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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Díaz secured a scoreless ninth inning in Puerto Rico's 5-0 win over Colombia on Friday. He recorded three strikeouts after allowing a leadoff single, throwing 24 pitches in his first game action since the previous Saturday. The performance included the use of his signature entrance music at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, marking a successful outing for the Dodgers reliever in international play.
Acuña Jr. led Team Venezuela to a 6-2 victory over the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic on Friday. The Braves outfielder set the tone immediately by hitting a leadoff double on the first pitch and crossed the plate twice during the game. His performance helped secure the win in a matchup against Atlanta teammate Ozzie Albies.
Reynaldo López delivered a solid performance on Friday, throwing four innings during the Braves' 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The outing serves as a positive development for the Atlanta pitching staff as they continue their spring training preparations.
Sean Manaea made his highly anticipated spring debut against the Marlins, delivering three solid innings of work. The left-hander allowed just one run on one hit with one walk and one strikeout. While the Mets' offense was held scoreless by Miami pitching in the 2-0 loss, Manaea's outing provided a positive look for the rotation. He is expected to continue building his pitch count as the Grapefruit League schedule progresses toward the regular season.
Roki Sasaki has faced challenges in his first two Cactus League starts, recording 10 outs while allowing seven runs. The right-hander is adjusting to new pitches, including a cutter and sinker, but has struggled with command, throwing 38 strikes against 43 balls. Reports indicate his release point is drifting, impacting his velocity and movement. Despite the rough results, the Dodgers maintain full confidence in his mechanics and plan to keep him in the opening day rotation.
Marcelo Mayer is competing for the starting second base position with the Red Sox this spring. A natural shortstop who filled in at third base last season, Mayer is being evaluated by manager Alex Cora for his defensive agility and offensive potential. While the team has not named a starter, Mayer's versatility and defensive performance are under close watch. The Red Sox are prioritizing depth and defensive consistency, and Mayer remains a primary candidate to secure a role in the infield.
Caleb Durbin is locked in a spring training competition with Marcelo Mayer for the Red Sox's starting second base job. Acquired from the Brewers, Durbin brings versatility and speed to the infield, having played second, third, and short in the minors. Manager Alex Cora has not committed to a starter, emphasizing defense and depth. Durbin is expected to contribute through his ability to get on base and manufacture runs, serving as a key piece of the team's revamped infield strategy.
After a quiet start to spring training, Trent Grisham provided a spark in Friday's 3-0 victory over the Rays. Grisham broke his slump with a key two-run single in the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 6, 2026. This performance marks a positive development for the outfielder as he looks to find his rhythm at the plate during the exhibition schedule. The hit served as the primary offense in the Yankees' shutout win.
Luis Robert Jr. continues his preparation for the regular season with the New York Mets, hitting a home run during a minor league game on a back field in Port St. Lucie. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Robert is "crushing pitching" and will continue to play center field in minor league games every other day through Wednesday. The team is managing his workload carefully as he works his way back from lower-body injuries that previously hampered him with the White Sox.
Cal Raleigh participated in Team USA's 15-5 victory over Brazil in the World Baseball Classic opener. During the contest, Raleigh faced 17-year-old Brazilian prospect Joseph Contreras, who was noted for his high-velocity pitching. Raleigh's involvement in the tournament highlights the diverse talent pool assembled for the American squad as they pursue the championship title.
Bryce Harper is pushing for MLB players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, suggesting the next CBA should include a two-week break to allow for global competition. Currently representing Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Harper emphasized the unique appeal of the Olympic stage. During the WBC opener against Brazil, Harper drew a walk and faced 17-year-old pitcher Joseph Contreras.
Team USA captain Aaron Judge hit a 405-foot, two-run homer in his WBC debut against Brazil, finishing 1-for-4 with two walks and three runs in a 15-5 win. Despite his success, Judge grounded into an inning-ending double play against 17-year-old prospect Joseph Contreras. Judge praised the young pitcher's poise and 100 mph velocity. Contreras, the youngest player in the 2026 WBC, is a high schooler committed to Vanderbilt and the son of former Yankee Jose Contreras.
Lucas Ramirez, son of MLB legend Manny Ramirez, blasted a leadoff home run for Brazil against the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Friday. The 20-year-old Angels prospect (2024 17th-round pick) sent Logan Webb’s second pitch into the seats, cutting the US lead to 2-1. Ramirez, who played in Class A last season (.266, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 6 SB), is playing for Brazil due to his mother's heritage. His father, Manny, expressed immense pride, noting the homer will boost Lucas for the upcoming season.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole successfully threw two innings of live batting practice, totaling 30 pitches and topping out at 97.5 mph. Five days before the one-year anniversary of his Tommy John surgery, Cole demonstrated sharp command, drawing praise from manager Aaron Boone. While targeting a May 11 return, the team remains disciplined with his timeline. Cole also expressed amazement at prospect Carlos Lagrange, describing the young pitcher's 101.5 mph velocity as "silly" and "wild."
Mets pitcher Sean Manaea made his spring debut against the Marlins, working three efficient innings. Despite a noticeable 3 mph drop in fastball velocity compared to last year, Manaea expressed no concern, citing the mound conditions and it being his first outing. He allowed one hit—a solo home run to Connor Norby—while throwing 33 pitches. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised his physical condition and the movement on his cutter, as Manaea focuses on staying healthy for the season.
Brice Turang played a pivotal role in Team USA's 15-5 World Baseball Classic opening win against Brazil, contributing three hits and four RBIs. His performance included a key bases-clearing double in the fifth inning that extended the American lead to 7-1. Turang's offensive production was a major factor in the U.S. offense, which forced Brazil to throw 221 pitches and draw 17 walks throughout the contest.
Juan Soto contributed to Team Dominican Republic's 12-3 victory over Nicaragua in their World Baseball Classic opener. The Mets slugger went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored. Despite committing an outfield error that allowed a run to score, Soto's offensive production was a key factor in the team's dominant performance.
Seth Lugo delivered a stellar performance in Puerto Rico's 5-0 WBC opening victory over Colombia, pitching four-plus innings of three-hit ball. Lugo, who previously represented Puerto Rico in the 2017 WBC, expressed deep emotion regarding the crowd's support at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. After escaping a second-inning jam and navigating the fourth, he was relieved by Rico Garcia. The outing served as a highlight for the team, with Edwin Diaz closing the shutout in his return to international play.
After recovering from mid-back and left lat inflammation, Cam Schlittler made a strong spring debut, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts in a 3-0 win over the Rays. He hit 99.4 mph on the radar gun and showcased an improved cutter averaging 94.9 mph. Manager Aaron Boone praised his poise and adjustments. The Yankees plan to build him up to 65-80 pitches for his regular-season debut, hoping he builds on his 2.96 ERA and dominant 2025 postseason performance.
Freddie Freeman contributed significantly to the Dodgers' 6-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday. Starting at first base, Freeman recorded a single in the first inning to help spark a three-run rally and finished the contest with three RBI. This performance followed his inclusion in the starting lineup for the night game at Camelback Ranch, marking a productive outing as he continues his spring training preparations.
