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MLB News

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

Thursday, March 5

Robert Gasser Set for Increased Workload in Second Spring Start

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Lefty Robert Gasser makes his second Cactus League start today against the Colorado Rockies. After a crisp one-inning debut with one strikeout, the Brewers plan to stretch Gasser to three innings. A 2024 debutant with a 2.57 ERA, Gasser missed most of 2025 following Tommy John surgery. He features a five-pitch arsenal, headlined by a low-80s sweeper with significant vertical drop, alongside a low-90s four-seam fastball, cutter, and changeup.

Luis Castillo Takes the Mound for Mariners Spring Training Action

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Luis Castillo is slated to start for the Seattle Mariners as the team looks to secure their fourth win of the spring. The Mariners currently hold a 3-8 record. Other pitchers scheduled for action include Casey Lawrence, Blas Castaño, Alex Hoppe, Troy Taylor, Nick Davila, and Tyler Cleveland. In other team news, J.P. Crawford continues his return-to-field progression, while Bryce Miller is ramping up his activity after successfully playing catch.

Cole Irvin Starts for Dodgers in Spring Matchup Against Reds

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Left-hander Cole Irvin takes the ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers today as they face the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. The Dodgers enter the contest seeking their 10th win of the spring training season. The game is scheduled for a 12:05 p.m. PT start and will be broadcast on ESPN and SportsNet LA.

Xavier Edwards Exits Grapefruit League Game With Left Calf Tightness

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Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros due to left calf tightness. While the severity of the injury remains unclear, the team is expected to provide further updates following the contest. The 26-year-old has been active this spring, posting a 3-for-11 performance with two RBI, one run scored, and three stolen bases across five games. His status for upcoming appearances is currently day-to-day.

Braves Option RHP Jhancarlos Lara to Triple-A Gwinnett

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As part of a series of roster moves on March 5, 2026, the Atlanta Braves optioned right-handed pitcher Jhancarlos Lara to Triple-A Gwinnett. Lara, who is on the 40-man roster, has struggled recently in the upper minors and did not make any official appearances during this year's Spring Training. The move is considered largely procedural as the Braves continue to trim their active camp roster, which currently sits at 54 players.

Dustin May Named Starter for Spring Training Matchup vs. Pirates

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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dustin May will get the start against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on March 5, 2026. With many teammates currently participating in the World Baseball Classic, May is tasked with leading the Cardinals' pitching effort in the Spring Training game. He will face Pirates starter Mitch Keller in a game featured on Cardinals.TV.

Mitch Keller Set to Start Against Cardinals in Spring Training

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller is scheduled to take the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals at LECOM Park on March 5, 2026. The matchup occurs as both teams navigate Spring Training schedules while several players are away competing in the World Baseball Classic. Keller will face off against St. Louis starter Dustin May in the contest, which is slated to be broadcast on Cardinals.TV.

Cooper Criswell Competing for Mariners Bullpen Role

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Cooper Criswell is vying for a spot in the Mariners' bullpen, embracing a versatile role after being acquired from the Mets. In a recent three-inning outing against the Giants, he allowed two hits and recorded seven whiffs on 41 pitches, utilizing a four-pitch mix from a low arm slot. Criswell is focusing on Mariners' philosophy of aggressive zone-pitching, aiming to build as a starter this spring while remaining ready to contribute in any capacity the team requires.

Jesús Luzardo Dominates in Spring Opener With Three Scoreless Innings

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Jesús Luzardo impressed in his spring debut for the Phillies, striking out five over three scoreless innings against the Red Sox. The left-hander, who is in a contract year, touched 98.5 mph on his fastball and utilized his sweeper effectively. Luzardo is looking to provide stability to the Phillies' rotation while Zack Wheeler recovers from injury. He expressed comfort with the new ABS system and confidence in his physical condition following an offseason of focused preparation.

Taj Bradley Looks to Lock Down Twins Rotation Spot

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After a challenging second half in 2025 following a trade from the Rays, Taj Bradley is focused on securing a spot in the Minnesota Twins' starting rotation. Bradley withdrew from the World Baseball Classic to dedicate his spring to the Twins. In two spring starts, he has pitched five innings, allowing six runs on 11 hits with nine strikeouts and one walk. He is set to face the Yankees today as he continues his bid for a rotation role.

Paul Blackburn Competing for Yankees Opening Day Roster Spot

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Paul Blackburn is vying for a 26-man roster spot with the Yankees after re-signing on a one-year, $2 million deal. Through two spring appearances, he has tossed six scoreless innings, allowing seven hits and one walk with three strikeouts. Blackburn, who joined the team late last year, is looking to solidify his role as an inning-filler out of the bullpen. He is scheduled to start today's spring training game against the Minnesota Twins.

Justin Hagenman Takes the Mound for Mets Spring Training Game

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Right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman is slated to make the start for the New York Mets in today's road spring training game against the Washington Nationals. Hagenman, who wears number 47, is looking to build on his spring performance as the Mets evaluate their pitching options during the exhibition schedule.

Carlos Correa Ruled Out of 2026 WBC Due to Insurance Concerns

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Carlos Correa will not play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The star infielder is one of several high-profile MLB players whose participation was blocked by insurance-related issues, preventing them from representing their countries in this year's tournament.

Jose Altuve Among Stars Sidelined from 2026 WBC by Insurance Hurdles

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Houston Astros star Jose Altuve is among the prominent MLB players who will not compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Reports indicate that insurance issues were the primary factor preventing several elite players from participating in the international event.

Insurance Issues Prevent Mike Trout from 2026 WBC Participation

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Mike Trout will not be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. According to reports, insurance-related complications served as a significant barrier for several of MLB's top stars, including Trout, preventing them from joining their respective national teams for the tournament.

Luke Keaschall Testing Versatility in Left Field for Twins

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Minnesota Twins prospect Luke Keaschall is seeing time in left field during spring training. The team is evaluating his versatility to determine if he can serve as a platoon option against left-handed pitching during the regular season. Keaschall is featured in the starting lineup for today's spring training game against the New York Yankees, batting second and playing left field.

Ricky Tiedemann Sidelined by Elbow Soreness During Spring Training

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Blue Jays prospect Ricky Tiedemann has been sidelined since February 24 due to elbow soreness. While an MRI came back clean, the team is taking a cautious approach with the 23-year-old left-hander, who is returning from August 2024 Tommy John surgery. Tiedemann, a former top prospect, is expected to build up in a bulk role this season once healthy. He remains a high-upside arm for Toronto despite his ongoing injury history.

Sandy Alcantara Opposes Astros in Spring Training Start

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2022 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara is set to take the mound for the Miami Marlins in today's spring training game against the Houston Astros. Alcantara will face off against Astros starter Tatsuya Imai in the Grapefruit League matchup held at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

Tatsuya Imai Projected for Astros Rotation After Strong NPB Career

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Tatsuya Imai is a key component of the Astros' 2026 starting pitching depth. Signed to a three-year deal in January, the 27-year-old right-hander brings an impressive NPB resume, including a 1.92 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 2025 with the Seibu Lions. After a scoreless spring debut on Feb. 26, Imai is making his second spring start today against the Marlins. He is viewed as a vital arm for the team as they finalize their Opening Day roster.

Daniel Palencia Returns as Chicago Cubs Closer for 2026

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Entering his second year as the Cubs' primary closer, 26-year-old Daniel Palencia looks to build on a 2025 campaign where he recorded 22 saves and a 2.91 ERA across 54 appearances. Known for a fastball that reaches triple digits, Palencia maintains a strong strikeout profile. Projections suggest he will continue his high-leverage role, with the team expecting him to maintain a strikeout percentage above 25% while keeping his walk rate under 10% throughout the upcoming season.