Grapefruit League action on Monday against the Cardinals after dealing with a neck issue. The Astros plan to start him at shortstop during his return, a position he may occupy more frequently if Jeremy Pena remains sidelined with a fractured finger. Should Pena's absence persist into the regular season, Correa is slated to move to shortstop while Isaac Paredes covers third base.

Eric Hosmer Joins Kansas City Royals Broadcast Team

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Former major leaguer Eric Hosmer has joined the Kansas City Royals' telecast team. Hosmer intends to use his role to help translate the modern analytical lexicon of the game for viewers, noting that the language of baseball has evolved significantly since he entered the league. While his primary focus is broadcasting, his background and ability to communicate in both English and Spanish are expected to be assets for the organization.

Orioles Committed to Coby Mayo as Starting Third Baseman

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Following injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, the Baltimore Orioles have committed to Coby Mayo as their starting third baseman. While some fans are excited to see the former top prospect get an extended opportunity, others remain skeptical of his defensive transition to the position. With Opening Day 19 days away, Mayo's performance in upcoming spring training games will be critical in shaping expectations for his role in the team's defensive plans.

Ohtani Dominates WBC with Two Homers in Japan's Win Over Korea

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Shohei Ohtani continues his dominant World Baseball Classic performance, contributing to Japan's 8-6 victory over South Korea. Through two games, he has reached base seven times in eight plate appearances, tallying two home runs, a double, two walks, four runs scored, and six RBIs. In the win against Korea, he walked and scored in the first, hit a solo homer in the third, and was intentionally walked in the seventh before scoring again, cementing his impact in Pool C.

Cade Cavalli Poised for Nationals Opening Day Starter Role

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Cade Cavalli is trending toward being the Washington Nationals' Opening Day starter after a dominant spring. He has added a 'turbo slurve' sweeper and a one-seam sinker to his arsenal, complementing a 97 MPH fastball. Across 6 spring innings, he has allowed just 1 hit and 0 earned runs with 7 strikeouts. Fully healthy after a turbulent Tommy John recovery, Cavalli is being groomed for a breakout season as the team's most talented rotation arm.

Jackson Holliday Progressing to Two-Handed Swings

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Jackson Holliday (hand) hit 40 balls off a tee Saturday using both hands, marking significant progress from his February 12 procedure. Initially restricted to one-handed swings, the 22-year-old now expects to participate in full batting practice within the next week. While he is still expected to miss the start of the 2026 season, he is not currently projected for a lengthy absence.

Dominic Smith Poised for DH Role Following Roster Changes

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Following the subtractions of Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar from the roster, Dominic Smith is in the driver’s seat to secure the designated hitter role for the Atlanta Braves. Analysts suggest Smith is the primary candidate to serve as the DH against right-handed pitching to start the season. His 2025 performance metrics show promise, with a 119 wRC+ against righties, making him a reliable option as the team finalizes its Opening Day roster.

Dominic Smith Poised for DH Role Following Kim Departure

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Following the subtractions of Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar from the roster, Dominic Smith is in the driver’s seat to secure the designated hitter role for the Atlanta Braves. Analysts suggest Smith is the primary candidate to serve as the DH against right-handed pitching to start the season. His 2025 performance metrics show promise, with a 119 wRC+ against righties, making him a reliable option as the team finalizes its Opening Day roster.

Dominic Smith Poised for DH Role Following Profar Departure

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Following the subtractions of Jurickson Profar and Ha-Seong Kim from the roster, Dominic Smith is in the driver’s seat to secure the designated hitter role for the Atlanta Braves. Analysts suggest Smith is the primary candidate to serve as the DH against right-handed pitching to start the season. His 2025 performance metrics show promise, with a 119 wRC+ against righties, making him a reliable option as the team finalizes its Opening Day roster.

Moisés Ballesteros Excels at ABS Challenges During Spring Play

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Cubs catcher Moisés Ballesteros successfully challenged three calls using the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system during Friday's 3-0 loss to the Padres. With Miguel Amaya away at the World Baseball Classic, Ballesteros is receiving increased opportunities and is batting .372 this spring. His proficiency with the ABS system is being noted as a potential asset that could earn him more regular-season catching time.

Blue Jays Prospect Valenzuela Impressing in Spring Training

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Acquired from the Padres for Will Wagner, the 25-year-old switch-hitting catcher is ranked as the Blue Jays' #24 prospect. A glove-first defender who threw out 34% of runners in 2025, he hit .224 with 15 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A last year. Currently having a strong spring with 4 hits and 3 walks in 12 at-bats, he is competing for a depth role behind Tyler Heineman. Steamer projects him for 8 MLB games this season with a .201/.272/.315 slash line.

Traded to San Diego Padres in Deal for Brandon Valenzuela

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Will Wagner was involved in a trade that sent him to the San Diego Padres in exchange for catcher Brandon Valenzuela. The transaction was part of a roster move involving the Blue Jays' 40-man roster. No further performance updates or status changes were provided in the source text regarding Wagner's current activities following the trade.

Ober Shows Diminished Velocity in Spring Debut

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Ober tossed two perfect innings with one strikeout in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta. Despite the clean results, his fastball velocity was notably down, averaging 89.9 mph and topping out at 91.1 mph. While he is expected to make three more spring starts before slotting into the Twins' Opening Day rotation behind Joe Ryan, concerns remain regarding his ability to bounce back from a 5.10 ERA last season if he cannot regain his usual velocity.

Kim Homers for Korea in World Baseball Classic Loss

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Kim homered for Korea in their 8-6 loss to Japan during World Baseball Classic pool play. He connected for a two-run shot in the fourth inning to tie the game at 5-5. Later, in a high-leverage spot with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth, Kim struck out looking as Korea attempted to rally. The Dodgers infielder remains a key offensive contributor for the Korean squad in the tournament.