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MLB News

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

Friday, March 6

Dylan Cease Poised for Value in Points Leagues

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Dylan Cease is emerging as a top-40 fantasy value in Yahoo points leagues, bolstered by his streak of five consecutive seasons with 200+ strikeouts. Now with the Blue Jays, Cease is expected to benefit from a stronger team environment, potentially increasing his win total. Despite the negative points for walks and hits in the format, his elite slider and high swinging-strike rate make him a reliable source of points and a high-end starting pitcher target.

Kyle Schwarber Remains Elite Target for Points Leagues

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Kyle Schwarber is a top-tier target for Yahoo fantasy points leagues due to his consistent power production and the format's lack of penalties for strikeouts. With projections for 40+ home runs and nearly 100 runs and RBIs, Schwarber's elite barrel rate and high walk rate provide a high floor. His outfield eligibility and dominance in leagues that value on-base percentage make him a significant value in the 2026 draft market.

Brandon Waddell Competing for Mets Bullpen Spot

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After spending two seasons in Asia, Brandon Waddell returned to the Mets in 2025, posting a 3.45 ERA over 11 appearances. Re-signed to a major league contract for 2026, the right-hander is currently competing for a spot in the Mets' bullpen during spring training. Scouts have highlighted his improved control, refined changeup, and new sweeping slider as he attempts to secure a role on the Opening Day roster in Queens.

Aaron Nola Shows Increased Velocity and Sharp Stuff

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Aaron Nola is impressing early in spring training, displaying improved velocity and sharper secondary pitches compared to his slow starts in previous seasons. Pitching for Team Italy in the WBC, Nola has recorded six strikeouts over five innings with just one earned run allowed. His fastball has touched 93.9 mph, a significant improvement over his typical early-season velocity, fueling optimism that he can anchor the Phillies' rotation as a top-tier starter in 2026.

Edwin Arroyo Optioned to Triple-A Louisville

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Shortstop Edwin Arroyo has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville by the Cincinnati Reds. Currently away with Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic, Arroyo remains behind established middle-infielders Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain on the depth chart. The move is part of the team's initial spring roster trimming, with the organization looking for Arroyo to gain more experience at the Triple-A level before pushing for a major league role.

Julian Aguiar Optioned to Triple-A Louisville

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RHP Julian Aguiar has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville as the Cincinnati Reds make their first major roster cuts of spring training. Aguiar, who was considered a dark horse candidate for the Opening Day starting rotation, will continue his development in the minors. The move comes as the Reds evaluate their pitching depth, with Aguiar joining other prospects like Edwin Arroyo in being reassigned to minor league camp.

Justin Verlander Returns to Mound for Tigers in Spring Debut

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At 43, Justin Verlander makes his highly anticipated return to a Tigers uniform for his first spring start against the Red Sox. The future Hall of Famer has been on a self-managed progression plan, topping out at 95 mph in camp. The team is managing expectations, hoping for 150 innings of steady production rather than a return to his peak form. Verlander will serve as a veteran presence behind rotation leaders Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez as he builds up for the regular season.

Justin Hagenman Battles for Bullpen Role in Mets Spring Training

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After splitting time between Triple-A Syracuse and the Mets in 2025, Justin Hagenman is competing for a middle-relief role this spring. The 28-year-old right-hander posted a 4.56 ERA over 23.2 major league innings last season. While he possesses strikeout-heavy stuff, he faces a crowded bullpen competition. Hagenman has minor league options remaining, which may influence his path to the Opening Day roster, but he remains a depth candidate for the Mets' pitching staff.

Mariners Prioritize Josh Naylor's Return to First Base

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The Seattle Mariners have emphasized the importance of bringing back first baseman Josh Naylor for the 2026 season. Team leadership highlighted his value to the roster, noting that his presence is a key component of their strategy. As spring training continues, the club is focused on integrating Naylor back into the lineup to bolster their offensive production and defensive stability at first base.

Bryce Miller Clears Key Hurdle in Recovery From Oblique Issue

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller has successfully cleared another significant step in his recovery from an oblique injury. The right-hander is progressing through his rehab program as the Mariners' pitching staff prepares for the upcoming season. His return to full health is a priority for the organization as they look to integrate their talented young arms into the rotation.

Luis Perales Impresses in Nationals Debut With Elite Fastball Velocity

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Luis Perales made his Nationals Spring Training debut, tossing a scoreless inning against the Mets. His 4-seam fastball reached 100.5 MPH, featuring elite vertical break that ranks among the league's best. While he showed sharp command of his cutter and slider, the young pitcher is still refining his overall command and building strength following Tommy John surgery. He is expected to begin the season in Rochester as he continues his development into a high-end starter or elite reliever.

Jake Burger Connects for Home Run in Rangers Spring Night Game

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Jake Burger provided a highlight for the Texas Rangers during their first spring training night game, connecting for a home run off Royals pitcher Cole Ragans. The power-hitting infielder is looking to establish his role within the Rangers' lineup as the team evaluates its roster depth during the exhibition schedule.

Andrew McCutchen Joins Rangers to Compete for Opening Day Roster Spot

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Veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has joined the Texas Rangers, aiming for a productive final season in the major leagues. While initial reports suggested a definitive role, subsequent updates clarify that the 39-year-old will compete for a part-time position on the Opening Day roster. McCutchen, who spent recent years with the Pirates, is focused on contributing to a competitive team in a warmer climate before his planned retirement at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Sung-Mun Song Exits Early With Precautionary Oblique Concern

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Sung-Mun Song hit his first home run as a Padre—a 430-foot blast—during a 27-6 offensive explosion against the Mariners. However, he was removed from the game early as a precaution due to lingering discomfort from an oblique injury suffered during the offseason. The team is monitoring his status closely, as the decision to pull him was strictly precautionary to avoid re-aggravating the injury.

Mike Trout Recalled as Benchmark for WBC Rivalries

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Mike Trout was referenced in coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, specifically regarding his high-profile strikeout at the hands of Shohei Ohtani during the 2023 championship game. While not currently active in the 2026 tournament, his previous duel with Ohtani remains a defining moment in the history of the event, highlighting the intense level of competition between international stars.

Jacob Lopez Set for Cactus League Debut Following Elbow Recovery

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Left-hander Jacob Lopez is scheduled to start Sunday's Cactus League game against the Angels. Lopez spent the early part of camp building up strength after finishing the 2025 season on the injured list due to an elbow strain. Coming off a 2025 campaign where he posted a 4.08 ERA over 92.2 innings, the 27-year-old is expected to compete for a spot in the Athletics' starting rotation for the upcoming season.

Jackson Chourio Sidelined by Left Hand Injury

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Jackson Chourio is out of Venezuela's lineup for their WBC game against the Netherlands due to a left hand injury sustained after being hit by a pitch in an exhibition game. X-rays returned negative, and while he is unavailable to start, he is expected to be available for pinch-running or defensive duties. His status for Saturday's game against Israel remains uncertain as he continues to recover.

Roki Sasaki Remains in Dodgers' Opening Day Rotation Plans

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Despite early-spring command struggles, including five walks and seven runs allowed in 3 ⅓ innings, Roki Sasaki remains penciled into the Dodgers' Opening Day rotation. Manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior are focused on Sasaki's development, noting he needs more big-league experience. Sasaki is scheduled to pitch four innings in a backfield B-game next week to maintain his build-up, with the team confident in his long-term potential as a starter.

Anthony Volpe Faces Uncertain 2026 Return From Labrum Surgery

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Anthony Volpe is working his way back from October labrum surgery on his left shoulder, an injury that hampered his 2025 performance. He is currently behind schedule compared to teammate José Caballero, having only recently begun dry swings. With a disappointing 83 wRC+ in 2025, Volpe faces significant pressure to prove himself upon his return, as the Yankees seek immediate production. His recovery timeline suggests he will miss at least the first month of the 2026 season.

Zach Eflin Dazzles in Spring Debut With Restored Velocity

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Zach Eflin impressed in his Grapefruit League debut, tossing two-plus scoreless innings with three strikeouts against the Rays. Showing mechanics reminiscent of his 2023 form, Eflin’s velocity touched 94 mph, significantly higher than his injury-plagued 2025 season. After undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy surgery in August, Eflin reports feeling like he has a 'brand-new back.' His sharp performance suggests he could be ready for the Orioles' Opening Day rotation.